GRM, Double-check my logic please.

So I've been having some QC issues with Rock Auto. The first starter they sent me wouldn't engage the flywheel. The second one appears to have had the solenoid hooked up backwards. Below is the old, dead starter next to the (miswired) RA piece.

As you can see, on the OEM unit, the battery post is on the left, and the motor post is on the right. The RA unit is reversed, and it's simply not possible to install this way. It passed their "tests" according to the included results, so I know it's functional.

Based on my knowledge of solenoids and relays, I should be able to switch the braid line to the other post without any ill consequences, right? If I have to send it back, I have to send it back, but if it's a real simple fix, I'd rather get this car running again.

The current doesn't really care which terminal it wanders in and which terminal it wanders out of, but I'm not sure if that braid is long enough to move over to the other post. TBH, it looks a bit frayed in the picture also.

There's a bit of an arc towards the camera that you can't see from this angle, I think it's long enough. And I think the fraying is just a trick of me not focusing the camera properly.

Argh. I just realised I made an assumption that's not necessarily true - the solenoid should only apply current to the motor once the solenoid is fully closed.

If they two terminals on the solenoid are wired correctly, then reversing them won't work because you'll just apply the current to the (open) motor connector...

I just went out and looked at it again, and the simplest way to describe it is that the solenoid isn't symmetric with the connections on the back. So yeah. I'll be giving RA a nice little phone call tomorrow. Only thing that makes sense is they put the wrong solly on this starter.

Hook a power cable up to the positive post, and ground the ground post. If it works, then you're OK.If it doesn't, then you'll have to go on with your plan of switching the wire.

Steven

Why can't you just reverse your wires going to the starter? Will it not physically fit this way? I am confused here on what the problem is exactly.

It won't physically fit. Should have stated that in the first post.

it's not a Rockauto issue- it's an issue with the company that made or rebuilt the starter.. or, more accurately, it's an issue with the minimum wage worker that assembles the starter motors.

is it a safe to assume that you picked the cheapest of the options that Rockauto gave you when you looked the part up on the website?

i see no reason why you wouldn't be able to just move the wire from the starter motor to the other terminal on the solenoid- as has already been pointed out, the solenoid is just a switch that is activated when power is applied to the little terminal, and it doesn't care which way the current flows thru it from the battery to the starter motor.

look at your old starter- the wire from the starter motor looks like it's stretched to reach the terminal on the solenoid..

the real lesson here is to support your locally owned and operated parts stores or electric motor rebuilders. not only are you keeping your money local, but if there is an issue it doesn't take 2 weeks + shipping costs to take care of it.

Can you find that part locally? Seems like it'd save you time just to lug the dead one to a parts store and compare it right there.

novaderrik wrote: it's not a Rockauto issue- it's an issue with the company that made or rebuilt the starter.. or, more accurately, it's an issue with the minimum wage worker that assembles the starter motors. is it a safe to assume that you picked the cheapest of the options that Rockauto gave you when you looked the part up on the website? i see no reason why you wouldn't be able to just move the wire from the starter motor to the other terminal on the solenoid- as has already been pointed out, the solenoid is just a switch that is activated when power is applied to the little terminal, and it doesn't care which way the current flows thru it from the battery to the starter motor. look at your old starter- the wire from the starter motor looks like it's stretched to reach the terminal on the solenoid.. the real lesson here is to support your locally owned and operated parts stores or electric motor rebuilders. not only are you keeping your money local, but if there is an issue it doesn't take 2 weeks + shipping costs to take care of it.

Agreed. This is a problem with Beck/Arnley. I've never had anything but great experiences with Rock Auto's customer service, so I'm confident they'll rectify this to my satisfaction. I hope this didn't come across as bashing RA, I'm a long-time customer of theirs.

And yes. I'm a college kid, so I tend to gravitate towards the cheaper parts, especially when they have the same warranty (12mo) as the Bosch unit that's $40 more.

I almost always give my local parts houses my business, but it's commonly a problem with this car (FB33 RX7). For this starter, they could only offer me a non-competitive price, plus a $15 "freight charge" to get it to the store, plus a 2-week wait.

I'd do what Smack35 said first. Check and see if it works and spins in the right direction before you go moving terminals around. If everything spins right then it is just a matter of figuring out how to reposition the solenoid for the needed clearance. I've had to reposition starter lugs for different models before, not really too difficult. Take the end cover off or loosen and spin till positioned as required. I would think swapping the terminals would make the solinoid work backwards myself (basic DC current logic) but not sure. Would be interesting to see if it does though.

That's not possible in this situation. The solenoid "housing" (for lack of a better term) and the base plate are one single cast piece.

Alright, I'm not going to hack up a brand-new starter. I've waited a long time for this car to run, I'd rather it be right. Here's the email I just sent to RA:

I've got a problem regarding order #######. Attached are two pictures showing the issue. The first shows the new starter I received on the right, next to the OEM unit, proving it is indeed the right starter. The second picture shows the problem. The starter appears to have the wrong solenoid. You'll notice on the OEM starter on the left, the braid line attaches to the right post, and the left post is for the battery line. On the starter I received, however, the poles are reversed. Given the proximity of the starter to the transmission bellhousing, it is impossible to hook the battery line and signal wire up to the starter safely. I have no doubt the starter was properly tested as the paperwork shows, but it is obvious the starter was not installed in a car (not that I expect that). Regardless of the cause, this starter will not work in my car. You'll notice this is the second problem I've had with a Beck/Arnley starter, and I hope you also notice I have a long history ordering from RockAuto. I have been nothing but impressed with your customer service in the past, and I hope this doesn't break that streak. I would like, in exchange for this warrantied and unusable starter, an AC Delco or Bosch starter. If that's not possible, I'd like my money back so I can buy a different brand elsewhere. Thank you for your help. Jake

Can't reverse the two main terminals. There are two windings in the solenoid if I recall my tech school training properly- a pull in winding and a hold in winding. The pullin is grounded to the motor terminal, so it cuts out when the motor gets power. I think you either get a ratcheting effect, or the solenoid burns up soonest. Buy the right starter.

You have absolutely no problem with the starter as pictured. Electrically that is! Switching the braid to the other terminal (if possible) will not change the operation of the starter.

Physically I see your problem... that wire just won't tuck into that gap.

The 2 RX7s that I have worked on had a much longer wire with insulation on it.

Heard back from RA already... Agreed that was put together wrong, and already sent me a prepaid sticker for return shipping, and agreed to refund my money.