Arc between battery and fender wall

[71RED911T]

Before beginning the process to replace the wiper motor in my 1971 911T, I began to disconnect the battery. While doing this, I accidentally touched the handle end of the wrench on the metal on the inside part of the fender while the business end of the wrench was connected to the positive battery clamp. The connection was just a split second and it caused a spark. After replacing the wiper motor, the car will not start. I have power to operate the sunroof and other accessories. When I turn the key, the starter engages for just a second, then stops. What is the needed fix for this? Any help is appreciated.

[RedCoupe]

I would carefully check and clean all your battery cable connections. It's probably burned at some point from the direct short. It now has too much resistance at the burned area to allow the car to start. Always disconnect the negative battery terminal first before doing any work on the positive terminal or battery cable to prevent this from happening again.

[E Sully]

Did you check the battery to see if it is still holding a charge? Possible that the battery is the problem, or as noted previously, check to make sure the connections are cleaned and well secured.
First thing people should know is to disconnect the Negative cables first, then there is no path to ground if the positive contacts the chassis.

[71RED911T]

I just cleaned both battery posts, the positive and negative connections and the point where the negative cable connects in the trunk area and it still does the same thing. The battery is fully charged so I know that is not the issue. Any other suggestions?

[71RED911T]

Thanks for the advice. I cleaned both battery posts and their respective connections. I also cleaned the area where the negative cables attaches to the body, but it still does the same thing when I try to start it. The battery is fully charged. Do you have any other ideas?

[E Sully]

Have you also checked the transmission to chassis ground strap? This supplies the ground for the engine and starter.
It is possible to have damaged the starter. The starter and alternator are directly connected to the battery positive terminal..

[71RED911T]

Thanks for the suggestions. It started after a recharge and the cleanings suggested.