Oil & Fuel diesel start-up noise (normal or not)

[ttowne66]

Hello All

Just wondering about the start-up noise that I hear with my L4330 as well as some white smoke. At start-up the motor is probably half again louder than it is after it has warmed up for a few minutes. Along with the added loudness It also has a more metalic sound to it than the muted note it has when it is warm. I have a block heater but the start-up volume is there with or without the use of my block heater, it might not last quite as long though. The added loudness normally lasts for about 30 seconds and then gradually dissapates to a normal note after about one to two minutes. Since I have owned the tractor all start-ups have been in temp ranges of between 10F to 45F. I am using Amsoil 15w-40 synthetic diesel oil. I was using a JD 870 before this tractor and it basically did the same thing at start-up but not as loud (maybe because of engine size difference). Just wondering if this is normal? Thanks.

Tom

 

[Paul_Dowling]

Sounds like you're describing a typical cold diesel startup to me.

 

[kubota_man]

Mine is louder at first startup also and I can here a knocking sound but that is the diesel igniting and will quiet down and smooth out pretty quick.

 

[redharley]

sounds normal to me also,just let it warm up before heavy use.It doesn't need to be hot just 2-5 min's before work depending on how cold it is. It takes me longer!

 

[Henro]

What you have described is the reason I have block heaters in mine...not that it makes any difference for the tractors...but it sure does make ME feel better when starting the engine in cold weather.

Of course, a block heater only works if you have voltage available to plug it in... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Fortunately I do have power in my shed where the tractors hang out. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[jackl]

What you describe is perfectly normal for a diesel. The engine needs to reach a specific operating temperature before it will combust the fuel properly. The white smoke is actually unburned or partially burned fuel. I used to run Cat dozers and we would start them at below zero with just the glow plugs to get em going. They always knocked and blew out white smoke until they warmed up. Nothing like the sound and smell of a good diesel engine!

 

[ttowne66]

Thanks to all for the reassurance!

 

[john_bud]

ttowne,

Add some cetane booster. Winter fuel is lower in both cetane and lubricity. It will smooth out more and start easier.

jb