Hey all... Been buried at work the last few months, so havent been able to work on the car much until last weekend.  Ive got an iginition problem that has me perplexed and Im hoping that one of the resident geniuses may have an idea?....so here goes..

Car is a 56 ford with a 292, '57 distributor with pertronix.  Car has been running fine.  All wiring new about 6 years/10,000 miles ago.  Car is converted to a 1-wire alternator which ties into the "Batt" terminal on the starter solenoid.  None of the components/wiring is different than it has been for past 6 years or so.

Problem is that the car wont shut off...It just keeps running regardless of the key position.  Here is what I have done/checked so far...

Replaced the ignition switch.  CHecked the new one (had it laying around actually) to ensure that it was functioning properly... it is.

Disconnected the alternator belt to prevent it charging.  Diconnected the cable as well to ensure no faulty diode, etc.

Key off/engine off shows the coil has voltage at the terminals

The car will shut off IF I disconnect the red/blue wire OR Brown wire on the starter solenoid.  (red/BL is from the ign switch; brn is to coil)

Continuity tester shows NO connection between the (+) BATT terminal on the starter solenoid and the red/blue wire with the key OFF

Continuity tester shows continuity between the (+) BATT terminal of the solenoid and the BRN (COIL) terminal on top of the Solenoid.  That is regardless of key position; even with red/BLU disconnected.  Is that normal?  It seems to me that there may be an internal issue with the solenoid that is causing direct power from the (+) BATT terminal to the BRN COIL lead?  Is my solenoid faulty, or am I missing something?

Ive gone through all the schematics I can find, and it doesnt seem like I should have the continuity between the aforementioned, but Im not an engineer, and Im not well versed in ignition systems.

Please help... what did I miss?

THANKS in advance for any and all ideas!

Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL