starter problems

[4x4x4x]

I have a 1985 k10, with a 1995 6.5 crate diesel engine. last Sunday after we went boating, my brother in law went to the ramp parking lot to move the truck and boat trailer to the ramp to retrieve out boat.  when he tried to start the truck, the starter kept running and running with out starting the diesel, he could not get the starter to shut off. nothing happened when the key was turned on or off.  we were finally able to disconnect the batteries, which shut down the starter, but by then the starter was overheated and smoking. we were able to hire a tow truck to haul our truck to my RV site and the next day we found a replacement starter and ign. switch.  my brother in law is a good mechanic (and also owns a 1984 k10 diesel) so he is very familiar with chevy pickup's.  he was able to r/r the geared starter, and drop the steering column to replace the ign. switch on the top of the steering column. it took three times to get the switch properly lined up, but now our K10 appears to be fixed.(it starts and runs great again)    we dismantled the old starter switch expecting to find burnt contacts, but it looked ok.  has anyone else had this problem?  is there anything else that we should have repaired to prevent it happening again?  we are also thinking about adding a shutoff switch (quick disconnect) for our batteries.

[Irish_Alley]

 Could you still manipulate the switch by hand? Got a tester?Thinking the solenoid was hung up.

[hatzie]

The solenoid hung in the start position.  It happens.

[jaredts]

I've had that happen too.  I second sticking solenoid.  If he replaced the starter it should be good.

[4x4x4x]

thanks for the responses.  the truck is starting and running great now.