Cranks - but doesn't want to fire

[Roy_in_NC]

I got a Mitsubishi D2050, 4 cyl, diesel.

For some reason, lately this tractor doesn't want to fire. I turn the key, the starter spins the engine, and it doesn't fire initially. I have to crank it for about 10 minutes, and each time it gets closer and closer to actually firing.
I checked voltage to the glow plugs and their getting voltage to all 4 plugs. I pulled the fuel line off (where it returns back to the fuel tank) and there's fuel in lines. I have to crank it, on and off, for like 10 minutes. I ran my battery down trying to get it to start. Finally, it'll fire and spit and sputter. After about 1 minute it runs smooth. Once it's started it runs just fine...until I shut it off and try it again the next day. It sort of acts like a flooded gas-engine if you know what that's like.

Are glow plugs not getting hot to heat the fuel? They're getting voltage from the battery for sure as I tested it with a volt-meter.
Injector problems? It has fuel in the fuel lines. :confused2:

Any suggestions where to start would be appreciated. As noted, once it finally fires and gets running, it runs fine.

Thanks

 

[Willl]

While trying to crank,,,any white smoke ?

No smoke I'd look towards fuel.

 

[mit]

its always best to start with simple things then get more involved.i would want to check the air filter then put some injector cleaner in the tank and see what happens the next day.feel the plugs if they are getting warmer when you heat them.

 

[Roy_in_NC]

Well, I do get smoke when I crank it - it's black though, not white. It stops after a second or two.

I checked the air filter earlier this spring...it looked fairly clean - but I'll check it again.

As far as injector cleaner - I put that in my fuel tank with every fill up. I got a couple bottles (and boy it goes a long way). 1/8 oz per 5 gallons. I figure a small amount of injector cleaner to keep my injectors clean is simple preventive maintenance.

I'll check the glow plugs as well by touching them. Good idea.

Thanks guys - it gives me a some ideas and options to work with.

I may try getting some new glow plugs just for the heck of it. Likely the original set in there since it was manufactured back in the 80's.

 

[tthopskin@yahoo.ca]

dose it roll over fast if so --I do this when the tractor gets lasy put a quart of trany fluid in the fuel tank of the tractor it will not hurt it and it will come to life :thumbsup:

 

[tthopskin@yahoo.ca]

PS if this makes your tractor start better have your injector pump looked at :thumbsup:

 

[mit]

you can test the glow plugs with the meter.put the meter on ohms scale.disconnect the wire /s from the glow plugs.put one test lead to ground,(battery negative).put the other wire to the glow plug note the reading.it should read just a few ohms to be ok .if you dont get no reading the plug is burnt out.you can use test light also.the ones that has a battery in it.ground the alligator clip use the probe part on the plug if it lights its ok .no light bad.