Engine Preheat

[Cougsfan]

I think you are correct, Bob. My light also comes on for a while when you turn the key on even if the engine is warm. I wait until the light goes out if the engine is cold (starts easier) but also start the engine without waiting at all if the engine is already warm. I agree with the advice that it better to not shut the engine off and just let it idle if you are only stopping use of the tractor for up to a few minutes. With some of the new DPF's, idling too long can be a problem (one of the reasons I gutted mine). But in any case I suspect your battery going dead is most likely caused by something other than your glow plugs.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Well, we call "down to zero", "Spring" and "Fall" around here.

None of it will start without glow plugs once "Winter" hits, and yes that includes FARM tractors, unless it's kept in a very well heated building.

But it gets cold here. Real cold, not "kinda chilly out".

The battery drain combo of the starter motor and the glow plugs being frequently used together is what drained your battery, without enough run time between starts for the alternator to catch the battery back up again. In warm weather operation (above zero), once the engine has been fully warmed up, it would have to sit quite a while to need the glow plugs again. I would just go ahead and start it without waiting for the glow plug cycle when it's warm out, and you're just restarting a warm engine.

 

[Malvern Michael]

Hi Guy’s
Thank you for all the comments, the reason I question the glow plugs is my other tractor is a Kubota and the glow plugs only come on by holding the key in correct position so once started that’s it for the day but the Branson glow plugs every start with a hot engine which is unnecessary use of the glow plugs and additional drain on the battery

 

[oosik]

My pre-heat comes on if the ambient temperature is 32 or colder AND the engine is cold. Otherwise - no pre-heat.

 

[Cougsfan]

Hi Guy痴
Thank you for all the comments, the reason I question the glow plugs is my other tractor is a Kubota and the glow plugs only come on by holding the key in correct position so once started that痴 it for the day but the Branson glow plugs every start with a hot engine which is unnecessary use of the glow plugs and additional drain on the battery

It may indeed not be necessary for the glow plugs to come on every time you start the tractor. But over time it has proven to be a simple and reliable method and, in my mind, the less complication you put into a system; the better. No relays, inter-ties or logic to fail and troubleshoot when it stops working. I have not read a single thread of the glow plugs wearing out on a Branson. If your battery and charging system is in anything but in a state of desperately needing repair, it wont be a troublesome overload for your electrical system. The drain caused by glow plugs is minuscule compared to drain caused by the starter motor. These days you don't often hear people saying you should push start your tractor to reduce drain on the battery.

It reminds me of old 360 degree twin cylinder motorcycles (Honda 350s etc.). The points and plugs fired every revolution of each cylinder versus every other revolution as required for a 4 cycle engine. The reason was simplicity. To do it "properly" would have added much unwanted complexity and potential failure points. The points and plugs lasted just as long on those engines as they did on any other that used this now outdated method of ignition.

 

[ericm979]

I have not timed it but I'm pretty sure my 3725's preheat goes on for a shorter time when the engine is warm.

 

[LouNY]

The 8050 has a block temperature sensor that goes to the manifold pre heat control, the colder the engine the longer the pre heat.

 

[52wej]

Hate to disappoint you Cougsfan, but I replaced the glow plugs on my 2004 Century 2535 a few years back. It was not a big expense and the tractor continues to start easily in the cold weather. I generally just use the preheat cycle even when the tractor is warm. Much less smoke that way. W Jones

 

[sikmusicfreak8]

So, last winter I noticed something on my 2005 4720: My glow plugs will come on with the key turn, but after it starts it immediately goes out. I could swear that the plugs use to run for a period of time after the engine starts? I could be wrong, but thats for sure the case with other engines I own.

 

[ptsg]

So, last winter I noticed something on my 2005 4720: My glow plugs will come on with the key turn, but after it starts it immediately goes out. I could swear that the plugs use to run for a period of time after the engine starts? I could be wrong, but thats for sure the case with other engines I own.

I believe it will run for a couple seconds after the engine starts but the light will definitely go out right after it starts.

At least mine does and I've checked the timing table on the service manual.