3040 cold start problem

[bones1]

I have the same hard/not starting problem when it's cold. How does one "cycle the glow plugs". It seems I only get one try for the glow plugs, if I turn the key off and back on I do not get another glow plug on light, so I can't cycle?.

 

[alltoys]

Same here, only one try for the glow plug light. I have tried numerous times cycling the glow plugs but it only does it once.

Soon as it drops below 20*F it is hard to start. Starts fine when it is plugged in but not so well when it isn't.

 

[PILOON]

Same here, only one try for the glow plug light. I have tried numerous times cycling the glow plugs but it only does it once.

Soon as it drops below 20*F it is hard to start. Starts fine when it is plugged in but not so well when it isn't.

Just an idea;
You could always parallel power to the glowplugs via a push switch for additional glow plug heat time.
It would need to be a normally open spring loaded switch capable of handling the amperage,
(old starter manual push to start switches come to mind or a relay) as generally automotive switches are only rated at 10 amps and you might risk welding the contacts which could fry the plugs.

If wired that the glow light is activated then you'd have a visual indicator as to timing.

I once wired a GM 6.2L manually in a similar manner and it did fine.
I'm lucky as my tractor allows me to cycle plugs manually, usually do it 3 times when real cold.

 

[Dallas_Lilly]

I have the same hard/not starting problem when it's cold. How does one "cycle the glow plugs". It seems I only get one try for the glow plugs, if I turn the key off and back on I do not get another glow plug on light, so I can't cycle?.

You can cycle the glow plugs by engaging the pto, depressing the clutch and turning the key to the crank position. The safety switch will not allow the tractor to crank with the PTO engaged.

 

[Ryan300DTC]

Hello Everyone,

I have a Farmtrac 300DTC, which is basically the same machine as the Montana 3040, only a different color. I had the same cold start problem and Dallas Lilly gave me the same advice a couple of months ago that he just posted here yesterday to help all of you out. This technique has worked flawlessly for me!! Where before I had problems starting my tractor once it got down to around 35 degrees (F), I have just recently started it just a couple of nights ago when it was as cold as -5 using this technique. My recommendation to append to Dallas Lilly's post. Using the PTO switch to keep the glow plugs energized, do a 9 second on, 9 second off cycle for 3 cycles and then disengage the PTO switch after the last on cycle to allow the engine to crank. If it is below 5 degrees, add one more 9 second cycle.

I hope this helps,

Ryan

 

[alltoys]

Hello Everyone,

I have a Farmtrac 300DTC, which is basically the same machine as the Montana 3040, only a different color. I had the same cold start problem and Dallas Lilly gave me the same advice a couple of months ago that he just posted here yesterday to help all of you out. This technique has worked flawlessly for me!! Where before I had problems starting my tractor once it got down to around 35 degrees (F), I have just recently started it just a couple of nights ago when it was as cold as -5 using this technique. My recommendation to append to Dallas Lilly's post. Using the PTO switch to keep the glow plugs energized, do a 9 second on, 9 second off cycle for 3 cycles and then disengage the PTO switch after the last on cycle to allow the engine to crank. If it is below 5 degrees, add one more 9 second cycle.

I hope this helps,

Ryan

Sweet! I am going to give this a try.

 

[gemini5362]

A plug here for sometimes new is not better. In addition to my Montana 4340C I have a kubota 6100 tractor. The kubota is an older model and to use the glow plugs you turn the key to the left and it powers the glow plugs up. You leave the key in that position as long as you want the glow plugs to have power to them. The key is spring loaded in that position so you have to hold it there.

 

[ScottFarm]

What type/weight oil are you using in your tractor?

Scott

 

[alltoys]

Sweet! I am going to give this a try.

Turning on the PTO switch then turn key to crank position works great. -30 today started right off. Cycled it 3 times for 20 seconds each worked great.