why wont my 88 f150 start?

Check your battery connection, make sure your terminals are clean and tight. The other end of your battery cables might also be bad or have a loose connection on the starter, your battery may have a dead cell in it, and your starter solenoid may be bad. I know ford used to put these on the inner fenderwell, my dad used to have the same problem and woud have to jump the solenoid with a screwdriver.

could also be the starter motor itself

The click is the solenoid engaging. It is on the right front inner fender. You have a short positive battery cable leading to that solenoid. Check the condition of that cable. Also, check the condition of the cable that leads from the solenoid to the starter motor. Make sure the insulation is intact and that the cable is well away from the exhaust manifold. Check the condition of the negative battery cable. Replace all if one is weak. Chances are that if one is damaged, the others are not far behind. I normally put in the heavy 1 gauge cables. More power is always good. If the cables are good, then there is a good chance you need a new starter motor. Rebuilt, they are about $100. Brand new, with a life time warranty, about $150. The starter motor is dead easy to change. Disconnect the negative batter cable. Disconnect the electrical line to the starter and then remove the 2 bolts holding the starter to the bell housing. The starter will fall out. Installation is the reverse.

Want turn over new starter ,no fire

I’m having similar issues only mine turns over but won’t start. I’ve replaced almost everything on mine but when I bought it it did exactly the same thing yours is. I’d take the starter off and inspect it for damage if anything what fixed mine was buying a whole new starter