[egad]

Wow, you are correct. I removed the controller and found burn marks where one of the six screws were in contact with the mounting plate. I insulated the screws and now we are back to square one. I hit the throttle and only click from solenoid. 0 volt between b+ and m- on the controller when i push the throttle. Full voltage between b- on controller and battery b+ Terminal.
Need to disassemble the controller again and check the connections on the newly soldered parts. Any other parts on the controller known to be faulty?
Thank you again for all the help!