Paul & Paul:
The tractor is a 782 and the relay I'm working on is under the seat and you can feel it actuating when the ignition key is engaged.
I read a write-up on another site that mentioned when the relay begins to fail, it will take out the ignition switch, too. I had a ignition switch burn up on me last year. Replaced it...but the engine still cranks very slowly, laboriously. This is why we decided to pull and refresh the starter which is when my son unknowingly pulled the left cylinder head off, which is when I returned to my favorite forum...ihcubcadet...for learning and guidance.
Anyway, I'm just trying to get it to start to mow the lawn before father's day to keep SWMBO happy.
Could it be something as simple as a bad ground??