How long to cycle glow plugs

[Tollster]

If I turn the key on until I get the "PIGS TAIL" light to lightup on the dash, I hear this clicking sound, is that the plugs? I have held it there for a while (20seconds or so in heated garage), but the light doesn't go out, and the clicking continues. It has always started, but it seems very rich and there is a lot of intital vibration until the idle stabilizes.
Will that light ever go out if I hold it longer? How long should I cylce the glow plugs on my BX23? How can I tell if its long enough?

 

[RayCo]

I believe that clicking you're hearing is the fuel pump, which would lead to your rich condition. IIRC, the manual suggests holding the glow plugs on for no longer than 10 seconds, and that is when it's REALLY cold. My coldest days are typically no colder than 20 degrees, and I probably hold the plugs for five seconds.

I suggest holding them for a much shorter time, and just taking note of the temperature at the time. If you hold them for five seconds, and it starts right up in a 30 degree garage, try four seconds the next time. After a while, the ambient temperature just tells your brain how long to hold the plugs on without your consciously thinking about it.

 

[RoyJackson]

Isn't there a section in your manual on cold starting?

 

[bigbull338]

it says turn the glow plugs on for 10 secs if temp is below 40.i think ive used the glow plug once this winter.

 

[thavil]

The BX glow plug light will not go out when ready to start like other diesel equipment. It would be a nice feature to have IMO. I glow mine to a count of 10 when cold outside.

 

[Toolguy]

What seems like a "Rich" condition on startup is normal for a cold diesel. Typically, you will see some white and or, black smoke, which is unburned fuel, because the combustion chamber is too cold to burn all of it. As the engine warms up the fuel burns more completely and the smoke goes away. Throttle position can make a difference, too. Even though my B3030 manual says to open the throttle part way before starting I have found it works better with the throttle closed. On the coldest days I hold the switch to glow postion and count to 10. It usually starts right up, runs rough for about 2 seconds and then smooths out. With the throttle opened a bit it knocks and runs very rough and I know right away to push the throttle closed. You might try yours open or closed and see what works best. Good luck.

 

[splotkin]

Last Monday AM the temperature was minus 16 F here in Western Ma. I did not even consider trying to start the 1850 BX. It is not that it would not start. It is just very hard on the engine without a pre-heater. There is a lot of rotational torque/drag on the main and con-rod bearings. Also a lot of fuel wash on the cylinder walls and rings. At least I run full Synthetic which does help at start-up.

It lives in an unheated shed. I did need to plow on Tuesday when it was a balmy Zero. From 40 degrees to freezing I usually use about 15 0r 20 seconds of Glow Plug. Once it is down to zero I use about 20 to 25 seconds. It rattles a bit and puffs some black smoke but it does start.

It is easy to tell if you do not preheat the engine with the glow plugs long enough. The engine should turn over at a reasonable speed but the engine does not fire, just sputters a bit. At minus 10 F or so I use a full 40 seconds of glow plug. That seems to work OK. Running the glow plugs at this extreme temperature also has the added value of heating up the battery a bit as the current flows to the glow plugs. The warmer the battery the more power it can deliver, which is important at extreme cold with a marginal chance of a good start.

It better start, with all the snow we have.

As some one else mentioned, the clicking is the fuel pump. However, holding it in the on position, but not far enough to light the glow plug light should not cause the engine to run rich. The pump will provide fuel to the high pressure injector and then just recycle the fuel via a bypass. Not sure on the BX if the bypass is built into the pump or uses a separate fuel line to return the fuel excess to the tank. The black smoke indicates incomplete combustion. That is expected in a diesel until the combustion chamber comes up to temperature. Bottom line, If you run the glow plug for too short a time the engine will not start, and an aborted attempt may run the battery down so a second chance is not available. Too long on the glow plug will marginally shorten the life of the glow plug. This could also run the battery down so much the starter is not able to turn the engine over fast enough. Personally, I am for running the glow plug on the longer side to get a good start the first time. I have never run the battery down with the glow plugs to the point that the engine would not start. I have had that one chance to start the engine at 15 below fail because the glow plugs were not on long enough and the battery was too weak for a second try, until I hooked up a battery charger.

