Hi all
I recently swapped a built 350 goodwrench motor into an 88 firebird, previously a rust-free V6 car.
I have everything wired in and went to connect the battery for the first time, and it violently arced and threw sparks and sh** everywhere. After about 5 minutes of messing with stuff, I found that the bigger hot starter lead was bent in such a way that it was grounding out on the other terminal, or mabye the starter itself. Anyway, I moved it and bolted it on differently, and connected the battery and no more arcing. Now it will not crank. All lights, fans and interior stuff work, and no fuses were blown.
What melted???
I had a similar issue with my 82 Trans Am where a fusible link burned, and I had no electronics in the car. Fusible link? Where would they be on a V6 car? Same place as a 305 car?
All the V6 wiring was retained, just routed completely different, and I had it cranking a few days ago to lash valves, but took the starter off and reinstalled it since.
Thanks, any help is greatly appreciated.
Almost got away with zero electrical issues on this one....

 

6cyl fusible links are usually on the radiator support connected to the distribution block. Follow from the positive battery cable, and you'll see them.

 

Fusible links tested good. The problem was simpler, and I didn't even notice.
There's a tab coming off the big hot starter lead; to keep it from rotating I assume.
I had installed that lead upside down (don't ask, the wiring is insane in this car) and the tab was grounding out on a terminal i guess, making it turn over the first time.
Anyway, cut that tab off, and no problems yet .