Test ignition and starter with engine out?

[Who.Me?]

Hi

Is there a way to test the ignition and starter wiring with the engine out?

Have had the transmission out and did some electrical work with the lump out of the way.

I'd like to check that it all works before putting the engine in, as it'll be easier to fix any issues with the engine out of the way.

Can it be done?
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Andy


Looking for info on my truck's history. Are you from Campbell California or nearby. Do you recognise it? ... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=636786

[Eric&Barb]

Only part of the wiring that is far easier to deal with engine out is the fuel gauge sender wiring that is up front of the engine. Take apart, clean, dielectric grease, and retighten each connection. Do same for the starter wiring, and also the surfaces of the starter and transaxle where they mount together for a good ground there.

Then just install the engine, wire all of it up and start testing. With engine out there is just too much chance of a bare unconnected wire shorting causing a wiring fire if you try testing with engine out.
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In Stereo, Where Available!

[Who.Me?]

Thanks Eric

The engine has been out for months and I was hoping to check my work so I could rule out my electrical work if it won't start when I put it back in.

I'm mostly concerned about incorrect connections and broken wires. I've replaced an aged hot/hard start relay and re-routed the blue ignition light wire. A previous owner had replaced it and run it loose across the floor beams.

Still got to get the transmission bolted back up though. Struggled with it on a trolley jack for a few hours yesterday but popped my kneecap out, so gave up for the day.
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Andy


Looking for info on my truck's history. Are you from Campbell California or nearby. Do you recognise it? ... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=636786

[Eric&Barb]

Well you could always use the Ohm setting on the multimeter to test the switches, but really with the starter you will want a load test and the engine in does that.

Sorry to hear about the knee! You need to get a couple of helpers when doing that next time, or a better way to do it yourself.
_________________
In Stereo, Where Available!