I've uploaded an image. I hope it works. On the image, Part 1 and Part 2 both spin, I imagine that Part 1 should lift up and turn the engine, that does not seem to be happening in my situation. I'm pretty sure that the battery is connected properly, but just in case I tried it both ways and it is the same problem. The only thing that plugs into the started is the cable from the solenoid, is that correct?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jayscott1/3501914238/

Here is a link that might be useful: Starter

I has a similar problem and it turned out that the starter gear (nylon) was worn, So it seemed like the started was spinning but not engaging. Meanwhile, the starter was working fine. Just needed a $1 starter gear.

I had a look at the gear and all the teeth are in good shape. I watch it when I put power to it and it only spins never moves up to come in contact with the engine.

Well check that the gear moves easily manually. That it isn't stuck on the spiral drive.

"All of the above with the pole reversed on the battery "

"but just in case I tried it both ways and it is the same problem. "

This is certain to have burned out the charging system OR a fuse if it happened to be fuse protected but doubt it was fuse protected.

Walt Conner

I figured it out last night. I think the battery wasn't properly grounded. I grabbed some jumper cables and put one end on the negative terminal on the battery, and the other end on a bolt on the engine block, after that it started right up.

Thanks for all the help.

Was that it, that's the same problem I had yet, I've not put different ground cable on. Can you simply use same on different location.

The location really shouldn't matter as long as it's mechanically secure and electrically connected to the chassis. The cable connectors may have corroded and just need cleaning, or something has come loose, etc. The factory ground location should be fine if it's maintained in good shape.