Hey guys, got a samurai that turns over just fine, yet if i push in the clutch the starter begins to grind because it trys to turn itself over even after the engine is running.  can't figure out the issue.  as for the wiring of the starter, it is wired to a relay that is wired directly to positive terminal of the battery.  could it be the relay that is the problem?  or is my starter solenoid stuck open?  not sure at all where to begin.

Could be the relay or the starter not disengaging. That relay sounds like the clicky starter fix. You could get a new one for about $15.00. It should send power from the battery to the solenoid(small wires) The relay is turned on by the key switch. This is because the key switch contacts get worn as these cars get older and can't handle the current of the solenoid and the starter just clicks.

Sounds more like the clutch interlock switch is wired wrong....Boxcar...

lv2fsh-  i don't think its the starter having a problem disengaging, otherwise it would continue cranking no matter what position the clutch pedal was in, pressed or depressed. 

boxcar-its late out so its dark, but where exactly is the clutch interlock switch located?  just so in the morning i can get up and look at it right away

also could it be my ignition switch is grounded itself so that voltage is continuing to flow, and then by engaging the interlock switch it in turn works the starter?  a new ignition switch is a cheap fix... can get it new for 50 bux.

Ok so don't laugh but mine was apparently doing the EXACT SAME THING before I bought it and the guy called himself a mechanic, but here's what he did, wired the clutch interlock switch to a button he had or bought maybe, so now instead of pushing the clutch when starting I push a button. So I guess I'm just ahead of the curve 
But honestly I don't know why he didn't just do it right, of course I'm not changing it if it works.

87suzi-  wow if that ends up working, i'm going to laugh.  not at you, but at the fact that it works.

Oh it works, never has it not started haha

been busy and haven't gone out to mess with it yet.  but just so we are clear, 87, it would engage the starter even the the motor was already turned over correct?

Yes... the previous owner said it would do that all the time so they replaced the starter and it only did it once in a while especially when pressing the clutch.... so he ran it down to that switch and just wired it to the button on the dash so now it is push button start.

well, i couldn't get it to do it at all yesterday... kinda like wtf.  yet the day before i couldn't touch the clutch without setting the damn thing off haha

If it's an electrical issue the problem will be with the ignition switch and not the clutch safety.

To energize the starter solenoid you have to suppy +12V to it, the source of that voltage is the +12V feed to the ignition switch - you turn the switch to the "start" position and it supplies +12V to the starter solenoid, via the clutch safety switch, which is in between the ignition switch and the starter solenoid.

The next time the problem shows up see if the ignition switch has returned from the "start" position to the "run" position.

i had already checked on that and yes it does return to where it should, the on position, and not the start position.

You will need to replace the ignition switch pigtail starter relay kit will not work for you with that problem
call low range off road those switch pigtails will be in stock soon 888-726-8724

my starter is wired direct from the battery to a push button start to the starter... lol only problem i have is when i get drunk i go to start the sammy when its in gear cranks up but takes off down the trail..