3016 cranks but won't start

[edgeoil]

so i went to start my tractor after it had been sitting for a week and it just cranks but won't fire up. it blows white smoke from the exhaust while cranking. it is always parked inside my shop so its not cold. not sure where to go from here.

 

[dickfoster]

so i went to start my tractor after it had been sitting for a week and it just cranks but won't fire up. it blows white smoke from the exhaust while cranking. it is always parked inside my shop so its not cold. not sure where to go from here.

I'd start by checking the fuel for water, air leaks etc.

 

[Wagtail]

Yep, what dickfoster advises. White smoke is indicative of water in the fuel mixture.

Check the fuel bowl for water and drain. I'd also change out your fuel filter to be on the safe side. Once you do get the tractor to fire up, it'll still belch a bit of white smoke until the water has been dispelled from the donk.

 

[George2615]

After checking the fuel for water, fuel gelling etc. check the glow plugs first to see they are getting power. If so you may have to do a resistance check on each one individually. You may have a bad plug or two.

 

[thepumpguysc]

Loosen the lines AT the injectors afew turns, no need to remove them, then crank the engine until fuel squirts out.. Then retighten.
It sounds like the engine cylinders aren't hot enough to fire the fuel.. regardless of where you keep the machine, the engine is still cold.
Check the glow plug heater system also, if so equipped..

 

[RNeumann]

What's the temp in the shop? What's the fuel source- I ask because I'm wondering if it's summer blend that has been around for a few months. It sounds like you are aware diesel fuel contains paraffin which doesn't like the cold.

I like the idea of changing the filter- not only for cleaning things up but it will allow you to add known good fuel closer to the engine.

Typically diesels have a manual prime and bleed screw. What does the fuel coming out of that look like?

It also wouldn't hurt to throw a charger on your battery. If you are anything like me my stubbornness would have me trying to start it to the point I'm hammering the battery.....

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[edgeoil]

So i got it running. the glow plugs were not working. Took apart the wire connectors and cleaned them and then they started to work again. Got lucky with a cheap fix. Thanks for the advice.

 

[RNeumann]

Glad you got it running! Nice work tracking that down.

 

[thepumpguysc]

Happy for ya.. I kinda figured it was GP's, seeing you had white smoke..

 

[Wagtail]

Happy for ya.. I kinda figured it was GP's, seeing you had white smoke..

I did not know that... I've only ever experienced white smoke when water was in the fuel/line.

Do you happen to know why?

 

[thepumpguysc]

I can see why you would think that.. white smoke=steam=water..
but I think it might just be coincidence.. GENERALLY, white smoke on start-up is unburnt fuel.. could be fuel QUALITY OR a cold engine.

 

[RNeumann]

Thx for the info pumpguy. I tried to find more info on the topic and found this:
Read Those Smoke Signals | Cruising World

Is this accurate?

 

[Wagtail]

Thx for the info pumpguy. I tried to find more info on the topic and found this:
Read Those Smoke Signals | Cruising World

Is this accurate?

Generally... although some of the 'causes' provided are marine specific due to the source/audience of the article.

Here's one I found: Reading Exhaust Smoke, basic Diesel diagnosis/Troubleshooting + related comments - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

They mention 'contaminated fuel', which can be water from condensation. Which is why you check and drain (if required) your fuel-bowl.

Short story (I promise): I was helping friends bring in rounds of hay. It was running late for the day and they needed to quit for the day and tend to other farm chores. I said I'd finish the paddock I was in but, to be on the safe side, could I get a top-up of diesel. Well, the young-bloke couldn't get their ute-mounted diesel transfer bowser to work... so he went and grabbed a canister from another location and poured it in, then left as he was running late.

10 minutes later I was dead in the field. The canister was water that smelled of diesel.

I drained the tank and the next day = new fuel filter, fresh diesel, bled the injectors + a lot of cranking-over. Back to life and on with the job. But I did get one instance of power-loss and an almighty belch of white smoke! The tractor ran fine after that.