when i jumpered my starter by connecting the two leads on the solenoid, the motor spun in its housing but didnt engage with the flywheel. i was under the impression that it was supposed to crank the engine. would it make a difference if the ignition was in the "on" position?

 

Hi. The key being on means nothing other than the car will start if the starter cranks the engine. If the gear is not engaging the flywheel, then you need to replace the solenoid, which can be replaced seperate. But,... in my opinion, if you have to pull the starter, you may as well replace the whole starter unit. Let us know how it goes. Jim.

 

Sounds like you connected the top (battery) connection to the bottom (starter motor) connection. This will bypass the solenoid and run the starter armature without engaging the starter drive with the flywheel. Jumpering the battery connector to the small "S" terminal (the one with the purple wire on it) will energize the solenoid, which will pull the starter drive (bendix) into the flywheel while simultaneously connecting the top post on the solenoid (internally) to the bottom post, which will run the starter motor. Then, with the ignition on and functioning, fuel and compression, the engine should start!

 

thanks for the replies. so the starters fine, but its not getting any power to the "s" terminal, but its putting out close to 12 from the neutral safety switch, is there anything between the starter "s" terminal and neutral safety switch that could be interfering with the flow? like a relay or something?