Starting your Diesel on a cold day tip

[JDgreen227]

-20 F

Here the lowest I have ever seen on a reliable thermometer is -22 F but I have never experienced fuel gelling.

 

[Rara Avis]

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.

The old John Deere 2640 had that option available...no glow plugs on that unit

 

[PILOON]

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!

Freeze plug install is easy.
Drain some coolant into a reservoir unless you are due to replace, hammer a screwdriver into the frost plug and pry it out.
Lube the heater O ring, insert same and screw it tight.
All in all should take you less than an hour to accomplish.
Check for leaks, (none) and you are done.

 

[vtsnowedin]

Here the lowest I have ever seen on a reliable thermometer is -22 F but I have never experienced fuel gelling.

There are two issues. Jelling temperature and moisture content. If they haven't switched over to winter grade you can get jelled up anytime your below zero F. But all it takes is about 20 above zero to freeze all the moisture that has condensed on the inside top of your fuel tank into frost crystals that when washed off by sloshing fuel sink to the bottom and go out the fuel line to the filter. Only takes about a quarter cup to either plug the line or the filter.

 

[Ed of all trades]

Just wanted to say thank you for the ideas. Had to start the Massey this morning and it was only 14. Used the hair drier and finely got it going. Had to change the battery three times and heat the manifold and intake air with the drier. I have to get a block heater, I'll take my hat off to all you folks that deal with even colder air than that as soon as it warms up a bit.

 

[JBourquin]

Just ordered the block heater for my Massey. $148, OUCH!!

 

[duke7595]

Being a little harsh there aren't you Bucky. If you don't have a block heater and its below zero what's your next move. I've tented mine under tarps and put a Mr heat propane heater in there to heat up the whole tractor including the jelled up fuel lines. My father would place an ash pan full of hot coals under the oil pan of a 62 ford until the oil snapped and popped. Some times you have to make do with what you've got close at hand. I wouldn't burn off any paint but I'd use a torch if that's all I had.

I have to agree mkreitler was a bit harsh, especially in is wording "Get yourself a block heater if you can't afford one" there was no rhyme or reason to say such
a thing. Perhaps "mkreitler" is so very rich, he sticks his nose up at those people who may have less than him..

 

[vtsnowedin]

We've let that one pass and moved on.

 

[Don H]

Just ordered the block heater for my Massey. $148, OUCH!!

Holly Smoke! I put one in my Ford 1520 and it was only $26, and that was from the dealer.

 

[JBourquin]

Holly Smoke! I put one in my Ford 1520 and it was only $26, and that was from the dealer.

Yeah, apparently Massey has you by the balls on this one. Something about having to use their specific heater as the water jackets are too shallow for a conventional heater. Doesn't bother me too bad. I probably would have paid double after the last month of sub-zero temps we've had.