Starter motor not turning engine

[1938austin7]

I was astonished how much an earth strap from the starter to the body improved it.

Thanks all,

As it is out of the car I will do a test on the weekend and see if the gear is stuck.  Cheers Geoff

I tested it the other day with body of the starter resting on the battery and the gear flung out as far as it could.

Based on the earth comment, I am assuming corrosion on the battery terminal that I discovered when I dismantled the engine may have been enough to stop it working properly.

Fingers crossed.  I am hoping to get the car back on the road in the next couple of weeks.