TC40 DA Starting problem

[sigjig]

My TC40-D is having starting problems now that the cold weather is here. I think the problem is the the glow plug timer based on discussions I've read on TBN.
The glow plug only stays lit for about two seconds after turning the key on. I would try to start the engine and it would not start. I'd wait a few seconds and try again, but the glow plug only stays lit for two seconds again. Previously without the block heater plugged in the light stayed on for approximately five seconds. After the engine starts, the light will come on intermittently, but not very time after starting. Should I replace the timer first, then the relay, or is there better way to isolate the problem.
Also, is the NH dealer the only place to buy the parts, or is there another supplier I should check? You guys on this forum have been a great help in the past. Thanks, Sig

 

[jinman]

I say you should bite the bullet and buy/replace your glow-plug timer. The glow-plugs on your D-model tractor are different from the economy models. Your heating time is about 4-5 seconds. That's a very short time. 2 seconds is way too short. You might go off/on with the key switch several times to get the temperature up, but the best and final solution will be replacing that timer relay. It's over $60, but it cures most glow plug problems.

 

[sigjig]

Jinman, Thanks for the info, you were right on the money with previous problems I had with this tractor, so I will go with the new timer. Do you know if this timer is available after market, or just go to the NH dealer. Sig

 

[jinman]

Jinman, Thanks for the info, you were right on the money with previous problems I had with this tractor, so I will go with the new timer. Do you know if this timer is available after market, or just go to the NH dealer. Sig

It's made by NGK, but has a custom number just for New Holland. I searched and searched for a replacement, but didn't find an exact match. I think New Holland has us by the short hair on this one.

 

[djradz]

I say you should bite the bullet and buy/replace your glow-plug timer. The glow-plugs on your D-model tractor are different from the economy models. Your heating time is about 4-5 seconds. That's a very short time. 2 seconds is way too short. You might go off/on with the key switch several times to get the temperature up, but the best and final solution will be replacing that timer relay. It's over $60, but it cures most glow plug problems.

Yep, replace the timer to get back to the 4-5 seconds. Also, and what Jim eludes to, is the need sometimes to cycle the key switch a couple more times depending on how cold it is, even after you replace the timer, so you get a little more heating. I've found the following works best on my 40D here in southern Michigan.
- When engine cold, but relatively warm outside or where stored - one and maybe one additional cycle.
- When engine warm, regardless of how warm/cold outside - no waiting
- When engine cold, and cold outside or where stored - initial cycle plus always one and on rare occasions, maybe one more.

Once you've started you tractor several dozen times you will find the right amount of cycles (or even partial cycles) that works best for your particular starting instances. I've found that if the engine chugs or smokes much upon starting, or if starting is rough, I've not let it heat quite enough.

 

[NWOH_Grizz]

The T2310, which replaced the TC-40 series, has a 10 second timer on the glow plugs. Maybe it would be a good replacement for the older 4-5 second timer?

 

[sigjig]

Thanks everybody for the help. I think I might try cycling the ignition 2 or 3 times to see if the tractor starts any easier. I did notice that once I have tried to start the engine and it didn't start and then turned the key off, when I turn the key on again, the glow plug light doesn't come on. I tried this 3 or 4 times with the same result. Is this typical or is this a symptom of the bad timer?

 

[sigjig]

Jinman, Thanks for the extra effort for trying to find an after market replacement timer. Sig

 

[jinman]

Thanks everybody for the help. I think I might try cycling the ignition 2 or 3 times to see if the tractor starts any easier. I did notice that once I have tried to start the engine and it didn't start and then turned the key off, when I turn the key on again, the glow plug light doesn't come on. I tried this 3 or 4 times with the same result. Is this typical or is this a symptom of the bad timer?

In the case of my timer, it would stay on too long and then come back on at odd times while the engine was running. I think there are multilple ways the timer can fail and you have found yet another one. Short cycling is certainly a timer issue. As with many other "deluxe" features, the deluxe part is the sound of the cash register opening at the dealer's parts counter.

 

[sigjig]

Thanks again Jinman, I will get another timer ASAP.
Jinman, I will be your neck of the woods for the holidays, visiting my Son in the Austin area. It will be nice break from all the snow we've been getting here in central New York.
I'm looking forward to some good bar-b-que.