Engine block or no, JD 2038R

[SI2305]

Hi all,

It痴 been a while since I last posted but I was hoping to get a little input. Recently I have needed to use my tractor in the morning on cold days (about 20 degrees or colder) only to have the engine not start. I turned the key to the 登n position and waited for the glow plugs to turn off. I would then try to start, only to have the engine chug along several times until the computer brains seemed to just stop the startup process (dash lights stayed on but the engine would not even try to turn over). If I waited a few seconds, the tractor would try again until again, no firing and no turnover (by the way, the starter did not slow down, it just stopped, making me think it was the computer).

Fast forward a couple days and I tried again to no avail but forgot the keys in the 登n position. By evening it was obvious that dashboard lights were still on. I tried to start and it would not even try溶o surprise.

I attached the tractor to a charger and set on 50 amps耀till would not turn over. I let it sit for a couple hours at the lowest 2 amp setting and it fired over. I went ahead and let it charge overnight (total about a 20-24 hour charge at 2 amps). This morning got down to about 10 degrees and the tractor had snow on it. I disconnected the charger, turned the keys let the glow plugs turn off and the tractor fired right up after the 3rd chug. It is now warming up.

Here is my dilemma: in the meantime I ordered a block heater for about $65. I am open to thoughts: should I go ahead and install the engine block heater or just keep the battery topped off. At this point I am about 50:50. I live in Southern Illinois and winters are generally pretty mild, though we do of course get freezing weather.

Thanks in advance,

SI2305

 

[nybirdman]

I do believe in block heaters for sure but sounds like your battery is getting weak.I use a battery tender and a block heater during cold weather.

 

[Beaver Cove Deere]

Battery is on it's way out or dirty terminals somewhere.

Block heaters allow the engine to start so much easier and put a lot less stress on the starting system as a whole. There is NO NEED to keep it plugged in all the time. Couple of hours lead time and then go warm up the oils.

Also: Do not use some POS extension cord for your block heater. It will start a fire. A friend worked for an outfit that lost 4 W900 Kenworths' at once, all in a row due to crappy light gauge cords.

 

[sunnyside360]

I'd clean the battery terminals and test the battery under load. Some auto parts stores test for free if you do not have a load tester. Regardless of how new the battery is it may be going bad. I've seen brand new batteries that were defective.
Using a battery tender is a great idea. I have one installed on all my equipment.

 

[RoyJackson]

Definitely install the block heater...especially if the tractor is parked outside. So much easier on the engine!