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

[Texasmark]

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

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

Half hour at PTO rpm on a day like that would work for me. You're in Ohio and i'm in Texas. Makes a difference in my opinion. One way to test is periodically pop the drain plug after it has been sitting that month or so and see if you have any water. If not, you're apparently doing what's needed.

 

[bspeedy]

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

That's what I thought, but my friend is very educated in engines, especially gas and is convinced start ups are where most of engine wear occurs and I agree with that. He won't start a gas engine after a month without fogging and starts all (LOTS) his farm tractors every month and lets them run till warm. It doesn't sound logical but I can't win an argument with him. There are a lot of engineer types on this board that actually know and understand this topic and can offer commentary. Never too old to learn.

I guess that's the point right there. My wife always asks me why I don't argue with people who say stupid and incorrect things. I say - why bother - are one of us going to change our minds? Let them believe what they want.

Sounds like a guy with a lot of time on his hands. Probably likes getting everything out and starting them up. I have about a dozen motorcycles. Singles, twins, 4-cylinders, 2-stroke and 4-stroke. Nothing like the music of all of them idling at the same time. Really cool.

 

[beowulf]

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

You have just reminded me to start my gas generator and let it run for a while. That is one thing you want to be able to start when the power goes down. Everything else gets used often enough but the generator can sit for a year without even thinking about it.

 

[sixdogs]

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

I guess that's the point right there. My wife always asks me why I don't argue with people who say stupid and incorrect things. I say - why bother - are one of us going to change our minds? Let them believe what they want.

Sounds like a guy with a lot of time on his hands. Probably likes getting everything out and starting them up. I have about a dozen motorcycles. Singles, twins, 4-cylinders, 2-stroke and 4-stroke. Nothing like the music of all of them idling at the same time. Really cool.

He's not what you would think. He's in his 60's, farms maybe 1,000 acres with slightly older equipment and has lots of equipment and motors to care for. He's not compulsive about anything except this dry start thing. I figured if there was anything to it, guys here would set me straight.

It's true that you can't change anyone's mind that is already made up. It only hardens their position and I sure don't try much with this person or really anyone. He's a good friend that I admire so I just take it as is.

 

[quicksandfarmer]

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

You have just reminded me to start my gas generator and let it run for a while. That is one thing you want to be able to start when the power goes down. Everything else gets used often enough but the generator can sit for a year without even thinking about it.

I always thought the whole "maintenance run" thing with generators wasn't that it's good for the motor, but that the entire reason for having a generator is that it work when you need it. Engines that sit have a tendency to develop problems that keep them from starting, starting it regularly means that if it has developed a problem you learn about it now, rather than when you need it.

 

[Billrog]

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

:thumbsup: Sixdogs

 

[Texasmark]

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

You have just reminded me to start my gas generator and let it run for a while. That is one thing you want to be able to start when the power goes down. Everything else gets used often enough but the generator can sit for a year without even thinking about it.

My whole house Generac self starts once per week and runs for 15 minutes......to give you an idea. That must have worked over the years for them to program it into the onboard computer. Since Generac has sold over 1 million units, all over the world, that schedule must not be climate specific.

 

[bigdeano]

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

I saw on the gold mining show on Discovery channel last night where they started two almost new diesel engines on a barge that had been sitting for 30 years. They didn't show exactly what they did, but they said all they would need was fuel and electricity. I would have primed the oil system at least, but they ran just fine.

 

[Gary Fowler]

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

I can see some benefit to fogging the cylinders on equipment that has set for years (not months) but even if you fog the cylinder top end, the bottom side is going to be dry. All of the cylinders are going to be somewhere between TDC and BDC and the fogging is only going to get to the portion above the cylinder rings so everything below is still going to be dry for the first full cycle. If damage is going to occur it will be to the rings on the down stroke. I don't think anything you do is going to prevent that from happening so my take is just to start it up. If an engine has been setting for a year or more, then an oil/filter change, fresh fuel and battery and then go for it.

 

[davesl708]

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

I agree with those that think a month is nothing. Start and go.
If setting over winter with old oil then changing the oil would be a greater benefit. Gets any contamination and or water out before starting.
Draining the fuel from a gasser's carb would help restarting.