I installed a block heater and switched to synthetic oil this fall. WOW, what a difference this morning starting the tractor at 0 F. Plugged in the heater for about an hour or so, it started like it was summer /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gifThe dealer said I did not need one so I was talked out of it when I purchased the tractor. Boy am I glad I spent the $30 to put one this winter. Yea it started last winter, but not as easy as this time. I have to believe it is much better on the engine to be warm and not cold when starting. Installing the block heater was not difficult at all as long as you have the proper tools. If you live in an area where it gets cold, below 20 F or so, and you are thinking about getting a diesel engine, spend the extra $$ on a block heater , no matter what the dealer says.
Sorry to hear about your brother. Our condolences to you and your family. Some one told me to give the BX a little (vary little) throttle to help the governor keep the engine running. It was -10 outside and 10 in the garage this morning so I tried a little throttle and it started on the 3rd try and didn't sound like it was going to brake apart. I to have no heat to the engine.
Well, a bit warmer temps today and four hours of a space heater aimed at the engine and the tractor started on the first crank. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif I thottled it up to about 1/2 and left it running for an hour.
This leaves me to strongly suspect fuel gelling as the problem, but doesn't quite rule out the need for a block heater. I have replaced 1/2 to 2/3 of the fuel with fuel known to be winter blend and added a product called 911 that is supposed to address gelling. Only time will tell if this problem will repeat but I can assure you that I WILL be adding a block heater at the next opportunity.
Thanks to all for the suggestions, all of which I read and considered. Ain't this place grand! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I can tell you for sure that if your fuel had jelled that you would have had to change your fuel filter cause it will be right full of wax. How ever I may be wrong cause I don't know what 911 does never heard of it. Usually nothing will take the wax out of the filter short of changing it. Glad to hear that all is well.
The fuel filter is located on the right side of the engine compartment. It is easily visible without even opening the hood for inspection. Was it milky? Glad to here it's running that's the most important thing.
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The fuel filter is located on the right side of the engine compartment. It is easily visible without even opening the hood for inspection. Was it milky? Glad to here it's running that's the most important thing. )</font>
Yes, I'm pretty sure it was milky but I just thought it was opaque plastic. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif I never thought to look at it today when it was running. I assume that would mean gelled fuel? Are the filters now no good as suggested by deerelope?
Please accpet my heartfelt condolences to you and your family regarding the loss of your brother.
I'm glad to hear your tractor is now operating A.O.K. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif .
Peace be with you and your family.
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Thanks Rick and all the others who have expressed their sympathy. For those who may be wondering he died at 42 after what was described as a routine appendix removal.
Hug your loved ones next time you see them. You just never know if you'll get another chance.
