Starting your Diesel on a cold day tip

[CDN Farm Boy]

Starting a COLD diesel tractor even with a block heater...one may need to cut the diesel with kerosene to lower the cloud temp and the addition of 911 to deal with possible gelling if the temperature is COLD enough...

What's your version of cold? I've always run winter grade fuel but never had gelling issues.

 

[PILOON]

The hair dryer trick works, better still is a heat gun if you have one.
Block heaters great but forget the magnetic things.

Ever since I gelled my fuel I now always use and anti gell additive.

 

[2458n]

When battery power is marginal, I've always shut off everything electrical I could to reduce the draw on the battery... lights, radio, heater....

I would rather sit in the dark for a few seconds and have a car that starts. My 20 dollar junk yard batteries are no bargain at below zero temps. Actually have three brand new ones. Beats staying at home when you just gotta go.

 

[Paddy]

Piloon,

I have used a heat gun too. they are use to strip paint so they too get real hot. I have wanted to put a block heater in. The first option was for a lower radiator hose type. But my hose from rad to engine is so short, not enough clearance. Next option I'm to try is the freeze plug option. My understanding it takes a few hours for the heat to the top end.

In the past, I kept the tractor in a heated garage. It was out because I'd been back filling around a new garage. Then we got a surprise 6 in of snow and below 0 temps!

 

[JDgreen227]

Question here: Does anybody know of a CUT diesel that has ether injection for a cold starting aid? I used to drive medium duty diesel straight trucks and most were fitted with ether injection.

 

[square1]

Short answer: If glow plugs are present, ether use should be avoided unless you are 1000% certain the glow plugs are not able to heat.

 

[buickanddeere]

What's your version of cold? I've always run winter grade fuel but never had gelling issues.

This link is a usable indication of climate. Ottawa is too cold for me . Being on the shore of Lake Huron moderates the high and low temperatures typically by 5-10F if the wind is from the westerlies. Although this winter has been much colder than usual. Uncommon has been a night time temperature above 0F since Christmas. Daytime has been 5-15F instead of 20-35F.
https://weatherspark.com/averages/28316/Ottawa-Ontario-Canada

 

[vtsnowedin]

Question here: Does anybody know of a CUT diesel that has ether injection for a cold starting aid? I used to drive medium duty diesel straight trucks and most were fitted with ether injection.

I haven't seen a tractor with one of those in decades. Perhaps some tractor mechanic that sees a lot of different machines can tell us if any are still being made.

 

[Rara Avis]

What's your version of cold? I've always run winter grade fuel but never had gelling issues.

-20 F

 

[Rara Avis]

Short answer: If glow plugs are present, ether use should be avoided unless you are 1000% certain the glow plugs are not able to heat.

Ditto...glow plugs and ether do not do well together...