Just picked up a '65 F250 Camper Special with a 390. Most of the receipts are complete, with all the ignition parts replaced.

It was going great, then the battery died while sitting for an hour. No previous problems in 3 weeks. Finally got it jumped and drove home, wouldn't start again, so not charging. I replaced: solenoid (2x), starter, ignition switch, battery, headlamp switch; and I had the alternator tested.

When I changed the solenoid and ignition, it started fine with the new battery. I get on the road, running about 4 minutes, and it died in the street. The ignition barrel came out. I managed to get it fixed in 4 lights, but when I started it, it kept starting while it was on. I had no choice but to drive it, blowing out a couple of teeth on the starter. After that it ran fine, but a new starter was in order.

I got everything hooked back up today and attempted to jump it. As soon as there was a charge in the battery, it began to turn over, with the ignition OFF.

I gave up for the day and am thinking my problem may have been the external voltage regulator that went bad to begin with. Does that sound right???

I followed the diagram that came with the solenoid, but something must be crossed. Any suggestions?

Would a bad voltage regulator cause it to turn over with the key off?

PLEASE HELP! I'm at my wits end!

 

No, your voltage regulator should have no effect on making your starter run continuously. With as much swapping around as you've done I'm wondering if you have reversed the "start" and "ignition" wires on the solenoid. If you have stock wiring, the left hand small terminal marked "S" should have a red with blue trace wire hooked to it. This wire goes to your neutral safety switch (if you have an automatic) and eventually on to your ignition switch. The right hand small terminal marked "I" should have a brown wire hooked to it. Wiring diagrams are readily available from multiple vendors for around $7.50 and some of our forum brothers have posted applicable parts of it on this site. Good luck!