trouble starting!

[mez]

I was using my mk1 escort regulary. and left it for a couple of weeks and now i cant get it to start. im a bit of a novice but ive tested the battery,cleaned contacts removed starter motor and put a battery to it the cog moves dowm the spline,but i dont know what else to check. oh yeah when i turn the key it sounds like it will almost turn over

[Trevmk3]

is it turning the engine over quickly when your turning the key or is it turning slowly with the odd occasion of it trying to fire up?

[bortaf]

Could be over advanced timing? whats it set at

or just a buggerd starter, they do burn out ?

[Trevmk3]

or just a buggerd starter, they do burn out ?

 

thats what mine was on the cortina, was turning over very slow when it actually wanted to turn

[Fiesta Steve]

Could be timing, I run a lot of advance at idle and my missus is convinced the batterys always flat

[mez]

is it turning the engine over quickly when your turning the key or is it turning slowly with the odd occasion of it trying to fire up? thats exactly what its doing now its sparking where the negative from battery attaches to the engine when i turn the key

[mez]

is it turning the engine over quickly when your turning the key or is it turning slowly with the odd occasion of it trying to fire up?

Thats whats happening but now ive got sparking when i turn the key where the negative is bolted to the engine forgot to say that its the second one, tuning slowly sounds like its gonna start then nothing

[caprinerd]

tighten the earth strap on the engine if its sparking