-25c My Tractor Won't Start After Being Plugged in. Help please

[kenmac]

If I were living in your climate, (If you're not using it already), it would be a good idea to be using synthetic oil in the engine and hydro. It's tough to move 15w40 dino oil in those temps without some type of oil heater

 

[john_bud]

It sounds like there is no fuel getting to the engine. It is hard to not notice the white fuel "smoke" and the stench of diesel that a cold engine produces when trying to start.

I would check that there isn't ICE in the fuel filter or that the fuel cut off isn't activated (if it has one). The throttle lever should be open about 1/2 way to start.

 

[3930dave]

sd455dan
I own and have several Ford diesel tractors and have never seen one that one turns the ign switch to the "left for starting" as you described. On my Fords one needs to turn key clockwise(right) to energize starter I also seriously doubt at -25C that if any water is present in filter will drip out if bleed screw is opened but I could be wrong. Fuel enrichment and Thermo-start that you referred to actually increase compression with the extra fuel added.

Correct Jim - even Canuck water doesn't flow too well at -25C .

OP self-identified as not knowing much about diesels. Maintenance is unknown, so I wanted to point out the water separator as something to closely check (easy, if it is the glass bowl type). Some people end up getting used diesels with the water separator just about full - even if the fuel is not gelled, all that frozen water may reduce fuel flow quite a bit.

While (knock wood) the Thermostart on my 3930 works, it always bugged me that there was no factory light to indicate Thermostart ON. I sat down with a coffee and read this thread, just after I finished wiring up an indicator light for my Thermostart. Good to ensure that 12v is getting to the Thermostart terminal, and if OP gets that far diagnosing, I measured approx. 1 ohm resistance from the thermostart terminal to ground.

Rgds, D.

 

[suzy]

When I plug in my block heater, I always plug in the extension cord at the receptacle and then at the engine, listening carefully for the clicking on of the heater. One of those extension cords with the light inside is good as well.
If it was gelled fuel, hopefully it will melt with all the heat and blankets. Good luck!

 

[Ilikeurtractor]

In my opinion - at -25*c (-13*f for those not wanting to do the math) three hours of running the block heater probably isnt long enough..

Running with that thought, -13°F is never a "piece-of-cake" to deal with for a diesel no matter what you're doing. It is noticable on even gas engines during starting (thicker oil and all).

 

[Agvg]

No, but there are no problems cold start a well design diesel engine at -25C even with no engine heater of any kind.

 

[SPYDERLK]

No, but there are no problems cold start a well design diesel engine at -25C even with no engine heater of any kind.

Well, Id think 0W40 and functioning glo plugs and a prime battery would be a minimum.
larry

 

[Agvg]

Yes, and many engines are not well designed for cold weather. I have a small van and that I have started in -29C and it started on the first try, the problem is that modern very efficient diesels has very littel heat to deliver to the heater so its a cold ride in very cold weather.

 

[Egon]

Yes, and many engines are not well designed for cold weather. I have a small van and that I have started in -29C and it started on the first try, the problem is that modern very efficient diesels has very littel heat to deliver to the heater so its a cold ride in very cold weather.

Can you install a hotter thermostat or put a partial cover over the rad?

 

[catskinner]

You can use ether, but WD 40 is safer, but CAN NOT use glowplugs or coldstart switch. Buy a cheap reddy heater and point it towards the air intake, and a battery charger with boost helps my old Ford 3400 start everytime.