f/u to orignal question re:catalytic converter

There has to be a short to power. You need to check for shorts near and around the starter, the power distribution box under the hood...

Your problem could be coming from a sticking starter relay or defective ignition switch-when it continues to crank-bang of the starter relay hard you sure the relay is hooked-up right

does the key turn all the way foward and go all back to assory position and lock in?youll need to remove the ingition switch.then hook the battery.then unplug the ingition switch it will stop cranking.

I'M GOING WITH THIS!

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Duralast-Solenoid-Switch/1988-Ford-E150-1-2-ton-Van/_/N-ihyrrZ9riee?counter=1&filterByKeyWord=solenoid&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=367797_0_0_

THE MEDIC

cadieman, I originally replaced the ignition cylinder because it was sluggish and did not spring back, now with the new cylinder inplace, it still does not turn back on it's own. what do you think is the problem?

I KNOW THIS WASN'T DIRECTED AT ME

BUT SEE IF THIS HELPS AT ALL

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/1989-ford-f-250-remove-ignition

THE MEDIC

cj medevac,thanks for the info but i have already replaced the ignition switch that attaches to steering column. i can't attach teh negative battery cable to the battery without it tring to start with key off. I have also replaced key cylinder,starter, and solernoid and the van continues to try to crank with the key off. i have even tried taking the 's"wire off solenoid and the same issue happends. no one knows why this is happening except poss some type short. i can't get it to a shop for evaluation.

I SORTA THOUGHT THE WAY I "CALIBRATED" THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THAT POST WOULD AID IN YOUR "SPRINGING BACK"

THE MEDIC

unplug the seloniod small wires. check for the one that has the start signal with a meter or test light.with the key in start position.this wire goes to the s terminal.if still cranking .youll need to remove the ingition switch and unplug it the spring back comes from the ingition switch.insert a screw driver in the ingnition switch for testing the switch oper..