Need help with starter not working

[WayneT1972]

The attached PDF is a snippet of the Shop Manual for 1973 Fords. It shows a lot of information about the primary ignition system wthat may be of use to you.

I have a '72 351c THAT SAT, that I have replaced the battery, starter cable, starter relay, and starter. I have cleaned grounds and verified tight connections, yet all I get is starter relay chatter as if the battery is low. I have bypassed ignition switch using remote starter, same chatter but no crank. I have tied a ground to the starter, still chatter from starter relay but no turnover. I have removed plugs and can turn crank by hand. Distributor is removed. Just pulled new starter to have it tested. Have tried 3 new batteries from my other vehicles - all same results. JUST LOOKING TO GET THE STARTER TO TURN THE CRANK RIGHT NOW.
ANY HELP APPRECIATED.

 

[Hemikiller]

First - the starter solenoid must be grounded to the fender apron for it to function properly. The other issue is do you have a battery to apron ground path? Attach a wire from the Battery (-) terminal to a handy fender apron bolt and try again.

Pic below is the factory battery cable path, the lug secured by fastener #9 is the *only* battery to body ground in the vehicle. If it's missing, it will cause a myriad of electrical issues.