Starter solenoid issue...

[SVT Doood]

I just installed a new starter...

I have continuity from the battery + to the little bolt on the solenoid.
I have continuity from the battery + to the large bolt on the solenoid.
I have continuity from the battery - to the ground on the MTX, and to the firwall.

Will not crank over.

I tried to jumper a cable from the battery to the small bolt to energize the solenoid and spin the starter (therefore bypassing the starting circit)...no go.
I tried a jumper a cable from the battery to the large bolt to energize the solenoid and spin the starter (therefore bypassing the starting circit)...no go.

I'm reading 12.4 volts on the battery
I'm reading 12volts volts from the battery - to the small bolt on the solenoid with the key turned to start.
I'm reading 8 volts from the battery - to the large bolt on the solenoid.


EDIT: Battery tested o-k...
I need some help here..

 

[Dan the rug man]

Not sure if it makes a difference, Did you have some one depress the clutch pedal while you were trying to spin the starter? Not sure if the switch on the clutch pedal would allow the starter to spin with out the pedal being depressed. Did you bench test the starter prior to installing? Some non-Ford remans fail right away. Also you applying power in the manner you did could burn out the starter solenoid. I would suggest biting the bullet and removing the starter for testing at the parts store you bought it from. Also 8 volts may indicate you have a damaged wire to the solenoid. Also check to make sure the charging system is grounded properly, lack of battery ground can cause some really weird problems. Just some thoughts as I have been in your shoes.

 

[amc49]

8 volts too low. Also, will do no harm at all jumping solenoid there at the small wire. In fact, that's what to do to bypass all the clutch safety interlock switching. After solenoid used enough, the main switching contacts get eroded from all the power sparking, that can lead to not enough volts internal to kick starter up and get it running. Can you hear the solenoid do a click when the small wire is jumped? If so and no starter operation start looking at power supply to the BIG wire or bad solenoid itself. Of course mechanical problems inside starter itself (broken gears, locked up swinging assembly) could do the same. You should be able to jumper power to the BIG terminal and starter turn, but will not throw bendix out.