And more advice sought, please. Apologies if this seems too simple, but I just want to confirm my "estimated" starter connections.


New_Starter

Here is my new starter, (which now clears the Westfield exhaust). On the solenoid, there are 3 connections. The larger terminal, arrowed in red, is for the main supply from the battery, and also feeds back to the alternator main terminal. The spade terminal connects to the PWS loom blue/black wire. The smaller threaded terminal, arrowed in blue, connects to what?

I reckon that it connects to the alternator field coils; is this correct? Please let me know if I've got it wrong.

Older Ford starters generally had 4 connections --- (1)&(2) the two obvious main starter in out, (3) the solenoid coil in and (4) the ballast ressitor by-pass out.

If you check with a multi meter the ballast by-pass is isolated from all the other temminals and earth unless the solenoid is operated.

The solenoid winding generally has about 3 to 5 ohms resistance.

Isnt that the signal from the key/starter button?

Whats the blue/black wire for?

How does power get to starter, is it from one of the two big connectors (other would go to battery)

If yes, then the small contact would be to ignition switch.

Easy to test. Disconnect battery from solenoid, put voltmeter set to resistance across fat contacts, touch 12 v to the third connector, resistance should be zero as contacts close plus you should here it click.

If any doubt, consult manufactuer instruction.

it worries me that an object with only 3 wire connections is providing so much confusion to a "builder of a high performance cars"
large terminal connects to the battery.....
the smaller threaded terminal is for the ballast resistor bypass. (not needed on modern ignition systems generally)
spade terminal is for the starter excite wire......