mercruiser in line 6 cranking problems. HELP!!

[sa43]

I had to rebuild my engine just got it in and the starter will not turn engine over. I found the alternator ground is hot so i unhooked it wont turn over with the switch. crossed it out with screwdriver motor turned over one time. now nothing. I did notice my test light would stop burning when I crossed it out. I remove screwdriver and it lights up. Any advice would help

 

[alldodge]

Check your battery voltage should be close to 12.7
Also load test it at the local parts store

 

[Scott Danforth]

do you have it wired right? specifically if you found the alternator ground is hot.

 

[sa43]

brand new battery. I took pictures and I dont see where I wired anything wrong. I will go back over it again. Thanks

 

[Bt Doctur]

battery cable reversed will do that

 

[Scott Danforth]

you have to have an understanding of wiring..... which is a bit more indepth than pictures

at the starter
red battery cable from batt + to B terminal on motor. (then stack all the other harness + leads)
black battery cable from batt 1 to block ground at back of motor
yellow with red stripe to the S terminal on the starter
purple with red stripe from the i terminal on the starter to the coil +

your ignition switch takes power from the b terminal on the starter, and poweres the purple wire powers the gauges and the +side of the coil thru a ballast resistor for your points

the start signal is the yellow wire with the red stripe, which powers a pilot relay at the starter, which then provides the S terminal with power directly from the starter.

 

[sa43]

there lies the problem. I hate wiring and everything to do with it. I took pictures and still screwed it up. I would rather dig sewer like up and fall in it than deal with wiring problems.
thanks