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Engine Won't Shut Down!!!!!

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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 08:51 PM
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Default Engine Won't Shut Down!!!!!

I am a new Vette owner and for the life of me can't figure this one out. My 1980 vette starts up fine, however sometimes while driving, the guages will go dead, however the car continues to run fine, until you stop and turn off the ignition. The engine continues to run, even after disconnecting the battery. The only way to kill it, is to pull the wire going to the distributor!
Any help would be appreciated.
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 09:37 PM
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By an chance, did you buy this car from a guy named Steven King? Or maybe a wire or electrical connector is getting hot. Check connections for rust.
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 09:47 PM
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Do you have an MSD box?
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 10:51 PM
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The gauges issue is a seperate problem but on the run-on issue I'm willing to bet you need a new ignition switch located underneath the steering column. When you turn the key to the off position, it pulls a rod which pulls the ignition switch to cut the current.

If it's not working, your engine stays running because the alternator is still spinning and charging the distributor. (the battery does absolutely nothing when the engine is running)
It costs $9 at Autozone!
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 11:28 PM
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Electric fans wired without relays will also cause this. The engine will shut down just delayed by the spinning fan blades.
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Old Aug 17, 2010 | 01:08 AM
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if it's the ignition switch, why is it that when the guages do not go dead, the car turns off fine?
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Old Aug 17, 2010 | 01:33 AM
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Sounds like a trip to the auto sparky is your best bet.
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Old Aug 17, 2010 | 07:15 AM
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Originally Posted by mr303
Sounds like a trip to the auto sparky is your best bet.
WTH is an "auto sparky"?
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Old Aug 17, 2010 | 10:48 AM
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Next time it happens, while the engine is still running, pull the two wire connector from the back of the alternator. If the engine dies, there is an easy solution. Let us know what you find.
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