I recently put the the motor back in my car. when i try to start it, within a couple seconds the starter and solenoid start smoking. i believe its a ground problem because the wire from the batt. to the body fried after a couple of starts. the car is not computer controlled and has no electrical gauges. so i was thinking id list all the grounds i reconnected and maybe you could help me if i missed one. all the main grounds i hooked up are:

bellhousing to firewall
battery to block
battery to the body
msd to batt
dist to firewall

also the starter drive spins really slow when it engages.
any help would be appreciated.

 

Are you using a stock or aftermarket battery cable?

 

aftermarket - custom made
the small wire that goes to the frame on the batt cable fried after a couple of starts

 

Try a different battery cable.

 

What did you do to the engine when you had it out? Did you do a rebuild? Is the engine too tight? Were there shims on the starter? Is the timing way too advanced? All these could cause a slow turning starter.

 

no rebuild, i changed the oil pan gasket, rms, clutch, and a couple other things.

i put the shim that was there before i pulled the motor out.

im gonna try retarding the timing a little & get a new cable and see if that helps.

 

I know there are ways to check the starter engagement clearances but I just don't remember. Maybe someone who has had this problem may respond. One shim might not be enough. With ignition key off, jump out the solenoid with a screwdriver (in neutral). Does it still crank real slow? Does it sound like grinding metal? You didn't happen to put a new flywheel on it?

 

i found a couple of ground wires that were loose now it starts up perfect