Powermaster Starter not Engaging Flywheel

[ACHiPo]

Originally Posted by Texasdoc

Sounds like you have a bad starter.

For the test, apply 12v to both terminals. Make sure you are getting at least 11v WHEN ACTIVATING the starter during the test. If your bench supply doesn't give enough power, you can see what you are getting. If you have both posts connected and are applying enough power, you have a bad starter. Where/when did you buy it? Can you return it?

Or, you can call JR Richmond at PowerMaster. He is great to work with. (630)293-5900.

Doc,
Thanks. I bought it from Summit. I have an email into Summit and PowerMaster, and will try calling tomorrow, although they may be shut down for the long weekend. I'll try calling JR early tomorrow morning (I'm on the West Coast).

My bench supply is the Cobra battery connected via hurky jumper cables to the starter. The battery tested above spec last weekend at Napa--above 13V as I recall. I'm not sure I have enough eyes/hands/clips to measure voltage while I'm holding everything together.

I'm confused about what you mean by "applying 12V to both terminals". I clamped the battery ground to the starter body, and the battery positive to the "battery" terminal on the starter. I then shorted the "ignition" terminal to the "battery termina"l, with and without the grounding tab on the solenoid connected to ground. When I did this the Bendix moved the gear out, but did not spin the motor. If I bypass the solenoid with a jumper (like it is in the car only without the remote solenoid), the motor spins. Kinda makes me question the remote solenoid, although it worked with the old starter.

It sure seems like I just don't have it hooked up correctly, but I don't want to just try a bunch of combinations lest I damage something.

AC