GC2410 Coldest Weather Starting problem

[ray66v]

Yes, you do want to run the tractor for a significant amount of time in bitter cold temps, to warm the 4.5 gallons of oil in the transmission.

To help with this, I use synthetic oil, even in the trans, and have installed a glue on heating pad on the bottom of the axle, OIL PAN HEATER KITS - JCWhitney, which is always on in cold weather.

 

[FredWalter]

I use synthetic oil, even in the trans, and have installed a glue on heating pad on the bottom of the axle, OIL PAN HEATER KITS - JCWhitney, which is always on in cold weather.

I need to change my hydraulic (and engine) oil. What are the full names of they syntheic hydraulic oil and synthetic engine oil that you use?

I assume that you are using their larger glue-on heating pad. Is there any concern that you might accidently scrap it off, or is it stuck on that securely?

 

[DEWFPO]

I need to change my hydraulic (and engine) oil. What are the full names of they syntheic hydraulic oil and synthetic engine oil that you use?

I assume that you are using their larger glue-on heating pad. Is there any concern that you might accidently scrap it off, or is it stuck on that securely?

I used Amsoil HDD Heavy Duty 5W30 Diesel Oil in the engine and Amsoil ATH 5W30 Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil in hydro system. According to the Amsoil tech these are the correct Amsoil Synthetics for the 2300.

Northern Tool also has the stick on Silicon heating pads.

DEWFPO

 

[bp fick]

F.Y.I. , I ordered this tractor with a freeze type block heater and the MF dealer installed this magnetic type oil pan heater. I questioned him about why I didn't receive the type of heater that I ordered and he told me that "the freeze plug type heater would not fit".

Thanks, KC

KC, I also requested a block heater at the time of purchase. I thought the price he quoted was quite reasonable. Turns out, it was too reasonable. I also got a tractor delivered with simple 200 watt magnetic heater stuck on the engine mounting flange. Ugh.

Now it is the middle of winter and I don't feel like disabling my tractor nor even working on it. So, I just stopped by TSC and bought the identical magnetic heater for $29.

Now, I have one on either side of the engine. They do OK, but take 4 hours to do much good. I'll struggle through this winter as is.

 

[HeavyHitch]

I have a GC2400 and it's in a garage that never falls below 40 degrees and it still requires about 30 seconds of glow plugs for it to start without cranking too much. I think the Iseki engine is just really "cold blooded".

 

[amkfken]

My 2300 is in a basement, unheated, @ 20degrees or less, 1/3 throttle, glow plugs for 10 seconds, fires right up, using 15w-40 oil, whatever Big R or Murdoch's hydraulic oil house brand is, warm up for 3-4 minutes and go, have 493hrs @ 10,000ft elevation-no problems.

 

[DEWFPO]

My 2300 is in a basement, unheated, @ 20degrees or less, 1/3 throttle, glow plugs for 10 seconds, fires right up, using 15w-40 oil, whatever Big R or Murdoch's hydraulic oil house brand is, warm up for 3-4 minutes and go, have 493hrs @ 10,000ft elevation-no problems.

Just curious, why 15W40 in such a cold climate? I assume it's dino as well?

DEWFPO

 

[ray66v]

I need to change my hydraulic (and engine) oil. What are the full names of they syntheic hydraulic oil and synthetic engine oil that you use?

I assume that you are using their larger glue-on heating pad. Is there any concern that you might accidently scrap it off, or is it stuck on that securely?

The smaller one fits nicely on the bottom. No It has not been scraped, but I don't go running through the woods.

I used Amsoil HDD Heavy Duty 5W30 Diesel Oil in the engine and Amsoil ATH 5W30 Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil in hydro system.
DEWFPO

Same here.



It was 17 degrees F this morning, and my tractor had not run in about 6 weeks. 30 seconds of glow, 1/4 throttle, and it fired up like it was summer.

 

[DMW]

I need to change my hydraulic (and engine) oil. What are the full names of they syntheic hydraulic oil and synthetic engine oil that you use?

I had the same issue with water in the Permatran. I switched to Duratran synthetic. Only problem getting it is that it is only available in 20L pails (AFAIK) from Petro-Canada lubricant distributors. The Kubota SuperUDT is a very similar fluid, and available from any Kubota dealer, but not sure of the price.
I used the Esso SD-3 Extra 0W-40 from Walmart until I couldn't find it last fall. Switched to Rotella T 5W-40 synthetic. I have noticed it is a little slower cranking in the cold. The Esso oil was great, used it in all my small engines.
I have no experience with the Amsoil products as they have only become available locally at Canadian Tire recently. But wouldn't hesitate to use them.

 

[amkfken]

DEWFPO--
15w40 Rotella was all they had in stock, works for me, will be using same in my 83 Eagle when roadworthy, using Mobil 1 10w and 5w30 in rest of vehicles (if they don't leak)!