jason k wrote:if it will start by crossing the terminals he must be getting power..
sounds like the solenoid chap. its fitted on top of the starter.
not true i'm afraid.
the battery lead goes to one terminal on the solenoid direct so he's bound to have power there. the other goes into the starter motor so as he crosses them he bypasses the solenoid. so we know the starter is ok but that doesn't tell us if theres power to the solenoid from the ign switch.
it's easy to check the solenoid,, take a short length of wire which is bared at each end (just normal thin wire will do) touch one end to the fat lead on the starter that goes to the battery, and touch the other end onto the small switchwire terminal on the solenoid (usually a spade connection)
if the solenoid is ok it will pull in, which will bridge the two terminals you bridged and turn the engine which will confirm you have no 12v feed from the ign switch to the solenoid.
if it doesnt engage or it just clunks then the solenoid is fooked
