John,
Blimey, that sounded a bit scary! I hope the damage isn't too severe. I hope
also that the starter motor isn't too badly fried - wherever you get a
replacement, they will want your old one in exchange, or you will get a
surcharge (unless you are planning on picking up a used on from The Graveyard
or somewhere like that). I replaced my starter a while back (just old age,
stopped turning the engine with any enthusiasm), I don't remember having to
remove the fuel pump or anything like that, just two bolts holding it on and
one nut for the wire and the whole thing came out easily.
Check your wiring sequence very carefully after you re-install the starter,
before you try using it - I hate to say this, but since your starter was
sort-of working before you cleaned up the connections, and everything went
bang after you worked on it, is it possible that the work you did caused the
fire?
I'm sorry to hear you are stuck with a scooter for your commuting until this is
fixed - it is not exactly the weather for it today!! I'd call in sick and use
the day off to fix your car - just don't mention that it is Saskia that is
sick and not you. That's what I did when Daffy's starter went as I got into
her to head to work - I hope my boss isn't looking over my shoulder as I type
this!!
Richard & Daffy
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