[ideal_trucks]

I've had a new issue come up on my 430. I went to start it the other day, after having just mowed the yard the day before. The dash lights, fuel pump, etc all came on fine. I waiting for the glow plugs to go off, and tried to start and got nothing. Now the lights were very very dim and I could hear buzzing from the relays. Ok, seemed like maybe bad connection. I have new batter cables on it. I checked them, connections seemed good.
I got the voltmeter out. Checked batter at 12.39 volts. Pulled the fuses and checked voltage good there. Using a frame ground. Lights still very dim, fuel pump not running. No crank.
I pulled the 10 amp fuse out and turned the key on and I had fuel pump running. Put the 10 amp fuse back in pump goes off, relays buzzing. Fuse block is new.
I removed the 8 pin connector from the time delay module, turned on key and had bright dash lights. I tried the starter and went back to the same problem. So just a fluke that that helped. I assumed it might since pulling the 10 amp fuse allowed the fuel pump to run.
So, it seems like there's an issue with a connection maybe somewhere. I've checked ground connections and they seem good.
Thoughts? Switch not allowing good positive connection?
I hate to leave the key on while I'm testing, I'm afraid I'm going to burn out a relay

 

[ideal_trucks]

Yeah, first occurrence. The battery is 20 years old, but It's been starting it just fine and had just started it less than 24 hours ago. I topped it off with a charger too.

 

[ideal_trucks]

20 years old?? Or is that a typo?

Haha, no it's not a typo. It's been working fine and still showing good charge. date sticker on it is 2002

 

[ideal_trucks]

It's a Napa brand.
I may need to pull the switch. I checked power to the fuse block which comes directly from the switch
I'll try another battery this evening and see what I get

 

[ideal_trucks]

We'll, I'm embarrassed to say it but the issue was my 20 year old battery. I guess it's time to retire it.

 

[ideal_trucks]

I can't claim credit for it. I just bought the tractor about 6 months ago, but I know the guy well that I bought it from. He's had it since new. He maintains his equipment really well so I would imagine he's kept it on charge. Most I've got is 14 years out of battery in my f150