Starter circuit

[Erie Canal Boater]

I posted earlier that my starter was working when it wanted too and everytime I loosened up the starter and wiggled it would wor. I took starter out took to Napa they did a test said starter was fine not drawing any more volts&amps then it should. I have cleaned all coonections and don a test on the positive wires.
Whats the best way to test the -neg part of the circuit?

When I took starter out there was oil around where it mounts, I'm assuming this might make the connection bad. I will clean area up an try again. Should I put a new ground cable on?
Any advice or things I should be lookin at appreciated.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Starter circuit

Don't know what you're working on, but the chances are good you have an assist solenoid in addition to the solenoid on your starter. That could be your problem.

The starter is grounded to the engine through the body of the starter and the starter bolts. Double check the ground cable from the battery to the block as well.

 

[Erie Canal Boater]

Re: Starter circuit

Working on a mercruiser 470 with a delco-remy starter.
Yes it has a slave solenoid that has been tested and is fine. I believe i'm narrowing it down to the ground wanted to know the best way to test the ground?