Not Cranking / No Power to Starter

[RobertK]

Was helping MrTwo last night with replacing his clutch (S52 w/ Getrag 260) and now his car will not start. I will mention that during the start bolt removal process he arc'd the starter because he forgot to disconnect the battery. Its a brand new aftermarket starter.

Now it doesn't even turn over. Power turns on and everything seems to be getting power except when he goes to turn it over nothing happens. No noise, no click, no nothing.

Checked every fuse and they are all good. Double checked the wiring and it was good too. Replaced both unloader relays for good measure. Still nothing.

Is there somethere that could have been severely damaged when the starter was arc'd or are we overlooking something? Maybe killed the starter?

[dirty30]

Did you try jumpering/ hotwiring the starter?

[I*Do*Werke]

do all the dash lights come on in position 2?

If not, then you have an engine ground problem. It is VERY common for engine swaps with older engines to have a ground problem. Even though the contact is there, corrosion can impede the ground so make sure all the connections are clean

[etxxz]

chances are the starter is okay and you missed a wire(s).. bet you don't even hit the starter click - go back get err done ; |

[RobertK]

Honestly never jumped a starter before manually. What the best way to do this with the starter bolted up in the car?

We double checked the starter wiring a dozen times. IIRC.. power from battery and alt to the 13mm, one small wire to the 8mm and one small wire to the 10mm?

We never messed with the engine gound but its worth a look. Hopefull this rain moves out so we can get to it again.

[Jafxod]

Pull back the black covering on all your wires and make sure your reds are connected to the + and the brown ones are hitting ground.

[e30rapidic]

bang (no, make that a hard tap, tap a few times) the starter with a hammer and then try again see if it does anything. Seriously!

[e30shmobberr]

same problem i cant get my s50 to seem to crank. nothing when i turn the key

[MattM]

did you mix up the 2 small wires?

[Mr.SWISS]

did you mix up the 2 small wires?

they are different sizes.

[RobertK]

Replaced the starter with a good used one and it cranked right up.

The original starter was a cheap rebuilt from O'Reily's. The ground strap was very loose.