Long story short.Car was rear ended and is in the panel shop, driven there no issues, they rang, car is done but died and wont start so off I go to take a look and yes it is as they say. My findings are- battery is good. connections seem tight. I turn the key on, fuel pump runs and stops as per normal and then twist key to start and nothing except the water temp needle goes straight up to top of guage and the radio cuts out. No check engine lights prior or during this. Its like the transmission interlock switch is jammed on, tried shifting position of gear shift, no start anywhere. Left key on and tried shorting the two starter terminals to wind over, just a spark but no engagement of solenoid. Currently I am stumped and not sure what to look at next, never had an issue like this before, Help!

 

Dead battery?

 

No, Battery has tested fine

 

That would indicate a problem with the starter.
Should at least hear the solenoid click (even if battery was too flat to spin starter over ).

Did you use the correct small terminal on solenoid ; the one with purple wire on it ,
jumpered to the main batt terminal?

 

No check engine lights with key on is a clue. Have you checked all of the fuses? And don't forget the fusible link near the battery That powers the ignition switch. Even if that is blown, jumping the starter should still engage it if the battery is good or at least hear it click as VetteOz said.

 

Yep, starter shot, confirmed by an auto sparky. Was the original starter off the original 305 so 27 years not a bad run and I guess the high comp 355 now in it was too much for it. Hitachi mini starter now going to be fitted. Thankyou all for your help
Cheers Simon