Starter engaging when battery hooked up

[Turbo224]

I've finally decided to start the CSX finally after installing the motor months ago. I'm running into a strange problem. The moment I hook the battery up the starter in engaging. The key isn't even in the car. Any ideas?

[looneytuner]

Stuck solenoid? Tap the ones on the driver's fender and see what happens.

[Turbo224]

I tried that. Even if I unplug them the starter still engages when power is hooked up.

[cordes]

I tried that. Even if I unplug them the starter still engages when power is hooked up.

It must be a bad starter solenoid then. Stuck closed is my guess.

[harley04]

It must be a bad starter solenoid then. Stuck closed is my guess.

Check the wires at the starter, i have done this one myself. When you tighten the small nut the tab turns and touches the battery feed wire.

[GLHS60]

I've seen this a few times on G.M.'s. Assuming its a 5 speed have you tried rocking the car back and forth in gear.
If the engine rotates backwards a but, it can let the starter drive disengage.
Are you not able to start the engine? As soon as the engine fires, the starter drive should dis engage.
If the starter drive is engaged, the solenoid terminals can contact mechanically, not magnetically, causing this dilemma.

Thanks
Randy

[horsinaround]

As harley04 said make sure your wires are not touching down on the starter. A easy mistake to make.

[Turbo224]

I'll check the wires, I have a tendency to over tighten things. Keep in mind the keys are not even in the car, so it definitely won't actually start and run. It just cranks.