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shorted main stud on starter, now what?

roadrunnerh

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While changing the starter on my 383 I shorted the main post. No, I did not disconnect the battery and already beat myself up over that bonehead move.
Turn the key, only a click. Continued with mini starter install. Only a click after. changed starter relay, ECU, Volrage regulator, and ballast resistor because I had good spares. Still only a click. checked my two wires coming into bulkhead that I fused. Fuses good.
Why am I only getting a click? I'm wondering if this new Chinese mini starter is bad out of the box? Please Help!
 
Number one rule….Make sure you have a good ground.
 
just a heads up for next time you have to replace a starter. When changing starters (new and used ones) I always check to see if it works before installing on the engine. That elininates the starter from being the problem if it does crank over and start the car. That way you know the wiring is the culprit.
 
How big was the spark and how good was the battery??? A good reminder of why you don't wear rings working on machinery. Had a buddy in high school that pretty much cauterized his finger off changing a starter.

Try a boost from a known good battery before you start tinkering with toooo much...
 
Pop that starter and bench test. You're at that point. I'd take that and the battery to the auto parts if you don't have a battery tester.
 
By the way, the battery tender on my bike says it's charged every spring but it's actually 50/50 whether I need to replace the battery or not. The batteries hate sitting in the cold long term I guess.
 
Bad terminal end connection on a battery cable. Seen it a few times, drives you crazy.
 
Thanks for all the replies men, I appreciate it a lot.
Ok fellas, here's my progress...
Pulled good battery from RR, put on Scamp still just a click.
Tested the starter I fried - no shock it's not working.
Removed NEW chinese starter - tested FAIL.
Buying a starter after typing this.
@R413 How can you tell if cable terminals looks totally normal? My cable ends "look" good.
@dadsbee Wow! That's a ghastly result from a bad mistake. Believe me, I will NEVER repeat this one!
 
If there’s any question in the cables, like they feel brittle, have some green or melted sheathing, etc. Just get new ones. Also, check your engine to body and body to frame grounds while you’re there.
 
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