Solved: No power after starter install

[Bwk2000]

Re: ‘69 SPL311 R16
Could really use some help here from those in the know please.

Installed a new gear reduction starter today - Nothing else. Now I have ZERO power to anything.
Battery is fully charged, posts & clamps are clean and all ground connections (including starter ground strap, engine and frame straps) are clean and tight.
Power tests good to the starter - All three connections at starter are clean and tight
No power at all to starter harness, the three under-dash connectors, ignition or fuse panel. No electrics work.

I’ve essentially got a one ton paperweight right now - Any ideas?

[JT68]

It's almost certainly one of the little 3-wire harness connections or your negative battery connection really isn't ok.

[Bwk2000]

JT68 - That’s what I originally thought as well. However, I just retested all the grounds and they’re good and the three under dash harnesses have no power going to them.

[cbez]

These are simple circuits. Follow power until one step at a time until you don't have any.

With the story you may have a loose connection/open in the starter harness.

[JT68]

JT68 - That’s what I originally thought as well. However, I just retested all the grounds and they’re good and the three under dash harnesses have no power going to them.

Ok, so if the grounds are certainly good, it almost certainly has to be the starter harness connection. Those are notorious for shutting down the car since the whole car is powered from it. Since you just manipulated the starter connection it likely. That little harness shares the battery lug on the starter yes? If it has a good connection, it must have 12V on it. Is it partially unplugged below the master cylinder?

Does the horn work?

[C.Costine]

Check the connectors under the tape on the starter harness.

[Bwk2000]

Check the connectors under the tape on the starter harness.

BINGO! Thanks C. Costine, JT68 and Cbez for steering me in the right direction!

Contacts in the starter harness were all clean & tight so I initially dismissed it. However, after reviewing the great replies, I realized that there was no power to either end of the harness, which is impossible, since there is power to the POS terminal on the starter where it all connects.
The PO had spliced the two starter circuit wires and wrapped them in tape. In my ‘exuberance’ to remove the old starter, I must have hooked it on the disconnected starter wires and pulled it enough to break the splice inside the tape.

No more 1 Ton paperweight; started right up.

Thanks again all. I knew there was a good reason I joined THIS forum!

[JT68]

You are very welcome good job!