Any concern about a "dry start" after a tractor sits unused for a while?

[sixdogs]

Is there any concern after a tractor sits unused for a month or longer and then is started? A friend of mine tells me he starts his equipment every month and lets it run long enough to warm up and that if it sits too long unused you can damage the engine on start up? When that happens to his gas engines, he removes the spark plugs and squirts a little oil in each cylinder before starting. Not sure what he does about diesels.

Any truth in this? I mean, it makes sense but isn't that what a good oil protects against? Maybe synthetic oil protects better? Huh?

He is a very firm believer in this so I didn't question it but wonder if anyone has knowledge of this or shares similar concerns or if it's just a bunch of hooey. Any thoughts?

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Re: Any concern about a "dry start" after a tractor sits unused for a while?

If it is that much of a worry I just start cranking without waiting for glow plug timer and by the time they warm up for starting you have oil pressure building up.

David

 

[Billrog]

Re: Any concern about a "dry start" after a tractor sits unused for a while?

I wouldn't be concerned for a mon. or so for long periods with a gas motor you may want to fog it but I never have had any problems. I use an additive for small engines as well as diesel. The only engines I have that may sit for a few mons. are a welder, dump truck during winter and a forklift. Starting them without working them to full temp. would do more harm is my opinion for what it worth.

 

[thepumpguysc]

Re: Any concern about a "dry start" after a tractor sits unused for a while?

Gasoline is "alittle" different than diesel.. the diesel fuel is actually a lubricant.. don't give it a second thought..

 

[RNeumann]

Re: Any concern about a "dry start" after a tractor sits unused for a while?

Interesting topic- the theory (I'm assuming) with squirting oil in the cylinder is an attempt to lubricate the cylinder walls which rely on splash from the crank. I don't know if the squirt of oil is helping much if any.
The accepted standard for stand-by motors in the generator world is a start and run once a week- under load.

Another issue is condensation inside the motor and I can't point to any data that would indicate starting once a month helps that. But I'm sure some would argue starting helps this.

I've always been the type to start my motors, shift into 4WD etc every so often-not because I know it helps- I think it just makes me feel better to move the fuel, coolant, engine, drivetrain etc every so often. So starting on a schedule may help and probably won't hurt anything.

 

[JDL538]

Re: Any concern about a "dry start" after a tractor sits unused for a while?

About 80% of all damage done to an engine is when it is started in severe cold and severe hot conditions..Especially when it hasn't been started for some time..You are better off to wait for 30 degree weather unless you need it..

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Any concern about a "dry start" after a tractor sits unused for a while?

If it is that much of a worry I just start cranking without waiting for glow plug timer and by the time they warm up for starting you have oil pressure building up.

David

That's the best bet.

On worry, I don't worry, but I don't like to start a dry engine either and If I am going to start it I am going to run it long enough to warm up and burn the condensation out of things. So for, me if they sit for a month or so, they come out and get limbered up periodically.

 

[sixdogs]

Re: Any concern about a "dry start" after a tractor sits unused for a while?

That's the best bet.

On worry, I don't worry, but I don't like to start a dry engine either and If I am going to start it I am going to run it long enough to warm up and burn the condensation out of things. So for, me if they sit for a month or so, they come out and get limbered up periodically.

If it was 45 to 50 degrees on a nice day, how long would you let it run? How about an hour?

 

[LD48750]

Re: Any concern about a "dry start" after a tractor sits unused for a while?

My 9N that I use for mowing sits all winter every year for the last 10 or more years.
At this point in it's life, mowing every week or two during the summer is ALL that it does.

 

[roadhunter]

Re: Any concern about a "dry start" after a tractor sits unused for a while?

After reading the title I Was expecting this to be about tractors sitting for many years. A month, LOL.