HELP!!! In a "Starter" pinch

[maytag]

When you were tugging on that wire, you potentially shorted it to ground. You'll want to start there. Indirect that wire it's full length.

Oh, but first: I've often seen the round loop connector get chocked just-so, and it touches the body of the starter or solenoid. Check that first.

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[Starter986]

Thank you, Maytag. I figured it out...

I watched a couple of vids, again... and discovered my error...

The ground wire I "massaged" onto the starter... HUGE error. That wire I was supposed to connect to the bottom bolt connecting the starter to the motor. Damnit.!

So... I'l pull off the TB... remove that bottom starter bolt... and affix the ground.

That inspire some other questions before I return to the car...

Do you believe I damaged the starter by connecting the ground wire to that larger post? It's clear to me, NOW, that I connected both a positive and nagative cable to the starter.

The dash lights didn't come on? What do you think happened there>

So... should I get everything back in order... affix the battery cables... and turn on the ignition waiting to see if I have dash lights or... are there some other steps I should take before I tackle everything.

Thanks!!

[maytag]

Originally Posted by Starter986

Thank you, Maytag. I figured it out...



I watched a couple of vids, again... and discovered my error...



The ground wire I "massaged" onto the starter... HUGE error. That wire I was supposed to connect to the bottom bolt connecting the starter to the motor. Damnit.!



So... I'l pull off the TB... remove that bottom starter bolt... and affix the ground.



That inspire some other questions before I return to the car...



Do you believe I damaged the starter by connecting the ground wire to that larger post? It's clear to me, NOW, that I connected both a positive and nagative cable to the starter.



The dash lights didn't come on? What do you think happened there>



So... should I get everything back in order... affix the battery cables... and turn on the ignition waiting to see if I have dash lights or... are there some other steps I should take before I tackle everything.



Thanks!!

You're probably okay. There are risks, but most systems are pretty insulated from a major fault. You'll know soon enough.

No other steps to take.... except finger- crossing, which we can all handle on your behalf.

Usually, in my experience, with a dead short like that you'll let the smoke out of the wires first....

Fingers crossed.

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[piper6909]

Originally Posted by Starter986

Do you believe I damaged the starter by connecting the ground wire to that larger post? It's clear to me, NOW, that I connected both a positive and nagative cable to the starter.

I doubt it damaged the starter, but most likely it fried a main fuse somewhere, or a fusible link, if these cars have one. The 'big spark' you mentioned in the original post was a big red flag for me. That's why you got no dash lights.

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by piper6909

I doubt it damaged the starter, but most likely it fried a main fuse somewhere, or a fusible link, if these cars have one. The 'big spark' you mentioned in the original post was a big red flag for me. That's why you got no dash lights.

Right. The big spark! Arghhhhh.

I'm going to pull off the TB... disconnect fron the starter the ground wire... so at least I can close up the car... assuming the "spark" didn't blow a major fuse.

Hopefully when I get back in the house I'll have some more guidance from you Pros.

Thanks, Man!

[Starter986]

OK. Removed the ground from the positive post.

Battery connected... dash looks like its usual setup. Chime... all lights... whew.

Now I go struggle with getting the ground on the bottom starter bolt... zip everything back up... and we'll see.

Thanks, all, for the guidance.

So far.

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by Starter986

OK. Removed the ground from the positive post.

Battery connected... dash looks like its usual setup. Chime... all lights... whew.

Now I go struggle with getting the ground on the bottom starter bolt... zip everything back up... and we'll see.

Thanks, all, for the guidance.

So far.

That's great news!

I was just going to suggest checking the main fuses in the current distributor which, I believe, is near the battery. Just follow the positive cable from the battery and it goes straight to it. It's #11 on the diagram. Good luck!