Starter Not Turning. Thoughts?

[Conrad Rossi]

Dear Barners,

I got ready for my engine compression, installed my new Optima 6V battery, new wires to the battery, starter, and starter solenoid -all purchased from Macs.

I was able to turn the engine to obtain readings for five cylinders, and the starter motor started to hesitate, and I also noticed the cycles going to the battery were hot, so I unplug them and let them cool off. After an hour, reconnected everything and was able to finish the remaining three cylinders. Next, I started a "wet" test and the starter hesitated again, and noticed that the button under the ignition coil was getting stuck. I wrestled with the button and was able to complete another four cylinders. I had to stop because the wires were hot again, so I disconnected everything and let cool down.

I pushed the car in third gear in case the starter was stuck, and connected everything back. I tried to turn the engine again, but this time it was dead, the cables were much hotter, now including the solenoid. Same routine...

I replaced the solenoid with a new one from Mac's. Still dead.

Note that the battery is fully charged, there is continuity between the batt and starter side of the coil (the big nuts). The only difference this time is that the wires and the solenoid are not hot.

Please help me troubleshoot the problem. I am ordering a new solenoid from Napa. Note that I have wired the car for 6v positive ground, and the only wiring connection is between the battery, the solenoid, and the starter motor. Also, how can rule out the starter motor? Thank you.

Best regards,