Jay4200
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2005
- Messages
- 2,028
- Location
- Hudson/Weare, NH
- Tractor
- L4200GST w/ LA680 & BX2200D w/ LA211
My GP controller stopped working a couple of years ago. My tractor started through the winters anyway - it is an awesome machine with a super-tight engine after 2600 hours .
I recently put on a cab f'glass canopy with front & rear facing spot lights, so I can run my snowblower at night (rocker switches on the left side of the console). While I was at it, I bypassed the dead controller with a momentary switch (big black button under the key switch in the pic), to assure reliable starting at night (when it is f'n cold). I press the big fat button with the key on, and the glow plug light turns on. I didn't know if the plugs were actually working though, and couldn't figure out any easy way to test them.
SO - a few weeks back, when it was somewhere in the 15-20F range, I gave the key a turn for a second or two - my tractor chugged, but I could tell I was looking at a 10-15 second start time (as it does when it is cold). I then pressed the GP button for 3 seconds and turned the key. "VAROOOOM!!" Instant start - engine couldn't have made more than a quarter-revolution. Looks like they're working to me!! How cool is that!
JayC
PS - please don't make fun of my ratty seat cover. A new seat is the next present my tractor is getting...
I recently put on a cab f'glass canopy with front & rear facing spot lights, so I can run my snowblower at night (rocker switches on the left side of the console). While I was at it, I bypassed the dead controller with a momentary switch (big black button under the key switch in the pic), to assure reliable starting at night (when it is f'n cold). I press the big fat button with the key on, and the glow plug light turns on. I didn't know if the plugs were actually working though, and couldn't figure out any easy way to test them.
SO - a few weeks back, when it was somewhere in the 15-20F range, I gave the key a turn for a second or two - my tractor chugged, but I could tell I was looking at a 10-15 second start time (as it does when it is cold). I then pressed the GP button for 3 seconds and turned the key. "VAROOOOM!!" Instant start - engine couldn't have made more than a quarter-revolution. Looks like they're working to me!! How cool is that!
JayC
PS - please don't make fun of my ratty seat cover. A new seat is the next present my tractor is getting...