Tractor Repair: Ford 1320 Will not Start, cable clamps, test batteries

Question
My 1988 Ford 1320 3 cylinder Diesel with approx 1900 hours on it will not start or turn over.  I was having problems with engine not starting,it would turn over but not kick in.  I replaced the block heater as I am in Michigan and it was abut 10 degrees when I originally tried to start the tractor.  

I replaced the block heater and installed a new battery, when I turned the key, I heard one click then everything went dead.  No lights, no lights on dash.  I am not an expert, but I know the battery is good as it is BRAND new...I am thinking it could be the starter or solenoid-am I on the right track and where do you think I should start...

Thanks in advance.

Pat Richard

Answer
 If I understand correctly, it turned over before but would not start until you replaced the battery and block heater, and after that it will not even turn over.  If it turned over before the battery was replaced, it is possible but not very likely that the starter or solenoid is faulty.  It is most likely related to the battery because that's when the problem of not turning over occurred.  Also, the fact that the dash went dead tells me there is a bad connection or battery because a bad starter or solenoid would not cause that.  Check that the battery is hooked up correctly and that the cable clamps are in good shape, clean, and tight.  Clamps that are eaten away or can't be tightened, or cables badly corroded should be replaced.  Make sure there is a good connection where the ground cable grounds to the chassis of the tractor.  Many times these are rusty or loose.  Make sure the connections on the starter are clean and tight.  Check all fuses.  The fact that the battery is brand new does not guarantee that it is charged or even that it is good.  I have seen several brand new batteries that were no good, and one wouldn't even make the starter click after charging it up.  Another was dry and had no acid in it.  Maybe it just needs to be charged up.  Most places don't test batteries before they sell them to you.  I know not everyone has a load tester available to test the battery, so try starting it with jumper cables from another vehicle.  Hook the cables directly to the starter.  That way if it starts, you will verify that the starter and solenoid are good.  Then hook the jumper cables to the battery clamps and try to start it again.  If it doesn't start, then the problem is in the cables or connections.  If everything checks out OK, then have the battery tested or try a different battery.  If you still have problems with it turning over but not starting, check if there is smoke coming out of the muffler while turning it over.  If not, then it is not getting any fuel.  If there is smoke, then check that the glow plugs are working properly.