QUOTE(kerensky @ Jun 22 2010, 03:07 PM)
My standard advice when people talk about charging their battery - it's best to disconnect the battery cables when charging. The Owner's Manual gives you this sage advice - I did not heed that advice in my younger days, which resulted in two failed ECUs in about 6 weeks' time.
Note that this doesn't hold for many cars - most are just happy as clams to have you charge their batteries while they're hooked up. Why is the 914 different? :shrug:
My `85 BMW 325e also advises to disconnect ground or remove the fuse to the on-board computer while jumping or charging.
It is SOP - so you don't fry the electronic chips in the "new" electronics & EFI's ECU, since we can't have surge protectors in our 914s' electrical systems & the chargers can pump a huge line surge maginfied by the charger.
The 914's & 411/412's were the first EFI cars back then with an IBM designed "black box" ECU, so that was why they were "different".
Back to the question at hand ...
... also check the starter wiring again, & verify that NAPA gave you the correct starter part no. - & if not- back it goes, as well as if it's still "no joy" after you sort out the other battery issues noted above. That's why they offer a reman/rebuild warranty on their parts, & IMHO only use the Bosch reman/rebuilt ones cuz they have a better warranty history due to their reputation they want to protect.