I'm changin my starter out in my '81 Z28, I've already got the new AC Delco one from my Autozone, and I got it installed and when I try and start the engine the damn starter doesn't even kick over at all, doesn't even sound like it's trying. So I figured it has to do something with the other wire next to the label S, but I can't find anything to plug it into. If anyone knows, that'd be great. Thanks in advance.

 

I cant really remember to well but i know it wouldnt work if the fuseable link was done.

Heres a link just scroll down a bit and there is a diagram

https://camaroforums.com/forum/70-81-general-12/2nd-gen-diagrams-50446/

 

I don't believe there was a starter in that diagram, but thanks anyways. It'll probably be useful later, cause the wiring in my car has gone to hell.

 

 

Hmm, okay so I need to look for a purple wire. Weird, havn't seen any purple wires at all...

 

Assuming you have electronic ignition, you should only have two wires to the starter. The battery positive cable and the starter switch wire to the "s" terminal.
The other (I) terminal on the solenoid is a bypass that was used on older engines that had points & condenser ignition to give the coil a full 12 volts only while starting the engine. Otherwise the coil ran on about 10 volts, or the points would fry. Some guys would accidentally not reconnect that wire, then wonder why the engine would be so hard to start. HEI ignition runs on 12 volts, and doesn't need that bypass wire.
1. Make sure you have the small wire on the right stud.
2. Make sure you have 12 volts at that wire when the ignition switch is in the start position.
3. Make sure you still have a good engine to frame ground connection.

 

purple wire can be white also

 

Thanks guys. When I changed that starter, (hadn't looked again yet) I couldn't see any other wires other the one from the battery, and another one that wasn't purple or white, but it's connected. I looked from top and bottom, guess I'll just have to dig around.