Starter Help

["Joseph Michael Shaw, II" <MikeIIDC@domain.elided>]

Okay, I went out, put the new solenoid on VERY carefully, put the
starter back in, and once again, nothing.  As I said before, with the
old one, it was at least turning over, just not stopping very quickly!
Anyway, what do you think.  When I put the first new one in last night,
I tried to jump across the posts.  Those of you who recommend this with
a screwdriver are not at all understanding what I am talking about in
terms of the tight quarters that I have been complaining about.  I had
to use a piece of wire, and even getting this up to the "S" terminal was
very tricky and kind of haphazard.  However, the thing would spark and
"clunk" as if starting to do its job before the sudden movement of it
and me combined took the wire off of the "S" post and stopped it.  I
have not tried this with the newest one, as I don't see the point.
So, what would cause it to work under the old one, yet not turn off.
And would make it not work at all with a new one?  And yet would allow
for action when the starter solenoid is "jumped"?  Any ideas?  I hate to
go buy a new starter and have it not work too!  Any ideas/brainstorms?
By the way, I cleaned off all of the wires going to the starter, and the
battery terminals.  I don't think its a connection thing.  It doesn't at
this point click or anything.  I also have tried this with both
solenoids with both (the original and the new ignition) switches.

Michael