I think I ran my MF out of diesel

[stuckmotor]

Ch1ch2,
This is my first diesel. Running one dry and getting it started again seems to be a right of passage and I'm greatful to have gotten through it without burning up the starter or something worse.

 

[Spanner]

You done good. Be happy.

 

[kthompson]

Kthompson,
I wanted to try something like that and can see the diagnostic value, that you mentioned, BUT, my tractor has a device that I think helps it start in cold weather. It's called "Thermostart" and the operator's manual says SEVERE DAMAGE WILL RESULT if I use ether or starting fluid. Wouldn't WD40 or even diesel fuel sprayed into the intake come under that same warning?

No idea what "Thermostart" is unless it is glow plugs. If so they heat the chamber to help start in cold weather. "Starting Fluid" for diesel is at least often ether based which so I understand can damage and is not safe when using glow plugs. Not a mechanic but have never heard of issue with WD 40 or the use of diesel fuel being an issue unless you really flood it. WD-40 works with a gas engine.

If I may comment on the post about the number of post you have made and then asking about this would like to: A person can know a lot, even be an expert in an area such as heart doctor and know nothing of say dental. OK my example is due I lost filling this week and waiting on my dentist office.

 

[Loadstar]

No idea what "Thermostart" is unless it is glow plugs. If so they heat the chamber to help start in cold weather. "Starting Fluid" for diesel is at least often ether based which so I understand can damage and is not safe when using glow plugs. Not a mechanic but have never heard of issue with WD 40 or the use of diesel fuel being an issue unless you really flood it. WD-40 works with a gas engine. If I may comment on the post about the number of post you have made and then asking about this would like to: A person can know a lot, even be an expert in an area such as heart doctor and know nothing of say dental. OK my example is due I lost filling this week and waiting on my dentist office.

A thermostart is not glow plugs
HOW THE FLAME HEATER WORKS ON A PERKINS DIESEL - YouTube

 

[irvingj]

Wow! Never had seen that in operation, thanks! (No wonder they don't want any starter fluid around that!!)

 

[ch1ch2]

I have a thermostart on my IH.
I have never had to use it.

 

[ch1ch2]

Ch1ch2,
This is my first diesel. Running one dry and getting it started again seems to be a right of passage and I'm greatful to have gotten through it without burning up the starter or something worse.

Your right about that.
My IH does not have a fuel gauge and I have only run it dry 2 times in the 17 years I have owned it.

 

[irvingj]

My little GC is self-priming for the most part, so I've never had to go through that (and have no desire to!). But I remember going through that every time I changed the fuel filter on my old '82 Peugeot 504D Wagon. Definitely a PITA. The 504D had a lever atop the filter housing that had to be pumped a LOT to get all the air out...

Glad you got your 261 running!

 

[stuckmotor]

Kthompson,
When I wanted to prime the tractor with a spray bottle, I didn't know what thermostart was either. I even had trouble finding in in a web search then a few youtube videos popped up. I'm not even sure the one on my tractor works. Somewhere I read that it's supposed to make a distinctive sound and haven't heard it when I tried to use the device.

On the posts equeling experience thing, there was a message on this forum a while back, my understanding of whish was that people who have something to say about everything can't possibly be authoroties on all those subjects and sometimes it's the ones who seldom post who know what they're talking about. I don't claim to have the last word o anything and many of my messages have been put up because I like to share my experiences or ask questions. In other words I've got a big mouth.