35 Ford Wont Crank

[Road Journey]

Have nice restored 1935 Ford coupe, generally easy start & runs well. Gone for two weeks & unable to start on my return. Won't crank (not spinning) despite full charge & 6 to 7 volt output on relatively new Optima battery. Dead. Am looking for step by step possible causes.

Have purchased new starter button & cutout to try. Not opposed to buying starter & having spares on hand but want to be systematic. What is most probable cause? What other steps should I try? My ford Guru suggests giving starter a good knock for possible stuck cummutor brushes.

Running when I leave, not running when I return. Thank you.

[rockfla]

Still not clear from your post here......IS it spinning over or not??? You have referenced the starter a couple of times but not clear as to IF its actually spinning.

[Kurt in NJ]

clean battery terminals ---
use voltmeter to check switch ----move to starter see if voltage there when switch is pushed ---if voltage there look to starter ----perhaps starter jammed--turn on lights, watch if go dim when starter button pushed ---perhaps put in 3rd gear and rock car to see if starter jammed

[4dFord/SC]

As Kurt in NJ says, the starter may be jammed in the flywheel. If rocking the car in high gear doesn't free it, hit it (the starter, that is) a couple of times with a hammer. It won't hurt it.

[JSeery]

You can try jumping straight to the starter with 12v.

[drolston]

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You can check the foot actuated starter switch by shorting across its' terminals with a screwdriver. If no crank, loosen the connections on the switch, wiggle them back and forth and retighten. Also loosen and retighten the connection on the starter itself. Check the ground from the engine to the body.