Loaded a trailer now truck won't start...doh!

[Vcbotto]

Hey fortification nation, I recently purchased a 1969 F100 360 v8. It started and ran great with no problems. Then last weekend I loaded a trailer with a yard of decomposed granite and the truck wouldn't start. Tried to jump it with no response. Changed the solenoid, but no luck. We changed the starter but still nothing. Checked the battery, it was bad, so I changed with a new one and still no response when we turn the key. We tried to jump it straight from the solenoid/starter but couldn't get anything out of it. It doesn't click or anything. Any ideas???? Thanks!

[72BahamaBlue]

Auto or manual trans.?
If an auto., try starting it while in neutral, sometimes the neutral safety switch gets worn and/or out of adjustment, might be worth a try.

[Craigerf100]

your ignition switch could be bad. where you turn thr key.

also try starting it through the solenoid, by touching the left side to the right with a wire. DONT SHOCK YOURSELF!

[Vcbotto]

Thanks guys. It's a manual, three on the tree. I'll try to jump it at the solenoid. We tried that with the old solenoid, starter and battery and it didn't work but I'll try again with all the new stuff and I'll change the ignition switch.

[chad67]

I always work from the battery and check every connection and wire for damage or corrosion. Wherever the power stops is the problem. It could be a bad cable-check the positive and negative. Make sure the ground connection isn't corroded. Keep following the power until it stops. A good electrical tester is worth it's weight in gold when something like this happens.

[max03]

my opinions on a bad cabel connection or ground.

[Vcbotto]

one more thing to note...the new battery i put in two weeks ago drained without the truck ever turning over or running and no lights were left on. something was drawing power...any thoughts...

[Vcbotto]

Hey gang. I put new battery cables on and grounded the negative cable straight to the frame instead of to the engine block. I also changed the ignition switch. It has a new solenoid, starter, and battery. I got it to crank and turn over. Sounded like it would've started but I needed to choke it and open up the throttle. I switched it off and tried again but got no response when I turned the key. Tried a screw driver on the solenoid with no response. I feel like I made progress but am back to square one. Any thoughts? Thanks!

[chad67]

Check the condition of the ground strap to the engine and the connections on both ends.