[CriticalMass]

Today while I was adjusting the timing on ERA #164 the negative lead on the timing light slipped off the engine block. Then I got a white puff of smoke and the hiss of (I'm assuming) wire insulation burning off on the passenger side firewall. The car continued to run normally but I immediately shut it down. After a minute of inspection I tried to start it again. The starter circuit was completely dead. None of the fuses are blown (I wish they were, that would be an easy fix).

I'm not sure if the negative lead slipping off caused it, or if when it slipped off it caused the positive lead to shift and bridge a connection somewhere. The positive lead was connected to the positive battery cable near the starter solenoid since the positive battery post is impossible to reach (under the fender).

Wire #35 on the ERA wiring diagram has clear damage on the portion of it that is exposed near the firewall...I can't be sure if it was caused during the incident, or existing damage however. There could be other damage that I can't see.

I had a spare starter solenoid sitting around so I tried it and no difference. Any suggestions for where to start troubleshooting?

Grrrr.