292 1963 f100 won't turn over
 

So after several months I've got my 63 f100 with the original 292 running (new main rear seal, water pump - thanks to the forum's help in identifying the part number, radiator, oil pump, fuel pump and more :)) After about 100 miles or so it's stopped turning over. Tried jumping it, tried even swapping the battery but sounds exactly the same. Lights work. So I'm thinking starter? Any other ideas. Appreciate any advice. This did happen after driving it at night for the first time and using the headlights - maybe that's related but again the two year old battery seems just fine.

Have you tried bypassing the solenoid? Could be bad...

Thanks for the fast reply! Have not tried that yet but I know. should. The engine does try to turn over so you're right maybe the stater is okay but not the solenoid. Do you have a simple step by step for doing that?

Try a light whack with a rubber hammer. Yes, Ford techs at a Ford dealership do this. You'll still need a starter solenoid, but you may scare it into working. If it still don't work, use a jumper wire or a screwdriver from the + battery terminal to the S terminal on the solenoid.
These things are cheap and have a rep for failing. I always carry a spare when I'm driving an older Ford. I mean, c,mon, less than ten bucks

Thanks for the advice. Bypassed the Solenoid and same thing - starter tries to crank the engine but doesn't get there. Thinking distributor/plugs.

It looks like it's time to pull the starter and take it to an auto parts store for testing. Troubleshooting is a process of elimination. If the starter checks out, and I have my doubts, then it's time to think about possibly timing. BTW have you put a socket on your crank bolt and tried turning the engine by hand?

How cold is it where you are at? Truck parked outside in the snow and salt brine muck? Sometimes rebuild starters aren't too good. They will work OK, just not for very long. Or when it gets esp. cold. Some years back I had to took a propane torch to the starter and thaw it out, got my truck out of the parking lot the next day anyway. It was well below 0. I did not want to replace a starter outside and figured it might loosen up some and get the truck home.

That replacement has held up pretty good since then but taking no chances I recently bought a new one from DB electrical, and a new bendix, solenoid, it's all ready to go. If it ever warms up in the garage. The problem with starters they can be bit or miss. Try to breakdown at home if ya can.

Solved!
 

So after all that, the obvious. Either bad fuel gauge or sender unit, float. Truck was out of gas :). Running great!

I've never had that happen. And I hope it doesn't happen again