Thread: Starter install

Im in the middle of installing a new starter, just took the old one out.
I noticed the wire that runs from the starter to solenoid is on the opposite post on the new starter.. see below pic.
Is this correct? Or maybe they installed it wrong at Beck Arnley? They are both Mitsubishi units.



Also I was reading a thread and someone mentioned extending the ground to a better point on the chassis. Which post do I run the ground from?

thanks

does look like the solenoid is wired wrong. Have you tried to bench test the starter?

yeah that doesn't look right to me, i'd take it back an see if i could get one that was correct.. or just swap that wire, but then if im wrong u might fuck something up, so thats why i said to take it back.

Alright I went and pulled two starters from my stash. One mitsubishi and one hitachi. both are functional. I found that the jumper wire between the solenoid and he starter was always on the side with the contact leading back into the solenoid. Looking at your picture again it just seems the solenoid contact is on the other side but still leads back into the solenoid.

I see what you mean.. they must have just mounted the solenoid turned 180 degrees & soldered the other wire to the opposite side.

Which post do I run a ground wire from?

starter gets ground from the chassis. There is no ground wire. both wires that connect to the starter are 12v. the wire with the bolt is 12v constant from the batter and the one with the connector is 12v switched. Here is a video on how to bench test a starter. For ground I always just clip the jumper cable to the body of the starter. if you are trying to supply a better ground for installation I would use a ring terminal and wire with the mounting bolt on the back side on the starter. The other end should go to the main chassis ground point.

I got everything finished on the car today, it started up after struggling for a second. Was able to turn it off & start again several times. This starter is definitely healthier than the old one. Everything seemed fine until I went out for dinner. Was inside for about an hour & when I came out the car wouldn't start. So we push started it & drove over to walmart to get a battery since mine had a small leak anyway. Put in the new battery & still wouldn't start. But the clicking noise is noticeably faster & louder when I turn the key.

Im gonna bring it to my friends shop later this week & have him take a look at it. The previous owner put in an aftermarket alarm so I dont know if it might have anything to do with that. He's very good with wiring & diagnostics so hopefully ill be good to go.