Ford Repair: 92 ford escort, repair history, water seal

Question
my escort will not start by key.  but if i leave the key in the start position and wire it from the starter to battery the car starts.  any suggestions.

1992 ford escort.  
repair history.
recently I had the engine removed to change the water seal behind the flywheel.  after the engine was replaced the car started several times and then just stopped.

Answer
Hello and thanks for the question...I'll try to help.
Check for power at the trigger wire going to the fender mounted solenoid. If you have power there when the key is turned to start...replace the solenoid. If not, the problem is before the solenoid.
Erik