So I get in my '72 ES a couple of days ago and turn the key, but the engine doesn't crank. I heard the fuel pump run a couple of seconds, but nothing from the starter. Popped the hood and shorted out the starter connections and the starter kicked in with no problem. I hope to troubleshoot this thing over the weekend, but would love any suggestions on where to start. I have checked the wires on the ignition switch and they seem to be tight. Seems to me that I am looking at either a bad ignition switch or some faulty wiring between the ignition switch and the starter.

You mentioned 'shorting' out the starter connections locally... To what exactly back there did you provide power? If you put power to the braided wire between the starter and solenoid , that'll provide power to the starter and it'll go round. But you need to supply power to the spade clip on on the back of the solenoid. That will kick the starter gear in, and internally provide power to the starter. Unless the solenoid is bad.

And of course, make sure there's a wire to said spade clip. I've had them fall off many a time.


--
-Matt I ♥ my ♂

You might also have an ignition switch going south. The starter contacts
are usually not only the first to go but also the cause of many bent and broken
keys. You might want to hook up an auxiliary start switch if this is the case.
--
George Downs Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!

Chakra;

If the starter can be locally enegized, but doesn't get power from the IGN switch, you've got the right idea...I'd doublecheck the wiring diagram to verify there are no lockouts in line which could be causing a problem...

Good Hunting!