Ford 1320 Won't Start

[Balepusher]

Hello, I have seen many posts on this topic but no clear resolutions, hope you can help

I have a 1990 Ford 1320 Diesel 4x4 tractor that will not start and the dash lights intermittently have no power / do not light up

What happened / what I致e done:
-I was working in the field and accidentally left the ignition in accessory position. Came back the next day, found the battery dead, recharged and tested it at local NAPA all is good

-Put battery back in tractor, glow plugs and lights on dash are as normal but when I go to turn it over, nothing but a small click in the starter

-Checked and cleaned battery leads, ground strap, connections to starter and ignition switch

-After several more attempts to start, dash lights no longer light up?

-I removed starter and bench test shows fine

-Removed ignition switch bench test shows fine

-Reassemble and dash lights are working again. Attempt to start, all I get is a small click at the starter just like before and now no dash lights again

-I checked power to the starter and can't seem to find any but something must have made the starter click before the dash lights went out. When I bypass the starter lead by connecting jumper cables from the positive lead of the battery to the battery connection on the starter, nothing happens

-Right now I'm thinking it's a fusible link between the battery and starter or bad starter solenoid that is intermittent. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, this one has me stumped

Thanks

 

[TractorTech]

There is a fusible link off of the starter lug where + cable attaches, but I would think after what you described that it is a connection problem in the main cables.
Check that the battery posts are clean and tight. Check that the cable crimps haven't gotten corroded with acid causing a bad connection.

 

[Dave M7040]

This link to starter circuit trouble shooting by DENSO has simple practical voltage drop tests you can perform to isolate where the problem is.
You only need a cheap multi-meter.
Amazon has some as low as $6 but this one sold under the Sears brand looks like good value.
Amazon.com: Craftsman Digital Multimeter with AC Voltage Detector: Automotive
http://densoautoparts.com/sites/default/files/tech-tips/DENSO Starter troubleshooting tips.pdf
Dave M7040

 

[whis]

replace the battery

 

[Hanksterizer]

I see this is an old post and I hope you've got it fixed by now, but maybe this will avoid someone else the frustration I encountered with this same tractor... The ground cable on mine had corroded and was intermittent... It had just enough contact to warm the glow plugs and turn on the Dash lights, but would go dark when I tried to start it. I unbolted it from the frame, cleaned the ring terminal and surface, and put it back together. Everything again worked as it should.