[budscub]

Originally Posted by adamo

I thought it might be the first section of battery cable. So, using jumper cables, I disconnected hot at battery and jumped from battery + to hot lead on solenoid. Still clicked. So, I think that eliminates 1). But I might be missing something because I'm not really good at all of this so let me know. 2) Solenoid is brand new. Makes same click with old or new solenoid attached. BTW old solenoid is 1 month old and the new one is 2 weeks old. new from store
3) If I disconnect lead from solenoid so S/G at the solenoid and run jumpers from disconnected battery to that lead it turns over.
4) I took off the negative battery cable and cleaned terminal ends, and removed bolt from frame and and cleaned that as well then put back. I also using jumpers connected the negative from battery to engine block, then to ground at the s/g- all same result.

Thanks for the information Adam, I really want to solve this for you. I understand your frustration with though, But it cannot defeat us. LOL,
SO now from your information above:

#3 with the cable disconnected from the solenoid, when you jumped to the disconnected end the starter spins. That's a good thing.
Now with the cable you disconnected from the solenoid reconnected, jump across the two big post with and old screw driver.
1) there should be sparks fly
2) the starter should spin

If that doesn't make it spin
you have either a poor cable between the solenoid and the battery, or the battery is weak in amperage, ( I say this because the battery can easily produce 12v but not enough amperage

I know you said you put the booster cables in the circuit in place of that first section of cable, but I seem to always need to shake and scrap to make booster cables work when boosting automobiles.

I would at least go to walmart in the battery section and get a short battery cable. It's only a few bucks, and may save your tractor from a decision you may regret.

Keep me posted on your progress. Just wish I were closer we would solve this thing.