energized/engaged/stuck starter

[yukontools]

I have a Electrosystems/Magnaflite lightweight starter on my 170B. It is still engaged after I did a run-up yesterday. THe plane ran for 10 minutes. No noises were noted while it was running. Engaged it appears to have a wobble in it when moving the prop. I am taking precautions while moving the prop!!!!! In some searches on various sites there is talk about a weak battery welding the contacts together keeping it energized. My mechanic is 250 miles away, it is Sunday and I am looking for some help. Thanks.

[GAHorn]

It may need to have it's mountings tightened. If it "wobbles" it may be loose and cannot release due to binding. Is the ammeter showing a huge discharge at idle? (indicating it's contacts are welded as you thought. .... answer: unlikely unless the starter continuously attempts to turn the engine even with the key not engaged.)
Try loosening all the mout bolts/nuts... remove it and look for the starter-gear to have retracted properly.*.. re-centering the starter.... then tightening all the fasteners.

* If the starter gear does not retract, then it probably has a broken spring or dirty/rough shaft.
Precaution: I am not intimate with this particular starter model, but this is generic info that may be useful. Certainly consider removing the starter to inspect the gear engagements for damage. Disconnect the battery GROUND cable connection before performing any such work.

[yukontools]

Thanks George. The starter does not try to turn the prop all the time so you are correct.....I too doubt that things got welded. I have taken the starter off and it did not return. I a dry lubricant the best to use vs a wet one? Other thoughts people may have??????????????? Thanks.

[GAHorn]

Some starters "return" due to the impulse/energy imparted by the starting engine. (as the engine accelerates... it spins the starter gear back into the retracted position.) Does your starter operate in that fashion? (Sounds like you're going to be talking to the mfr on Monday anyway, so..... (Sorry not to be more familiar with that particular starter... No manual on it?)