I would disconnect negative battery cable and carefully study and inspect the lever and linkage under hood. Operate lever by hand without foot pedal. The set up is supposed to slide pinion gear into mesh with flywheel gear and at the same time bush button. See if slide/mesh looks good and button switch clicks. You can assume and replace if you want. There are other tests if you want to test first. There are lot's of things it can be.
We do need much more detailed explanation, tests and some questions to narrow the list. It's what we do. Won't be hard to find the issue.
So until narrowed by test, logic, repair or replacement:
1. Battery
2. Starter or lug on starter
3. Linkage/pedal/worn out pivot points
4. Button switch
5. Ground cables
6. Pos cables
7. Generator/voltage regulator
8. Motor "lock"/ loose belt/other long shot stuff
First thing I would actually do, but do not suggest if you are not comfortable, is.....
Have someone inside cab put trans in neutral, apply brake...... you take plug wire off of center distributor tower and operate lever under hood to slide pinion out and let lever bush button down all the way to see if motor cranks. Or do that alone if no helper. Do it 6+ times. If each time works. Do it from inside cab using foot pedal. That can give a big clue very fast and eliminate many items on list. Report findings and/or decisions.
