correct wiring for a starter

[FlatBlackBurb]

the other day i got pretty drunk and decided to work on my truck. suprisingly i actually got a lot done. i got the fuel tank in and the new battery cables. but i guess i wired up the starter wrong because today when i connected the battery to try and start my truck (sober) sparks flew everywhere and the truck tried to turn over. i took a look down at the starter and found that the small black cable on the positive terminal was connected to the small post closest to the flywheel. not where it should have been. if i remember right its supposed to go to the alternator. so i wired up everything correctly and when i turn the key to start. nothing happens, my truck just "chimes" at me. i cant even hear a single sound from under the hood so im guessing i fried my starter. all fuses are ok.

so just to double check whats the correct wiring for a starter on a 1987 suburban. the starter has the main post and then two small posts on the side. thanks

 

[dyeager535]

I'd suspect you popped a fusible link.

Unsure on wiring, mine can only go together one way (ok two if you put the small wire on the "R" terminal)...small wire to the "S" terminal on the solenoid, all others to the large stud on the solenoid.

 

[4X4HIGH]

You should have a positive battery cable and a smaller diameter wire with a large lug (usually a red wire) that go on the large starter lug, then you should have a small wire (usually a purple wire) that connects to the S (start) terminal. Also, make sure your negative battery cable is grounded to the engine block near the front lower corner somewhere. If you get it all hooked up this way and don't get anything then check for power at the junction block on the firewall. If you have no power there then just as Dorian said, probably a burnt fusible link wire (located passenger side, this is the same smaller wire with large lug to main starter lug)

 

[FlatBlackBurb]

im not seeing a small wire connected to the S terminal (im assuming thats closest to the firewall). in fact im not seeing that wire anywhere... its not lose or anything. what's it connected to? maybe i can track it down from there

 

[FlatBlackBurb]

nevermind. im an idiot

 

[FlatBlackBurb]

i found the fusible links. how much of a b**** is it to replace them it looks like one might have burned. the exterior is bubbling in one place and it looks like part of the wire is exposed. does that mean it burned?

 

[dyeager535]

AFAIK you simply buy a replacement, cut the old section out, and solder/crimp a new one in it's place.

Sounds like yours has failed, I've never had one that went, but the wire is made to melt.

 

[FlatBlackBurb]

yeah im going to go through and replace the links when i get back from the lake next week im just glad to have that truck running