Gelled Fuel?

[ragkar]

That sounds like paraffin problems.
Last year I started a thread called - What does diesel gelling look like?
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/193618-what-does-diesel-gelling-look.html

On the bottom of the separator bowl on my 2320 there's a red fiber washer that floats upward on the meniscus of any water in the bowl.

This year I had similar problems due to water in the fuel freezing in the feed line.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I'm happy to report the green monster rides again. It wasn't easy getting her breathing again but after a few attempts she roared to life. I'm pretty sure this cold finished off the battery though. But it's the original and 7 years old. I only have 350 hrs on the machine so I'd say the battery doesn't get enough charging from the alternator.

Matt

 

[greg_g]

I'd say 7 years is a reasonable service life from an OE battery. Your charging system is likely just fine. Put a voltmeter on your battery posts before you start the battery next time. A good battery should show about 12.2 volts DC. Then start the engine and note the voltage again. A good alternator will initially throw about 14.5 volts at the battery - to replenish what was used up cranking the starter. As the battery accepts the recharge, the voltage will visibly drop back to about 12.2 volts. If you can reproduce these numbers, your charging system is working normally.

//greg//

 

[sunnyside360]

I'm happy to report the green monster rides again. It wasn't easy getting her breathing again but after a few attempts she roared to life. I'm pretty sure this cold finished off the battery though. But it's the original and 7 years old. I only have 350 hrs on the machine so I'd say the battery doesn't get enough charging from the alternator.

Matt

Good news......... now you are ready for the next snow storm. Keep mixing fuel additive and you should be good to go from here on out. Some diesel fuel additives also help prevent algae growth in the tank which is especially important when the tractor only gets used about 50 hrs a year like yours.
Seven years battery life is pretty good for original Deere battery.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

Thanks for all the replies, I'm and electrician so I have access to a load tester. And the battery is spent(no suprize). I searched all the past post on battery replacement, but say nothing too current. I looked on jdparts and it looks like a sealed battery to the tune of $120. I'd rather stick with an optima if I can find one that fits. I've been using them on my other stuff with real good results. Anyone go through that process lately? I'm going to add some K1 to my fuel supply during the winter months from now on for sure.

Matt

 

[greg_g]

if I can find one that fits.

That's half the equation. Look for minimum 750CCA batteries that fit. And if you have the luxury of choice, the shorter the better. The taller the battery, the less airflow through the radiator. Plus fewer seeds and less chaff collect behind shorter batteries.

//greg//

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I ended up just getting the Deere Strong Box. It's a sealed unit now, I tried to locate an optima replace but couldn't find one locally and they were quite abit more than the OEM Unit. The deere replacement is 500cca, the closest size optima was only 450. So that really swayed my decision.

Matt

 

[sunnyside360]

I ended up just getting the Deere Strong Box. It's a sealed unit now, I tried to locate an optima replace but couldn't find one locally and they were quite abit more than the OEM Unit. The deere replacement is 500cca, the closest size optima was only 450. So that really swayed my decision.

Matt

You should be good to go for several years. My 5 year old 3720 with original JD battery (not sealed) started right off this morning at zero degrees outside. Cranked over just like it did when new which surprised me. BTW, Advance Auto Parts stores carry the Optima batteries. A lot of folks on other forums prefer the Odyssey battery over the Optima but I think both are good.

ODYSSEY Batteries - Automotive Specifications

 

[greg_g]

The deere replacement is 500cca, the closest size optima was only 450.

I've been runnin' diesels since about '85 (7 tractors, 4 cars), and personally think the OE battery is undersized - hence my 750CCA recommendation. If you searched the Interstate Battery website for "diesel engine battery" for example, it will bring back nothing smaller than 660 CCA. But of the two you mentioned, another OE was the better choice. That 450 CCA Optima is a car battery for low compression gasoline engines. You'd have been disappointed. Even if it's a bit on the small side, the 500 CCA JDOE battery at least is designed for high compression diesels.

//greg//

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

You should be good to go for several years. My 5 year old 3720 with original JD battery (not sealed) started right off this morning at zero degrees outside. Cranked over just like it did when new which surprised me. BTW, Advance Auto Parts stores carry the Optima batteries. A lot of folks on other forums prefer the Odyssey battery over the Optima but I think both are good.

ODYSSEY Batteries - Automotive Specifications

Advance was my first stop. They didn't have many yellow tops in stock. I really didn't want to order one and with the snow coming I just couldn't wait. The local deere dealer had one in stock. So after charging I wire brushed the terminal, I replaced the hardware since it was $2.00 for the bolts and nuts. I also put a good coat of CRC terminal protectant on. We use it alot on power station service batteries with good results.

She cranked stong and fired right up after install, and I ran it for about 30 min without issue and temps in the mid teens. I ended up adding 2 gal of K1 for good measure. Hopefully this was my first and last fuel issue. Thanks for all the helpful replies.

Matt