cold start aid / Ford 1710

[Kent B]

How does this device work?
The control is located on the instrument panel but there is no knob or switch extending it out. It looks like there should be something else.
What is missing?

I removed the "switch" from the dash and looked more closely.
There is some sort of single strand wire with a loop.
Any idea?

 

[muzzy123]

Mine looks the same. The only thing i know is that when i turn the key to the left to start the glow plugs the coiled filament will glow when the glow plugs are warm. Once i see it glowing i turn the key and start the tractor.

 

[MikeDspain]

Yep I was also confused about the missing switch. I learned on here that when you turn the key to the left and the spring turns red/orange that the system is getting a full circuit (working) BUT just because the light comes on it does not mean the glow plugs work, just that they are getting juice so they should work.

I use mine even when it's 90+ degrees here, I think my tractor has something (injector pump) maybe that's bleeding the pressure off. It starts alot quicker if I use the glow plugs on the first startup.

 

[rayikeo2]

As the other posters have said, the switch is the ignition switch. To activate the start aid you have turn the key all the way left and "hold it there" for 15 to 30 seconds depending on how cold the outside temperature is. It only works while you hold the key over to the left.

 

[JC-jetro]

How does this device work?
The control is located on the instrument panel but there is no knob or switch extending it out. It looks like there should be something else.
What is missing?
View attachment 326370
I removed the "switch" from the dash and looked more closely.
There is some sort of single strand wire with a loop.
Any idea?

Ken,

There is nothing missing there unless the element (the wound up metal coil) is burned up. This is a glow plug indicator and timer in the most rudimentary fashion. The coil completes the preheat circuit. Once the key in switch, and it is turned to preheat (left) current flows thru the switch, thru the indicator and all the way to preheat plug. While the plug is heating the element also heats up and glows (same as cloth or hair drier element). The # of second sit takes for the element to turn red (15-20 seconds) is all you need. So this will show you that the current is flowing and when you had enough pre heat. The size and dia of element is designed so it would only glow red and not to burn quickly.

if the element is busted and you can not find replacement then simply connect the leads in the bottom and cover it with electric help. Then you'll be the time keeper and count till 20 for preheat. That achieves just about the same.

JC,

 

[Kent B]

Wow!
Looks like I came to the right place for answers. That is awesome and funny at the same time.
I am only slightly knowledgeable concerning glow-plugs from having been a HMMWV light-wheel vehicle mechanic (63B).
We had a "wait light" that would turn off when ready. I know that you don't want to over heat them. They can bulge and be damaged.
If you tried to start it too soon you could flood the combustion chamber and possibly cause vapor lock.

After I first got the tractor I noticed the switch indicated "turn left" to preheat. I did not know about the indicator.
That is very helpful.
Thanks everyone.
Kent B.