deisel cold weather starting

[kjm3232]

i was wondering for those with the diesels, do you have any sort of heater to help with cold starting. i store my 1430 in a unheated garage and It took me about 7-10 times for it to turn over and start. i have added a additive to the fuel several days prior to trying to start it. If you do use some sort of heater, is it one of the magnetic heaters that attaches to the bottom of the oil pan and how good does it work or did you order a block heater from deutz? i had called the nerest deutz distributer a little while back and they want from $ 60 for a 22mm block heater or $100 for a 48mm block heater plus i would have to buy a new oil pan as well . with the temp expecting to be in the single digits this weekend having to put extra work on the battery is something i'm trying to avoid. thanks for any info

 

[MossRoad]

Some of the folks were looking at a heater element that goes in the air intake. It preheats the air. They were also talking about just pointing a blow dryer in the air intake for a minute or so and then while it is cranking. Give it a try and see if it works.

 

[Egon]

Cover the tractor with a tarp and place a small electric fan heater under it. It'll do wonders for the starting.

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

With my 1845, I have had no trouble getting it started in 15 degree weather. It takes a while, however, for it to stir the hydraulic fluid enough to get the RPM up to real operation. Based on my admittedly limited experience, where you need auxiliary heat is on the hydraulic tank, not the Deutz. The tarp and heater will work. Magnetic block heaters, will, as well, attached to the tank. If you search the archives, I think you'll see some specific recommendations.
Fortunately, in Maryland, I have little sub 20 degree time, so I haven't arranged any heat for the 1845.

 

[farm23]

I have the 1430 and store it under a tarp under my deck. I have additive in the fuel and have started it in 15 deg. It will take some 7 to 10 seconds to start and then it has to run for a couple of minutes before I try to use. Deutz does have an intake heater but I have not bought one. If I have trouble I probably use a electric heaer like Egon suggest.

 

[Sedgewood]

My 1845 sits outside year round and will start in temps down as low as zero degrees F with lots of cranking and winter fuel. Some heat would certainly help but this Deutz is the best starting diesel I've yet to own.

This year I forgot to order winter fuel so it may not start at zero. It did start ok the other day at 20 degrees or so. Anybody know what temp regular diesel fuel gels at?

Anticipating the first zero degree night in 2 years tonight - simply amazing!
Sedgewood

 

[GarthH]

Cold weather certainly challanges us. Lighter oil is a primary solution - there are some 10W30's with diesel specs and one of our best is a 0W30 from Petro Canada. Hydraulic oils are in the same boat - although my experience is more with hydraulic 22 or even synthetic oil. Hytrans is close to a 56 grade so 22 is dramatically better - we see many hydraulics still operating at -40.

Check out your livestock supply places for a magnetic tank heater - they are amazing. They snap on to whatever tank, plug it in and keep the oil warm - works with the engine oil or the hydraulics.

Batteries are the next big issue. Battery blankets - a plastic blanket that fits around most batteries with a small electric element. Plug it in and way you go. More cranking amps is very important on a cold day.

We are getting pretty spoiled with heated shops. Our biggest issue is the hydraulics and ofcourse ourselves.

Garth

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

Our biggest issue is the hydraulics and of course ourselves.

Garth

And not so much the hydraulics.

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

My 1845 sits outside year round and will start in temps down as low as zero degrees F with lots of cranking and winter fuel. Some heat would certainly help but this Deutz is the best starting diesel I've yet to own.

Sedgewood

I agree.

When the engine pops and sputters for a while before it smooths out, I don't believe that it is the engine trying to get going, but rather the drag of the hydraulics. I did another of my inadvertant scientific tests last weekend. I was having a bit of trouble with the starter (I will dredge up the old thread on that.) I jumped it at the starter and got it going, but although completely warm, it sputtered and lugged, and wouldn't smooth out and run, just as if it were 15 degrees.
The PTO switch was on. I had just unhooked the post pounder, so there was no longer an open valve in the PTO circuit. By jumping at the starter, of course, I had bypassed the lockout.
Based on that experience, I am convinced that the Deutz will start in the cold and smooth out immediately if the hydraulic oil is warm enough not to drag it down.

 

[RegL]

I left my 1430 down at the ski jumps last night so we could use it to move a snow gun this mourning. It was outside, uncovered and the temp was 2 below zero. I cranked it 3 times for 10 or 15 seconds and it started, rough for a couple minutes than smoothed out. I noticed the hydraulic leaks are not so bad at zero degrees either lol.