Max28 and cold Weather

[mike69440]

Any chance you can elaborate on this? Did the dealer determine solenoid defect was related to temperature, like because of the temperature the solenoid wasn't opening as much as it should? (I think so) Or because of the colder air temperature more fuel was required to start then what the solenoid was allowing to feed?

From what I understand that the solenoid was not fully pulling, so it could not be proberly adjusted. I was told each time they adjusted it, it never pulled to same position.

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Who would have thought!

 

[bamboozled]

Just trying to cold start my tractor....no big deal

One of these days I will get a block heater and actually install it.

 

[mike69440]

Just trying to cold start my tractor....no big deal

One of these days I will get a block heater and actually install it.

I really got to put cold weather synthetic fluids in my Max28, as everything was really stiff till it warmed up today and it was 10-15F warm here today. Starts way better since fixed last year. Also the 25% kerosene and additive sure helps, as it starts quickly and does not chug as much. Sat over a week and fired right up, and off I went to push poop.

I'd drop it off at the dealer, and let him know of the flaky start solenoid, that would not keep consistent position.

 

[oldpilgrim]

I'm surprised you have trouble starting that. I have the 3016 but it has the exact same engine as yours and starts as easily at -9F as it does at 40-50F. I don't have a heater of any kind, nor do I use the battery tender any more. I found neither necessary. I don't even think about it not starting.

I've posted this video before:

 

[bamboozled]

Yeah I need to get that solenoid looked at. It doesn't take long with the burner under the pan, about 2-3 minutes and it fires right up. I just haven't had the time or desire to properly troubleshoot in the cold weather. I usually just keep it in the garage but the last few weeks I've had garage projects and it's had to sit outside.

I really got to put cold weather synthetic fluids in my Max28, as everything was really stiff till it warmed up today and it was 10-15F warm here today. Starts way better since fixed last year. Also the 25% kerosene and additive sure helps, as it starts quickly and does not chug as much. Sat over a week and fired right up, and off I went to push poop.

I'd drop it off at the dealer, and let him know of the flaky start solenoid, that would not keep consistent position.

 

[tigers2007]

That camp stover burner under the oil pan is a great idea. Consider going to your local Goodwill and/or Salvation Army and buying a $2 used sleeping bag to throw over the engine area. I'm not thrilled that Mahindra wants $375 for the probe style block heater.

 

[mike69440]

Re: Max28 and cold Weather, Burning down the Barn

I do't want to be around for this.

Heating up a tractor that won't start while overfilling the fuel tank.

I think getting the tractor set right so it starts when cold is a better idea.

PS.

Don't leave your tractor outside during a lightening storm.

 

[bamboozled]

Finally getting around to replacing my ETR solenoid. I went to use the tractor the other day and it started, ran for a few seconds and died. It blew the ETR fuse and I finally decide enough was enough and ordered a new solenoid. The white wire on the one that I removed had overheated at some point as the insulation was bubbled and the wire inside was corroded. I also had water in the supposed weather-pack connector and it was corroding the harness side contacts.

Hopefully when I get the new one installed it will solve my cold starts. But I do have a block heater that is going to get installed as well just in case.

 

[tigers2007]

Consider slobbering RTV around the back ends of the connectors as the plug seals seem to be junk. I also filled the insides of the connectors with dielectric grease. If they would have used genuine Delphi connectors this wouldn’t have been an issue.

 

[bamboozled]

So far so good with the new solenoid, but I didn't really use the tractor much this winter when it was cold. Never did get the block heater installed tho...

Cycled the glow plugs a couple times, 1/4 throttle and it would fire up, puff for about 10 seconds then even out. I'm due for hydro fluid change, so I may try to get the block heater put in and do a coolant change as well.

I even washed and waxed it the other day, at least the engine tins. Had to get the buffer out to clean it up, it got pretty oxidized when I had to leave it outside for awhile a couple seasons ago.