Starting system issue

[mnc2fan]

I got an old car last weekend. It started up fine the day I got it home, but went out the next day, and it wouldn't start. It just clicks. K, so checked the battery full charge, the terminal connections look fine, and now tested the starter and its ok. The ignition on it has been done differently, its been fixed with a push button, you have to have the key on for the fuel pump, but not to turn it over.

And the wiring for it looks like its not the way its supposed to be, but I don't know for sure, as I don't have the book for it yet, hope its here tomorrow. I'm thinking its a bad ground somewhere. How can I find where the ground issue, if thats what it is, is at?

So what are some options, saying the battery, the battery terminal connections, and the starter are all good? Just no go with it starting. If it makes a difference, '85 ford escort.

Thanks for any help guys.
Bryan

[GMCwantsLS1]

Ha a '85 Ford Escort, I figured all those were crushed a long time ago! You need to make sure that the starter solenoid is good. It is mounted up on the inner fender by the battery. The battery positive attaches to it as well as the starter wire.

[GasGuzzler]

Probably has to do with the add on switch and most likely cobbled wiring. It's something someone would need to see in person to fix.

[mnc2fan]

The guy I bought it from said the guy he got it from used the button because the solenoid was bad.

Just for ruling things out, how do you go about checking the solenoid? I've tried shorting the two terminals (only seen that once, don't even know if it works that way) nothing happens.

The wiring.. in that thing, it just looks like such a rats nest..

Waiting on my repair book. I'll comb the wiring when that gets here.