Farmall Cub

I am working on a IH 424 Diesel for a friend of mine. Ever since it got water in the fuel and had to have the system flushed it refuses to start by the starter and needs to be towed to get started. I know it need glow plugs as he has been using starting fluid to start it on days when it's not realy cold at all. I also suspect the cables and the battery and starter terminals need some attention and I have thought about converting it to alternator to improve battery voltage and charge state for improved starting. I thought I would ask if anybody here has had similar problems before I go off and just start changing a few things. In my mind some new cables, glow plugs, perhaps a starter and an alternator conversion to keep the battery up would be a good start and if it was my tractor I would probably go that way with it right away.

I suggest that you clean all the contact areas first -- lugs, brushes-- check battery ,forget the other stuff for now

How did water get in fuel? rain? flood?

I think it was due to sitting outside in heavy rain. It has always had a bit of a charging and starting problem and I would not be surprised if the brushes were worn as I think everything is pretty much original on this. To me it just looks like it has been used alot and not kept up much. It doesen't seem to charge the battery when running. I will check out the basics on the charging and starting system. How much easier would it be to start if it had new glow plugs?

Properly working glow plugs will make all the difference in the world when starting.