93 240 wagon. Std trans. Went to start it but the starter began spinning but not engaging. Would not stop. Even with the key off. Had to disconnect the battery to get it to stop. Starter was smoking so I replaced the starter but the new one did the same thing twice. Each time it stopped on its own without turning off the key or disconnecting the battery. This happened now a total of three times over 6 months. After the episode the car acts fine and starts fine.

There have also been several episodes of the starter cranking over very slowly. Battery test and altenator test indicate no problem there. After the slow cranking episode it will not do it again for weeks or a month or more. Once it starts its fine. The car has 100,000 miles. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks

Bob Bagioni