Can't get starter to work, grrr.. Options

[3liter914-6]

Ok, so I'm trying to start the car after putting it back together, and can't get the thing to crank.

I originally had a loose ground strap, but I have since installed a new one (I assume it doesn't matter where on the tranny it bolts to as long as the surfaces are clean, I installed it on a lower nut for easier access.) First time I cranked the key maybe 1-2 cranks. Tried again and clunk. clunk. swapped battery. clunk. clunk. Went and got a helper to crank while I messed with the starter. Actually got it to crank a whole bunch, maybe 10-15 revolutions, by wiggiling the 12V from the battery, next turn of the key...clunk. Cleaned post and cable with emory and brakleen. Couldn't get it to crank again. Had helper try while screwing with starter some more (tapping with hammer, noticed the ground strap that goes from bolt on solenoid to starter was smoking. During all this clunking the starter was getting very hot. Thought maybe the used SR68X was at fault, so I swapped in the original .8hp starter which worked fine before the rebuild. still nothing. Checked connections at battery, recleaned ground strap, still nothing. Ran jumper cables from battery to 12V post on starter and tranny ground strap, still nothing. Anyone have any ideas? Could both starters be bad? Am I missing something? One thing I am missing is I guess I'm supposed to have a cable from the Alternator? I can't find it... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) and don't remember it ever being there.


Thanks,

Adam