Engine won't crank - earth or more serious? Options

[euro914er]

Hi everyone,

I'm a new UK owner - circa 6 months - of a 1.8L, 1974 in chrome yellow. The car is ex west coast, then was imported into the UAE by its PO around 4 years ago. There it was stripped down, repainted and reupholstered. The engine was put back in, but never recommissioned. The PO then came back to the UK about 2 years but never got around to connecting everything back up - all the vac hoses were missing, fuel lines gone and lots of wires go nowhere. Well I've sorted all of this and a few weeks back I attempted to turn her over. I was met with a "click" and after a quick google, internet wisdom pointed towards the solenoid. This was replaced and now the click has turned into a thunk. Jacking the wheel up and putting it into fifth, I can just about get the wheel to turn 180 degrees before I reach a hard stop. Plugs are out and diesel has been poured into to each cylinder. BTW - some leaks out of one cylinder - should it be doing that?

I'm now at the limit of my knowledge - some posts suggest its an earth strap problem - others suggest something more serious such as a stuck valve. The drivers side valve cover is over and all looks normal (according to a colleague). The passenger side will be more tricky as its deeply buried.

So what does the collective feel should be my next move? I've resisted pulling out the engine but I have a feeling I'm head that way. As you can see, she's mint apart from a sick engine

[bdstone914]

Need a little more info to help you. Does anything happen when you turn the key ? Click,no click at the starter ?
Battery charged?
Tested at 12Volts?
The ground (or earth ) strap is from the top rear of the trans to body. If missing the engine will not turn over. If not sure of it run aa jumper cable from the engine to the negative battery terminal.
Can you jump the starter solenoid with a screw driver with ignition on to get it to turn over?

and (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)