I bough another 56 with original engine and running gear. No body work has even been done so i,m planning on fixing the rust and leaving it like it is as a driver. Replaced starter, solenoid and cables. The engine turns very slow when trying to crank. Any thoughts on what to check or replace next would be appreciated. Thanks HaroldMac

 

I would guess something is wrong with the starter? I know you said you replaced it but maybe take a look inside? Look at the brushes and commutator? Only other thing I can think of is your battery leads to the starter are way too small?

 

Haroldmac,
Check the engine to frame ground. It needs a braided or cable size equal to the positive one from the solenoid. While you're at it check the ground to the cab from both the engine and the frame. You can never have enough grounds

 

I would make certain the battery is good. Load test, ample capacity etc.
Edit: Have you ever seen the engine run?
Does the engine turn over easy by hand?

 

I will check the grounds tomorrow. As far as engine run no. The guy i bought it from said he had it running in 2009. The gas tank was taken out and he said as long as you pour gas in cab it would run. It does sound like maybe a ground issue. The starter was rebuilt last week and put a new solenoid on it with all new cables. Thanks for the info guys, I hope to come back with good news this weekend. Thanks again.

 

That was gas in Carb BTW, lol

 

That's good to know! We don't want guys pouring gas in their cab!

 

Grounds are so important. I was using a 12v battery on my 6v starter for a while with old cables. When I went back to the 6v it barely spun. New cables helped but it still struggled. These guys had told me about grounds but I'm pretty dense. Finally I ground the paint off the frame at the battery and starter ground. Wow! big difference. You only have to hit me in the head 4 or 5 times before I start listening to those smarter than me.

That isn't the first time I didn't read advice clearly or just didn't listen.
Hopefully it is just your grounds as well. That is such an easy fix.