Background:

Tranny ran dry coming home out of the mountains, obviously a leak somewhere. Started losing gears and pretty sure I chipped off some teeth - evidenced by the bouncing metal sound coming from the box. All gears returned. Clutch when disengaged makes a horrible sound and I can feel my stick jumping along with random banging. I know I need a rebuild and/or new clutch/flywheel-related items so I'm not asking about that but if someone wants to chime in about anything feel free...

Anyhow, I know its f'd up. I filled the fluid today through the top of the box because I can't get under it to access the plugs. Put everything back as it was. Went to start it up and immediately a new 'spinning hum' developed. Shut it right down but the 'spinning hum' persisted. Only way to stop it was to disconnect battery. Now as soon as battery is hooked up, the 'spinning hum' begins, no key in ignition. I let it continue and tried to fire the motor. Now no power to rest of car, starter doesn't click, nothing turns...but whatever is spinning in there will continue infinitely as long as the battery is hooked up.

Ideas? How much worse did I make things? I can't fix on my own and just wondering what I made worse before I decide to take it to my mechanic...once the tranny is out I have to fix it so trying to put a price tag on it...

Thanks. Ask me to clarify anything.

88 IROC, L98, Non-WC T5
All transmission related parts either new or rebuilt 15000 miles ago

 

Sounds like your started is stuck on

 

Agreed on the possibility of two problems. Along with that comes a higher chance of internet guesswork. If your starter, starter wiring, the pinion gear, or flywheel ring gear look to have sustained damage, drop the starter first. Because you have a power issue which should have nothing to do with the starter and potentially a lot to do with the power to the starter.