I've just finished my new engine and I drove the car to work after installing a new 180 t-stat. I go to start up the car again and after the car starts the solenoid keeps engaging causing the car to make some really bad-sounding noises. I took the keys out and the starter was still getting amped so I had to disconnect the battery, quick-like.

I've searched the forums some, and have read about the starter wire to positive battery cable possibility, as well as fusible links, ignition switch, etc as being the source of my problem. The interesting thing is that my accessories are not working, eg. dome light, cigarette lighter, door locks, and so on. And my driver side power window also doesn't work, yet the the passenger side does. Another thing is that whenever I get out of the car after driving, I get shocked after touching the door handle to shut the door. I'm guessing this is just static electricity, right, or does it have to do with my starter problem?

Another thing is most of my wiring under the hood has been hacked in some way, or soddered together, by the previous owner. Hell, it's probably the reason he sold the car. Anyway, I know that I'll probably have to re-wire a bunch of the wires, but where should I begin looking for the problem of my starter solenoid staying engaged or on?

 

Its probably just the solenoid itself. I've had it happen before also. Take the starter out, use some some jumper cables, go from your battery - to the starter casing and + to the big stud on the solenoid. If it starts spinning then the solenoid is bad. This is where I would start first.