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Rich,
Inside that switch where all the contacts are you'll find springs, brass whodingies, and ball bearings. I wouldn't suggest trying to take it apart. If one of the parts has come loose or broken it could at times short out and keep the motor running. I would say that it would also act strangely at other times and do odd things. A loose wire at the starter that moves and contacts another wire can do the same thing causing a loop so the switch is bypassed. Just something to look for.
Mike