Is my starter the problem or the solenoid - 1987 Mazda RX-7

It sounds to me like you have a bad solenoid, If the solenoid was on the starter when you bought it I would go and get another starter. Otherwise just replace the solenoid.

You have a positive wire touching ground.

I assume you are looking for the starter solenoid. This is now part of the starter. Ford no longer has a seperate solenoid to the starter. It used to be under the hood, on the battery side, near the battery. Inrecent years, the starter solenoid became part of the starter. Mounted on top of the starter. Follow the Red battery cable, down to the starter. This will lead you directly to the solenoid.

Check your connetions and make sure you have the wires correctly positioned on the solenoid.

LOOKING AT STARTER WIRES.BATTERY CABLE POSITIVE CABLE GOES TO STARTER SOLENOID POSITIVE POST TERMINAL THAT IS THE LARGE STUD IN THE STARTER SOLENOID.. THE OTHER TWO RED WIRES WITH LARGE RING TERMINALS ALSO GOES TO THE STARTER SOLENOID POSITIVE POST TERMINAL.THE PURPLE WIRE WITH SMALL RING TERMINAL GOES TO S OR SWITCH POST TERMINAL.ON STARTER SOLENOID LOOK AT THE STARTER SOLENOID YOU WILL SEE LETTERS R AND S ON SOLENOID THE PURPLE WIRES WITH SMALL RING TERMINAL GOES TO S STUD TERMINAL ON STARTER SOLENOID.

If the starter or solenoid clicks but nothing else happens when you attempt to start the engine, there may not be enough amps to spin the starter. Or the starter may be bad. A poor battery cable, solenoid or ground connection, or high resistance in the solenoid itself may be the problem. A voltage check at the solenoid will reveal if battery voltage is passing through the ignition switch circuit. If the solenoid or relay is receiving battery voltage but is not closing or passing enough amps from the battery to spin the starter motor, the solenoid ground may be bad or the contacts in the solenoid may be worn, pitted or corroded. If the starter cranks when the solenoid is bypassed, a new solenoid is needed, not a starter. so first the voltage of the battery needs to be checked.the other things to be checked is starter and starter solenoid. Thanks. you can rate this solution and show your appreciation.

SOLENOID REPLACEMENT
(see Figures 5, 6 and 7)

Prior to removing the solenoid from the starter motor unit, matchmark the solenoid-to-starter motor housing position, as shown in the accompanying illustration.

1. Remove the starter motor from the vehicle.
2. Detach the solenoid-to-starter motor wire from the solenoid terminal.

Do not disassemble the solenoid; if the solenoid is defective, replace the entire unit with a new one.

1. Remove the two attaching screws, then slide the solenoid out of the starter motor housing flange.
   

Fig. 5: Before removing the starter motor solenoid, matchmark the solenoid-to-starter motor housing relationship



Fig. 6: Disconnect the field coil lead from the solenoid by loosening the retaining nut ...



Fig. 7: ... then remove the two attaching screws and separate the solenoid from the motor housing


To install:

1. Inspect the solenoid plunger joint for wear or other damage. Replace it, if damage is evident.
2. Apply Suzuki Super Grease A (99000-25010) or equivalent, to the solenoid plunger and to the tip of the lever arm (inside the starter motor-to-solenoid housing hole).
3. Insert the solenoid into the starter motor housing, ensuring that the matchmarks made during removal are aligned.
4. Install and tighten the two attaching screws securely.
5. Attach the starter motor-to-solenoid wire to the solenoid terminal.
6. While the starter motor is removed form the vehicle, perform the testing procedure to ensure that the new solenoid functions properly.
7. Install the starter motor.

Hope this help (remember rated and comment this).

2004 Jeep Liberty 4WD 3.7L MFI SOHC 6cyl
Starteer - Removal & Installation

2.4L & 3.7L Engines

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the starter mounting bolts.
4. On the 3.7L engine, the left side exhaust pipe and front driveshaft must be disconnected.
5. Disconnect the starter solenoid harness connections.
6. Remove the starter.

To install:



Fig. Starter mounting: 2.4L engine



Fig. The starter position for the 3.7L engine

1. Connect the starter solenoid wiring connectors.
2. Install the starter and torque the bolts to 40 ft. lbs. (54 Nm).
3. On the 3.7L, the left side exhaust pipe and front driveshaft.
4. Install the negative battery cable and check for proper operation.

2.8L Engine

1. Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.
2. Raise and support vehicle.
3. Disconnect solenoid wire connector from solenoid terminal
4. Remove battery cable from stud on starter solenoid.
5. Remove 3 starter mounting bolts.
6. Remove starter from transmission bellhousing.

To install:

1. Position starter motor to transmission housing.
2. Connect battery cable solenoid terminal wire harness connector to connector receptacle on starter solenoid. Always support starter motor during this process. Do not let starter motor hang from wire harness.
3. Install battery cable eyelet terminal onto solenoid B(+) terminal stud.
4. Install nut securing battery cable eyelet terminal to starter solenoid B(+) terminal stud.
5. Refer to torque specifications.
6. Position starter motor and install 3 bolts. Tighten 3 bolts in this sequence: top bolt, bottom bolt, middle bolt. Refer to torque specifications.
7. Lower vehicle.
8. Connect negative battery cable.

Also can review the Service Repair Manual for Jeep KJ Liberty

I really hope help you with this (remember rated this help) Good luck.