Branson hard to start, lots of smoke

[JimRB]

That is probably just a light bulb check. On my JD, which is totally different beast I turn the key one direction, the opposite from normal to turn on the intake heater. On my VW I turn on the ignition key and wait 20 seconds for the glow plugs to get hot then turn to the starter position. On my Dodge Cummins I turn the key to the run position and wait for the glow plug light to turn off, then engage the starter. Your tractor may be like my VW and Dodge. Hopefully a Branson owner will answer.

From the Branson web site.
1) Check fuel level in tank and bleed air from fuel lines after refueling.
2) Check if there is smoke coming out from the engine's muffler. Preheat the engine for about 5 seconds by turning the key to the left, then start the engine.
3) Check the fuel hoses for leaks and contact local Branson Dealer.


http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...191245-rough-start-cold-weather-bransons.html

 

[calbug]

That is probably just a light bulb check. On my JD, which is totally different beast I turn the key one direction, the opposite from normal to turn on the intake heater. On my VW I turn on the ignition key and wait 20 seconds for the glow plugs to get hot then turn to the starter position. On my Dodge Cummins I turn the key to the run position and wait for the glow plug light to turn off, then engage the starter. Your tractor may be like my VW and Dodge. Hopefully a Branson owner will answer.

From the Branson web site.
1) Check fuel level in tank and bleed air from fuel lines after refueling.
2) Check if there is smoke coming out from the engine's muffler. Preheat the engine for about 5 seconds by turning the key to the left, then start the engine.
3) Check the fuel hoses for leaks and contact local Branson Dealer.


http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...191245-rough-start-cold-weather-bransons.html

Thanks for the link. I missed that thread in my search. Good info

 

[jcliffordj1]

Thanks for the link. I missed that thread in my search. Good info

My Branson 4520C had the oil cooler go out with less than 50 hours. Any time you question the oil, have it tested. I have the oil in my Volvo truck tested every time I change it. I didn't check the Branson because the dealer did the first service and found the oil cooler leaking.

 

[bobmisi]

Easy way to check the glow plugs. Remove the bus bar that connects all the glow plugs. Run a wire to the hot side of the starter, which is close by. Touch the wire to each glow plug individually. If you get an arc the plug is good. If you get nothing it is bad. They are about 40 bucks each on ebay or at the dealer. Good luck................

 

[buickanddeere]

Has anybody suggested reading the operator's manual ?

 

[Weiner]

Calbug: I have a 2006 Branson 4720 and I experienced the very same thing about two years ago. My problem was bad glow plugs. The 4720 "cycles" the glow plugs every time you turn the key to on, which was a bad design on Branson's part, but I think they have changed that with later models. My resolution was a switch mounted by the key that was powered by the glow plug wire from the key and then to the glow plug rail. With this, you will be in control of when the glow plugs cycle, therefore eliminating unnecessary use. I love the tractor, and I'm considering another one in the future. Hope this helps ya!

 

[calbug]

Calbug: I have a 2006 Branson 4720 and I experienced the very same thing about two years ago. My problem was bad glow plugs. The 4720 "cycles" the glow plugs every time you turn the key to on, which was a bad design on Branson's part, but I think they have changed that with later models. My resolution was a switch mounted by the key that was powered by the glow plug wire from the key and then to the glow plug rail. With this, you will be in control of when the glow plugs cycle, therefore eliminating unnecessary use. I love the tractor, and I'm considering another one in the future. Hope this helps ya!

Mines a 2008. I got a manual for it and it says to turn key to the left to preheat (glow plugs), but it won't turn left and it's only marked 'off, on, start' to the right, if that makes sense. That's odd. It may be possible that key switch is faulty, but I'd think it a long shot. It's not a model specific manual, it's for the series and it came from a dealer, so it should be right?

 

[3930dave]

If there is no separate "Cold Start" aka GP switch, then I can only make sense of:

Off/On/Start

as your only choices IF Start is totally under computer control.

By that I mean - You hold the key in the Start position and the motor does not crank until the computer decides the GPs are ready.

Your tractor is not that old, but I'm wondering if the keyswitch is an OEM part, or has been replaced ?

Rgds, D.

 

[calbug]

Discovered that I have to turn key to 'start', for @5-10 seconds without clutch pushed in so engine won't crank. This charges the glow plugs. Engine starts right up after doing this. Figured this out after some trial and error. So apparently my manual is not correct, as there is no 'left' key position. Thanks for everyone's input. Apparently this tractor doesn't like cool weather at all. I was always told hard cold starts were not much of an issue in the South, so that's why I thought there was a mechanical / fuel issue.

 

[3930dave]

Proper power cycle on GPs = happy diesel :thumbsup:.

Pretty major error in the Manual .

Definitely worth you posting what you found in the Branson forum (Branson Model ______ - Secret Handshake for Glow Plugs needed). Sharing that info should get you many Thank You's !

Rgds, D.