HELP Car waiting for tow, problem diagnosis., Starter issue? Options

[klikkid3]

So I recently get done with my front bearing project and the car was running so smooth and nice (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) that I had that fear in the back of my mind about when it was all going to end. Well today I was coasting down mountain ave when the light changed so I down shifted into third, and it started. The starter is staying engaged with or without the key in. I pulled over and popped the lid and disconnected the negative terminal. Checked the wiring at the selenoid which looked normal, every time I reconnect the battery the starter engages and attempts to start the car. What do you all think? There is the obvious replace the starter but any other suggestions? I have a tow kit on it so I will try and get it home to take a closer look. Help!

[r_towle]

Now you see why I called it a cheap ass plastic part....

Get two...you will break it again...

On the starter.
Please show your wiring right at the starter.
What wire goes to what post?

There should only be three, and the number shall be three.

There are two large posts and one flat spade terminal.
One large post has just a ground strap that goes from the starter solenoid (the round coke can sized thing) to the main body of the starter.

The second large post has two wired going to it.
One large battery cable that goes to the battery positive terminal.
One smaller wire, red, that goes to the alternator.

The flat spade terminal is on top of the solenoid at about 12 oclock and this terminal has the yellow wire that goes to the ignition switch.

Please explain what your wiring is like.

What you need to make sure of is that the spade terminal has no power when the key is off. This is the trigger that engages the solenoid and should only get power when the key is in the start position. NO OTHER POSITION.

There will be power on the large terminal, its the one that goes to the battery...so that is correct.

If all the wiring is as described, you need to physically follow the yellow wire all the way from the starter to the key...it may have been spliced in to something wrong, or melted, or or or...
You need to touch it all the way to the key.

RIch