Engine won't start after replacing starter solenoid

After trying to start my bronco the other day and seeing smoke coming from the positive connection at the starter solenoid, I bought s new one. after installing it I hooked up the positive wire back to the battery and it arced. Checked to make sure it was hooked up right and tried again and another arc. Disconnected everything and pulled out the solenoid and the connection for the positive wire on the solenoid was loose. Swap it out at O'Reilly's and put new one in and it won't start.

I've checked everything multiple times to make sure it's hooked up tight and still nothing. I have a few pics of the solenoid hooked up and the wiring around it. Can someone take a quick look and see if maybe I swapped something? Only one I wasn't sure of was a wire coming from the negative battery terminal grounded to the bolt where the solenoid is connected to the body. Went back and looked at a pic I had from earlier and it seems to be Connected at the right spot.

Going to try and upload a short video so you can hear the sound it makes when I turn the key. Not the normal click click of a starter not working, more like a low growl. Could I have ruined the starter itself with that arc? It was quick but I know anything with electricity can ruin things. Long post, thanks for the help.

Alex









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The ground wire/cable going to the mounting hole on the solenoid bracket is an "add-on"

Normally the ground comes from the clean mounting to the fender well.

However, that ground cable doesn't hurt a thing.

Leave the cable disconnected that runs to the starter. Try the key/start & see if  you get the normal click at the solenoid.

If memory serves, it should click on-n-off.

You may have the two small wires crossed. we can test for that.

Thanks Bob, I'll try it tomorrow morning and post back what I find. Goodnight.

Is that solenoid the same as the one that came out?  There are two styles, one is a solenoid and the other is a starter relay.  The starter relay will not work.  That looks like a starter relay, which is used in conjunction with a solenoid mounted on the starter.  The contacts inside a relay can not handle the cutrrent of a starter and will permenantly weld together the first time youtry to start the engine.

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Seabronc.., ya., the EB's had a small solenoid with nothing on the starter.

These little guys connect the 12v directly to the starter via the big washer inside.

At the same time.., it shoots 12v to the ignition for start with key in start position.

Below is the test I wanted him to do;

With the large cable to starter disconnected..,

Take both wires off the solenoid small studs. Note there's an"S" (for start) on one stud and an "I" (for ignition) on the other.

With your volt meter ($4 at Harbor Frt.)
Attach leads to the "S" wire & ground. Have someone turn the key to start.  You should see 12V pop up on the meter.

Now, attach the "S" wire back on its stud. Attach the meter leads to the "I" stud on solenoid & ground. 
With key off their should be no voltage.
Have someone turn the key to "start".  Now the meter should read 12V

If this is the case.., put the "I" wire back on the stud.., & you're wired correctly.