Not sure where to post this, since I'm not sure where my problem lies.

I just finished bolting everything together on my DIY turbo kit. In the process I pulled the motor to drill and re-seal the oil pan, install clutch & flywheel, etc. I even had the diff out to replace the axle seals. So, I had the car torn apart. I also installed freshly serviced 550cc RX-7 injectors and a MegaSquirt standalone that Braineack built for me over the winter.

I was finally to the point of starting the car today, and when I tried, the starter was turning slow and sounded like it might have been grinding a little. After the first attempt to start though, the car was not turning over. I thought that it was the battery (car has been sitting on jackstands since the end of March), so I tried jumping it (which involved 2 sets of jumper cables due to how I have the car parked), and still couldn't get it to turn over. I then bought a new battery, and it still will not turn over when I turn the key. I tried putting the stock ECU back in, and still nada. I hear the fuel pump behind me, but can't hear if the solenoid is clicking on the starter or not. I put a socket and wrench on the crank pulley and the motor turned over freely by hand, so I don't think the starter is jammed. I checked all the grounds I could find (under brake master cylinder, under throttle body, on PPF by the diff, and right above the battery) and all seemed well. I am leaning towards an issue with the starter. I do remember dropping it about 6-12" when I was removing it from the pulled engine, which I suppose could have killed it, but the fact that it was trying to turn the car over earlier makes me think it might be something else. Does anyone have any other ideas?

 

Isnt there some place that you can test the starter for free?

 

Yes, but I don't want to contort myself taking the darn thing out if I can avoid it. Sucky thing is I am out of time for working on the car this weekend, and will be driving my father's Lincoln back to school for this week. I hope I can get it fixed next weekend.

 

Does anyone know off hand if the starter off a 99 (w/ 5 speed) will work on my 94?

 

turn the ignition to run (cranking) and have someone tap the starter with a hammer... if it's the starter it'll engage.... or at least, it should a few times before it finally ***** the can.


Is your AFM/MAF hooked up correctly or did you delete it?

 

MAF has been deleted as part of the Megasquirt install. My current plan of attack is to pull the starter and get it tested next time I get back to the car, and hopefully if it is bad, I can pull the one off my spare 00 motor and use it.