That extra wire is the one that supplies +12 volts to the ECU and fuel
pump. This is done by a roundabout manner. A big wire goes from the
battery to the starter, then the wire in question goes from the starter
to the alternator, then a wire goes from the alternator to the ECU relay
and fuel pump relays. All 3 wires as a team provide +12 to the ECU and
fuel pump.

Any disconnection in any of these 3 wires will keep the engine from
starting no matter what.

Mark

dgk1 wrote:
>
> Mechanic tips wanted.  The starter died in my '85 Westy and after replacing it
> she no longer starts.  Turns over great.  Doesn't start.  The thing is, even
> when the other starter was close to death and would hardly turn over, she'd
> start right up.  And even after the starter died completely I could bump start
> it just by pushing it by hand (alone) for a few feet and then popping the
> clutch in gear.  Now, nothing.  The one clue I have is an extra wire (with a
> really big terminal end that looks more like a bushing) in the vacinity of the
> starter.  I'm pretty sure I unhooked two, and now there's an extra one there
> that doesn't seem to fit anywhere obvious.  Help!
> --Dion