97 EX 5 spd, starter continues to run with ignition switch OFF!

[FrostyTech]

Hi everyone,
I need some help and advice.

The starter on my 97 Accord 5 spd EX had been giving me trouble for about 6 months now. It had developed a bad spot internally, and sometimes wouldn't spin to start the car. Quickly turn the key from On to Start a few times, and eventually the starter would bump enough past it's bad spot to run and start the engine. I won't deny there have been a few times I've roll started the car during these past 6 months. Fun fun...

Tonight, when leaving work, it acted up again, but this time when I bumped the key a few times, it started. Yet the starter motor continued to run. I could rev the engine and the starter wouldn't spin any faster, which was good, for the moment. Then I turned the key OFF and the starter continued to run, trying to start the engine! Even with the clutch out, in 2nd gear, standing on the brakes, no key in ignition, it kept trying to crank and creep forward. So I put it in neutral, popped the hood, and proceeded to disconnect the battery. Before doing so, I tried banging on the starter and solenoid block to try and make (apperantly the solenoid) unstick. No luck.

I managed to get the negative from the battery disconnected before the starter burst into flames. The starter was smoking very badly, and stunk hideously. I then disconnected the battery lead to the starter and wrapped it heavily in electrical tape so I could hook the battery cable back up and roll start the car so I could drive home.

I know I've got to get the starter rebuilt, or buy a new one (3rd party). Yet, what about the solenoid? From what I can tell, it's stuck in the on state. If I hook the battery lead to the starter, it starts spinning again trying to start the car, even with the ignition switch off (no lights on dash, shouldn't be the ignition switch).

What do you all suggest? Think the solenoid is shot?
What should I do?
I'm very capable of working on this car, I do all the tune-ups
Please advise
Thanks in advance.

[mpumas]

Get a rebuilt starter and you will get a rebuilt solenoid. That should take care of all your problems. You needed one before this problem came up so you were on borrowed time.

[FrostyTech]

Mpumas,
Many thanks.
Yep, been on borrowed time for sure.
I intentionally pushed the starter to the end since the car is a 5 spd.
hehe

So the solenoid is built onto the starter?
Looks like 2 different components attached to each other.
If you're correct that it's a package deal, that's great news.
I had already gotten a quote in the past to get it rebuilt for $89
Whereas the local AutoZone, AdvanceAuto, and Napa want $120+

I'll take the starter assembly off in the morning, and drop it off at the rebuild shop on my way to work.

Again, thanks.
Appreciate it