3016 cranks but won't start

[edgeoil]

so i went to start my tractor after it had been sitting for a week and it just cranks but won't fire up. it blows white smoke from the exhaust while cranking. it is always parked inside my shop so its not cold. not sure where to go from here.

 

[dickfoster]

so i went to start my tractor after it had been sitting for a week and it just cranks but won't fire up. it blows white smoke from the exhaust while cranking. it is always parked inside my shop so its not cold. not sure where to go from here.

I'd start by checking the fuel for water, air leaks etc.

 

[Wagtail]

Yep, what dickfoster advises. White smoke is indicative of water in the fuel mixture.

Check the fuel bowl for water and drain. I'd also change out your fuel filter to be on the safe side. Once you do get the tractor to fire up, it'll still belch a bit of white smoke until the water has been dispelled from the donk.

 

[George2615]

After checking the fuel for water, fuel gelling etc. check the glow plugs first to see they are getting power. If so you may have to do a resistance check on each one individually. You may have a bad plug or two.

 

[thepumpguysc]

Loosen the lines AT the injectors afew turns, no need to remove them, then crank the engine until fuel squirts out.. Then retighten.
It sounds like the engine cylinders aren't hot enough to fire the fuel.. regardless of where you keep the machine, the engine is still cold.
Check the glow plug heater system also, if so equipped..

 

[RNeumann]

What's the temp in the shop? What's the fuel source- I ask because I'm wondering if it's summer blend that has been around for a few months. It sounds like you are aware diesel fuel contains paraffin which doesn't like the cold.

I like the idea of changing the filter- not only for cleaning things up but it will allow you to add known good fuel closer to the engine.

Typically diesels have a manual prime and bleed screw. What does the fuel coming out of that look like?

It also wouldn't hurt to throw a charger on your battery. If you are anything like me my stubbornness would have me trying to start it to the point I'm hammering the battery.....

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[edgeoil]

So i got it running. the glow plugs were not working. Took apart the wire connectors and cleaned them and then they started to work again. Got lucky with a cheap fix. Thanks for the advice.

 

[RNeumann]

Glad you got it running! Nice work tracking that down.

 

[thepumpguysc]

Happy for ya.. I kinda figured it was GP's, seeing you had white smoke..

 

[Wagtail]

Happy for ya.. I kinda figured it was GP's, seeing you had white smoke..

I did not know that... I've only ever experienced white smoke when water was in the fuel/line.

Do you happen to know why?