Starter earth?
 

Can't get my new Amazon starter to spin... Is this supposed to have a dedicated earth strap?

Solenoid feed appears OK as I can fire an old starter rigged off the car using the key.
The new one causes the warning lights to extinguish and fuel guage to duck in the start position.
Can only think a bad earth to the starter... Or duff (new) one?


Posted in wrong place... Sorry!
Any suggestions greatfully received!

Jim

Hi
sounds like the starter is no good
did you buy local or mail order

The starter earths via the mounting face of the starter and that of the block. They should be clean and paint free. Check all of the wiring at the solenoid including the small wires. Main wires to the bolt and small wire/wires to push on tabs. If no go, remove starter and run it off the car to see if it works.

Thanks both and especially for picking it up here.
After various experiments with multi meters and old starters wired to extended connections from the car (which worked) it transpires there was a second terminal on the starter hidden below when in situ which was for the Solenoid!
That was the one to use and burst into life immediately.

Why do they do that?... Its not as though the dead terminal is a live feed or anything. What's it's intended use?

I had checked the old starter before and that had the remnants of a second terminal disabled so didn't think that far in this instance.
Anyhow.... At least I have another method of clandestinely immobilising by swapping the green lead if left anywhere of concern!

Thanks

Jim

Feed to coil to give more voltage and better spark when cranking?......maybe?