Engine warming up

[sdef]

This is largely an artifact of Diesel engines. With no throttle plate. the intake manifold runs at close to atmospheric pressure (not 29 inches of vacuum like a gas engine) so the engine needs to do very little work on the intake stroke. The oil, hydraulic, and water pumps and alternator do create a small load. As a result, very little fuel is needed until there is an external load on the engine so the engine heats slowly. I think the conventional wisdom is to let the engine idle until the oil is circulating throughout (maybe a minute or two, depending on the temp and oil type) and then just use it at modest loads (like driving) until the temp begins to rise. Idling at high RPM is not a good way to warm a Diesel.

Exactly what I do.

 

[Looking4new]

Mine is plugged in for at least 4 hours before I even think about starting it. Then I let it warm up for another 15 minutes or so depending on how cold it is. (Rear PTO engaged.) After I start getting heat out of the vents I then go and don't take it over 1500 RPM until the gauge starts to rise, then it is set at 2000-2200 RPM and off to work.

 

[TJP89]

Since I'm retired I try to not be hurried. I usually try to check the fluids after I've stopped, when the tractor was hot, so they should be fine.
I like to start it up, get off, walk around to make sure all is clear and a tire didn't leak down, get on exercise the FEL and 3pt slightly, ease out and go. By then I've killed several minutes.

Yes, that's my way, start, do whatever I need to do before I get on, and then go. Of course if I'm in a hurry, that time can get cut down a little

 

[George2615]

This is largely an artifact of Diesel engines. With no throttle plate. the intake manifold runs at close to atmospheric pressure (not 29 inches of vacuum like a gas engine) so the engine needs to do very little work on the intake stroke. The oil, hydraulic, and water pumps and alternator do create a small load. As a result, very little fuel is needed until there is an external load on the engine so the engine heats slowly. I think the conventional wisdom is to let the engine idle until the oil is circulating throughout (maybe a minute or two, depending on the temp and oil type) and then just use it at modest loads (like driving) until the temp begins to rise. Idling at high RPM is not a good way to warm a Diesel.

This is what I do also. Today for example, it was 2*F when I got home from work. I had to plow 17" of snow so I started the tractor and let it idle for about 5 minutes while I shoveled out around the garage door and front porch. Then hopped in the tractor and started plowing at about 1000 RPM. 10 minutes later I set it up to 1800 RPM until I completed. I let it idle while fueling it up (maybe 5 min.) then put it back in the garage.

 

[tcreeley]

Idle for me is 1200rpm. I run it at 1500-1600rpm in mid range 1st to plow snow. I do it by how the engine sounds. Warming up for me is about getting the hydraulic fluid warm. The engine is always plugged in- so that is closer to operating temps and warms quickly.

 

[phiferpharm]

Mine is plugged in for at least 4 hours before I even think about starting it. Then I let it warm up for another 15 minutes or so depending on how cold it is. (Rear PTO engaged.) After I start getting heat out of the vents I then go and don't take it over 1500 RPM until the gauge starts to rise, then it is set at 2000-2200 RPM and off to work.

Well the OP lives about 30 miles from me, and I don't think we have to worry about plugging our stuff in... We have had three days so far this winter where I did have ice on my horse water bucket though!

 

[ksbrdmkr]

8 or 9 out this morning to feed hay, start moving when running smooth and not blowing smoke, then keep it under 1500rpm until the temp needle starts moving and then keep under 2000 rpm, when the gauge is in the normal is when I worry more about the HYD systems than the engine loading the FEL and 3 pt with 1500# bales soaked with an inch of frozen water.

 

[m1greg]

I always allow a few minutes of warm-up idle of around 1000rpm when it is cold out. I can hear the strain on the hydraulics if I try to move too soon after starting.
Monday, after leaving the tractor out all night in the elements, I started the tractor and proceeded to shovel next to the house and up to my car which I also started and let idle while I cleared the 11" of snow off of it. After 15-20min and after moving the car, I started my plowing. Temperature gauge had barely moved but the hydraulics didn't scream at me.

 

[kiotiken]

Well, I'll I can say is refer to your owners manual. It states exactly how long your tractor needs to be warmed up before use. It also states that it should idol around 1200 RPM for the warm up period. Plugging the engine in is great, but hydraulic fluid at the winter temps some of you experience is MUCH thicker and puts a lot more strain on your pump.

At my current temperatures (-25C), my manual tells me it must be warmed up for 20 - 30 minutes if memory serves. My tractor was plugged in last night and started with ease in those temperatures, but the pump makes some noise.

After a minute or so, I'll flip on the PTO. The engine comes up to temp much faster and the hydraulics are also warmed up. Can't say I'd be too worried if I lived in Florida though, I don't bother with a proper warm up in the summer, I just take it slow for a little while.

 

[RalphVa]

Tractors run at rather low speeds. I have no problem revving mine up to full rpm after only a couple minutes.

If I lived in really cold country, I'd probably put a heater underneath the hydraulics to help warm that oil up a bit. That's the main system that might be a problem in revving to full rpm when really cold. Don't think there's a problem with the engine.

Ralph