No current. Switched starter connx?

[phaetn]

Disconnected the battery about two weeks ago to pull the head b/c of a failed head gasket and to send it the top end to a machinist.

While the head was out, I had the bright idea to clean up the starter connections. I also POR-15ed the driver's floorpan, so had the wiring harness hanging off the floor for a while, suspended from the steering wheel shaft.

Today, now that the engine is reassembled, I went to connect the battery terminals and was surprised that there was no spark/arc when connecting the negative terminal. Not surprisingly, I get no action when I turn the key in the ignition - no fuel pump, idiot lights or anything. Also, lights (which normally don't require ignition) aren't working. There is zero current and I did charge the battery overnight on a trickle charger.

Could this lack of current be caused by my having connected the wrong ring terminals to the wrong posts on the starter? Am I failing to get a ground because of this?

With thanks,
phaetn

[spider2081]

Looking at the starter solenoid terminals you will see one that has a connection directly to the starter motor. Usually this is the terminal closest to the engine. That is the only connection on that post. There are 3 connections on the other post. They are: the battery positive wire, A black wire from the alternator (could be in a green sleeve) and a brown wire goes to the ignition switch.

Hope this helps

[DieselSpider]

Does the car also have a master disconnect on the battery that needs to be switched back on? Start with the simple things and follow the power.

[phaetn]

Thanks gents:

Argh! I thought I had found the culprit. I had painted the cap where the distributor originally mounted on the exhaust cam tower, and the machinist had painted the tower itself along with the threaded mounting stud.

I have a ground strap there and I don't think it was making a clean connection.

After sanding things down to bare metal at least I got an arc when I put on the battery terminal. I thought this would solve things, but still no joy at ignition.

Thanks for the quick replies. I'll keep at it!

Cheers,
phaetn

[phaetn]

Got it! Thanks Spider2081. I had the thick wire from the battery on the wrong post.

I could tell things were working soon as I connected the battery and the wiper started going.

Cheers and thanks again,
phaetb