1988 Pace Arrow starter issue

[AtekorS]

I have a 1988 Pace Arrow on a P30 Chassis with a 454. Since we got it the starter was not correct. I Knew this, and only started it about 1/2 a dozen times and was going to look at, sounded like it wasn't shimmed correctly.

Well the last time it went to hell. pulled the starter and the nose cone is broke. Ok, need to replace the starter. They did not shim it correctly. Plus it looked kitty wampus when I removed it.

Here is the problem, the old starter has the battery post and the Start post. The new starters I looked at has the Battery, Start, Coil (ignition) post.

There is one wire without an end and stripped and wrapped on the Battery post on the starter.

Would it be a good assumption a previous owner got the wrong starter, stripped the coil wire and put it on the Battery post?

Any info would be appreciated.

[BFlinn181]

I'm sure you know what happens when you assume something. (look it up) I'd verify that the wire added to the battery terminal is actually connecting to the coil, if that's where it's intended to go.

In general, a starter has a large ground connection, a cable to the battery (+) (often with a fusible link) and a third, smaller gauge wire that comes from a relay controlled by the ignition switch. The ignition switch powers the coil, not the starter.

Hooking things up wrong could get expensive quickly. I'd be sure before assuming anything.

[ahicks]

Back in the days of when, the wire that hooked to that post marked "coil" was energized while the starter was engaged (only), bypassing the resistor wire that normally fed the coil with 6 volts, and instead fed it 12v - basically for enhanced starting in tough conditions.

Today, that post not used much - if it's even there.