Starter Motor Wiring

[Mach1 Driver]

So I've checked everything and to the best of my knowledge (which isn't much) everything is as it should be per the diagram.

However when I try to crank it, I now just get that screeching noise that you get when the starters not engaging. So I thought I'd just reverse everything and leave it for another day. (Famous last words) but it does the same thing.

Do you think I have screwed up the starter and if so how do I test it?

Diagram now attached.

Or possibly the flywheel/flexplate

 

[Aussie67]

Hope its not the plate. Is there anything I can do to test the starter?

 

[Aussie67]

Given that it's the holiday season, I'm just going to order a replacement starter now.

 

[Mach1 Driver]

Well here is your problem- After I got it right side up and could actually look at it, the wire diagram is incorrect.

What brand is the PMGR? I'd like to look this up or further study and see all of the instructions. I see a big problem here.
They have reversed the wiring for no good reason, and it would work EXCEPT for connecting the solenoid "I" terminal to ground. That would just cause an internal short in the solenoid and wipe out the internal contact.
Questions:
1. What did you connect to the "I" terminal? That's the bottom right terminal they have marked "Ground".
2. Do you still have a points style ignition system or something else? Describe it please.

 

[Aussie67]

Brand - I can't say for sure. I put it in around 5/6 years ago and seem to think it was an OEX brand but can't be sure. I still have the box in the shed so I'm "reasonably" confident.

OEX AXS960 Starter Motor for Ford Falcon 302 351 Cleveland with Auto

OEX AXS960 Starter Motor for Ford Falcon 302 351 Cleveland with Auto - OEX

www.autolinkparts.com.au

1. What did you connect to the "I" terminal? That's the bottom right terminal they have marked "Ground".

I didn't change what was on either the S or I poles from what was there originally. The pink resister wire has been disconnected at the dizzy thou.

2. Do you still have a points style ignition system or something else? Describe it please.

No. I'm running a Pertronix electronic ignition.

PerTronix D1352 Flame-Thrower Distributor HEI Ford Small Block 221-302 Blue Cap Machine Polished

Highlights New lightweight aluminum alloy housing. Aligned and honed high quality bronze sintered bushings for reduced friction and extended life. Centerless ground corrosion resistant shaft reduces friction and provides concentric operation. Distributor gear is ground to exact tolerances for...

pertronixbrands.com

What you cause the flex plate to be damaged if all that was changed was wiring?

 

[Mach1 Driver]

I didn't change what was on either the S or I poles from what was there originally. The pink resister wire has been disconnected at the dizzy thou.

What you cause the flex plate to be damaged if all that was changed was wiring?

As I said, connecting a ground to the starter solenoid "I" terminal as they clearly show on their screwy diagram would have caused a direct short. Thankfully you didn't follow the instructions. But that makes me wonder if it is really wired per the rest of their diagram. Sorry- can't help but wonder.

The Pertronix instructions say:


If you followed that instruction, then you can remove the wire from starter solenoid "I" terminal and tape it off. It could eliminate one potential source of run-on, since the Pertronix is now a +12v source with that 12ga wire installed. Try it and see if it helps- if that contact is a little sticky in the solenoid, that could help.

The rewire per the PMGRs instructions should prevent run-on. The fact that it hasn't could be caused by a couple of other things:
1. Sticking starter solenoid
2. Sticking solenoid in PMGR
3. Mechanical miss-match between the starter and flex plate.

The run-on doesn't allow a clean disengagement of the starter from the flex plate and is hard on the teeth of both.