MerryMen

Thank you for your response.
Yes that is exactly what I am saying. I will try this test.
Also you are right, I looked up starters and they are less than $30 on ebay.

I'll let you know how this turns out.

Thanks again.

 

MerryMan
So the starter was bad. I ordered a new one. When I fitted it, it just spins and does not engage to turn the motor over. Is there something that needs to be done so that it engages? I am again at a loss. I feel like I am taking one step forward and two steps backward.
I have no reference on the installation, no manual to refer to.
I appreciate your help so far.
Thank you.

 

Check that the starter is identical, same gear or spline etc. Check it revolves the same way, difficult if the old one does not have an arrow on it.

 

Make sure you didn't hook up the battery backwards. If you did that the starter circuitry would work just fine. It is just a bunch of relays and switches - which don't care about polarity.

But the starter does care, and will spin backwards if the battery is wired up backwards. This will decouple the starter from the engine at the starter clutch. The starter will spin, but the engine will not.