Starter relay fault? What do you make of this?

[UnluckyTimmeh]

I'm having a few starting issue at the mo.
I'm fairly handy with the right tools. Anyhoo, so my car has not been starting recently. Starter motor fails. Got it out to bench test, it's springing out but not turning. It's been doing the standard dash lights dim radio and gauges go off then kick back in, like a massive power drain as the starter would.....

So anyway, new starter is on it's way but my problem is this...

There is always 12v to my starter. Even when the engine & ignition is switched off.

Is this right? Even the voltage between the two posts on the starter motor are at 12v (more when car is running).

For what it's worth, my car is a 96 spec Honda integra DC2 jdm.

Seems strange though. I'm wondering if the starter relay is sticking, will it quickly burn the new starter out if it's always got volts to it?

Cheers all,

Tim

[tr7v8]

Assuming it is pre-engaged then it'll have a big stud connection & a smaller spade or post connection.
The stud will be connected straight to the battery whereas the spade will live up only when you turn the key to start it. If by relay you mean starter solenoid on the starter then that is where the stud connection will be & that shoves the pinion into engagment.

The small spade is frequently fed via a relay to protect the ignition switch.