You will learn with time. Just make sure you have jumper cables!

and

 

[Mounted Madness]

splotkin, great pics. :thumbsup:

It`s days like those you caught on film (now there`s an old term), that make winter a lot of fun...and...enjoyable...especially with seat time in the equation.

Best part, when you`re lookin`at them mid-summer and it`s burning up outside and too hot to work. Too

 

[KubotainNH]

The clicking may be the hour meter. That's what clicks on my old Kubota.

 

[Sumpter]

Well learned something new. I assumed the timing on the glow plugs were all automatic. Didn't know you could hold the key or whatever to make them stay on. On my NH when you turn the key they stay on for about 10 seconds and then go off. If I want longer I have to turn the key off then on again for another cycle.

 

[bp fick]

Rotate the key until the glow symbol lights. Hold for a count of 6, 8 or 10 Mississippi, depending on temperature. Either one hold of 10 seconds, or a series of two, 8 second counts, if below zero. With throttle 1/2 open.

It'll fire right to life at -10 F degrees. Of course, there will be a puff of black smoke and the engine sometimes sounds like there is marbles in the cylinders, but it'll fire and run just fine.

The throttle being cracked a third or more is key, imho. Never had an issue with either my BX or my B. Yes, it is all pretty much in the manual.

 

[Tollster]

Thanks ya'll, didn't expect so many replies. I too always wondered why the glow plug light does not go out like on my dads truck, which was one of the primary reason I posed the question.
Thanks,
Tol

 

[jonyyuma]

Glow plugs controllers never act the same. Chevy and MB fully automatic. Bota, semi-auto..I always give mine the count of ten, unless it has been running and still warm.I have never been to Maine, but the temps there sound brutal. We just had 18 deg here. Jy.

 

[plaindave]

The clicking is most likely the fuel shut off solenoid. It is energized to run, so when you turn the key you open the solenoid. And I'd also bet that the fuel pumps are mechanical, not electric like a gas engine. My fuel tank is a gravity feed to the pump.

 

[Go Wings]

I turn the key to first position, pig tail comes on and then goes off. Turn the key to start and she fires up. Am I missing something?

 

[Tollster]

I turn the key to first position, pig tail comes on and then goes off. Turn the key to start and she fires up. Am I missing something?

There are 3 positions on my BX, first: is 2 lights, and the key position will stay closed.

Second position: is the glow plug, pig tails light up on dash, key position will not stay closed and if released the key indexes back CCW to position one, this is the one you hold for the 10 second count to preheat the combustion chamber, thats being discussed here

Position 3, is starter engaged, closing the starter selinoid, once released, it also returns CCW to position one.
At least thats what I recall from the comfort of my woodstove and recliner

 

[Go Wings]

I have an L series tractor. The key switch is #1 off, #2 pig tail comes on with the other lights on dash and then pig tail goes out after a few seconds, third is start and back to position #2.

 

[Craig Clayton]

I did an experiment this morning on glow plug useage. After 17 years with the same tractor I kind of have it figured out. At 10F or -12C I plugged my lower rad hose heater in for 1 H 15min because I went back in and breakfast. I came out and hit the starter with NO glow plugs, the engine jumped to life. I have found it is better to warm up the engine than to be burning up the glow plugs.
Craig Clayton

 

[sw03]

I hold my key, glow plug time, about 3 seconds MAX...So far, at -10 last week no issues starting....

 

[Haywire]

I'm getting a block heater installed sometime before next winter. We don't get negative numbers very often, but it was single digits when I needed to use the 2660 to bring wood up to the house. I used the truck instead. The tractor is easier to load and unload.