Go BottomCold Weather Starting
 | FarmerWannabe
Join Date: Posts: 1 
|
2001-01-02 22992
It is actually cold (20-30F) in the south and I can't get my tractor started. I just purchased it used and it started easily when it was warmer. I've read about decompression levers, block heaters and fuel additives and need some help.I thought it was the battery so I hooked it up to my car and still couldn't start the tractor. It turned sluggishly but wouldn't start.The glow plug indicator was orange so that seems to be working. The oil was very thick.Are there any tricks to cold weather starting? Thank you for your help.
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoCold Weather Starting
| Bird Senter
Join Date: Jun 1999 Posts: 962 
|
2001-01-02 22993
If it turned over "sluggishly" then that's where I'd start. Are you sure the battery cables are clean and making good contact? Jump starting from another battery is still not very much help if cables are corroded or dirty. The oil's thick? What kind of oil does it have in it? It might help if it had clean oil of the proper viscosity. It's cold in the south this year, but I certainly don't think it's cold enough to be concerned about fuel gelling, although I would want to know whether any moisture could have gotten into it, and know that the fuel filter is clean. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoCold Weather Starting
| Roger L.
Join Date: Jun 1999 Posts: 0
|
2001-01-02 23000
I agree. If it turned over sluggishly when it was connected to a good car battery then look for cable connections or the solenoid or the starter itself. It should have spun right up. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoCold Weather Starting
 | DennisCTB
Join Date: Nov 1998 Posts: 2707 NorthWest NJ 
 Pics
|
2001-01-02 23001
I heard you say the oil was THICK, and that you bought the tractor used when it was warmer. It used to be an old trick to make a little bit worn engine look better by putting heavy weight oil in it to hide the need for a Ring Job. But as soon as it gets cold that 50 weight oils a bit THICK. Hope that's not the case and that I am just TOO cynical. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoCold Weather Starting
| TomG
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 5406 Upper Ottawa Valley
|
2001-01-03 23033
I'd crack the hand throttle 1/2 - 3/4 open if you don't already. An open throttle sort of acts like a diesel choke. I'm not sure if glow plug indicators actually indicate pre-heat temperature or even guarantee that all plugs are working. A service manual should give some resistance tests for the glow plugs. Especially if it's an older tractor, corrosion on the plug wiring or where they screw into the head can reduce how well the plugs work.
At 20 - 30F, I expect my Ford 1710 to start easily with only pre-heating. I do use 0W-30 engine and multi-season hydraulic oil. I save the block heater, transmission heaters and battery blanket for when it's colder.
....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoCold Weather Starting
| FarmerWannabe
Join Date: Posts: 1
|
2001-01-05 23103
Thank you for your advice. I'm going to change the oil, clean the battery connectors, and check the glow plugs. Does this tractor have a decompression lever and if so should I pull it out to aid starting?
Thanks again for everyone's words of wisdom, my local tractor dealer suggested keeping the tractor somewhere warm! ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoCold Weather Starting
| TomG
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 5406 Upper Ottawa Valley
|
2001-01-06 23125
My tractor doesn't have a decompression lever. I believe they are found mostly on some older Kubotas. If you've got one, the tractor probably won't start at all with the valve in. As Roger mentioned, diesels are compression ignition engines. No compression, no heat, no ignition. However, a decompression lever can help starting by allowing the starter to spin the engine faster for awhile. Then, starting is easier when the lever is released. It was around 25F yesterday and snowing. My wife threatened to start shoveling out the drive entrance, so I figured I better get the tractor out even though it was still snowing. It was too late in the day to plug in the block heater, so I just started up the tractor. Thirty seconds on the glow plugs, and it took right off. Knocked a little more than usual, but not bad. Ordinarily I use the block heater for about an hour when it's just below freezing, but I don't have to rely on it at those temperatures. The dealer undoubtedly didn't offer a solution for how to keep the tractor warm (having a heated service garage spoils a person's perspective I guess), but he'd probably sell you a block heater. That's probably a pretty good idea even in the South. Of course, having a plug in near the tractor might be my own case of spoiled perspective. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoCold Weather Starting
| FarmerWannabe
Join Date: Posts: 1
|
2001-01-09 23236
Started her up when it was about 55. I think the warm weather helped.
I still had to jump her so I suspect I may need to charge/replace my battery.
Thanks for everyone's advice and support.
I'm sure I'll have another stupid question down the road but I will keep trying to learn from others.
I really have enjoyed this site! ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add Photo
Go Top
Share This