Oil & Fuel Fuel System Heater ????

Mark_in_NH · Jan 18, 2004

As many of us have discovered this winter, the cold weather can make it quite difficult to start our diesel engines.
The thing thats seems to make the differance for me is to get the fuel system (componants) warm enough so that the fuel will properly ignite. I know that we have the glow plugs to at least "in part", perform this task. But in the extreme cold that the North East has recently experienced the glow plugs just aren't enough.
Is there such a device as an Auxiliary heater for the fuel system ? Something similar to block heater or some kind of an "inline " device?
Now that I know that I have to warm the Be Jesus !! out of my tractor to get it started in this extreme cold. I have taken to setting my 65,000 BTU salamander on a upside down garbage can, aimed in at the engine to get things warmed up enough. And thats with the block heater having had plenty of hours to help warm things up. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
For the few times ( I hope ) a year that I will need to go to this effort, maybe I sould just stick too the salamander. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Any Thoughts ??

Egon · Jan 18, 2004

The block heater should be enough to get it started. The extreme cold you mention is not that extreme in other places.

Just for interest; the diesel in my truck has a fuel preheater that works off the battery. At colder temperatures it will be activated during the start cycle.

Egon

OhioTC18 · Jan 18, 2004

Now this is just an idea.....but it may prove to be of some benefit or start someone else thinking along another line.

How about wrapping the fuel lines/filter with a self-regulating heat tape for water lines?? Some of them can be cut to length, put the ends on it and plug it in. Could be zip tied to the fuel lines and at least keep them a little warmer.

Like I said......just an idea /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Mark_in_NH · Jan 18, 2004

( The extreme cold you mention is not that extreme in other places. )

Good point. But still, my block heater does warm things up, but apparently (for me ) not enough /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Mark_in_NH · Jan 18, 2004

( Like I said......just an idea )

And a good one at that, well worth further thought and discussion

RalphVa · Jan 18, 2004

Sounds like you need to warm up your fuel filter. I'd think a light bulb, particularly one in a trouble light type reflector, placed/wired next to the fuel filter would do the trick. This, combined with a block heater (on the cooling system water) should start your diesel. I've started an old Benz with about 160-180k miles on it with a heater hose heater at -22 in Vermont. Then it stalled a couple times on me down the road a bit when the fuel gelled in the fuel filter. Kept going after sitting a minute or so after the second stalling, as the fuel filter is right on the engine block on Benzes, where it ought to be (not on the firewall where some silly other makes put them).

The other trick that Vermonters have used is to put 1/3 to 1/2 kerosene in the diesel to keep it from gelling.

Ralph

PineRidge · Jan 18, 2004

Is there such a device as an Auxiliary heater for the fuel system ? 

Yes, it's called a heated pole barn. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Actually all kidding aside if you are having cold weather starting problems your cheapest fix will be the block heater. Put it on a timer, plug it in and forgetaboutit. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

44trxfun · Jan 18, 2004

Well out of paranoia last week prior to our really cold weather at the suggestion of TBN members I started using PowerService. I got a trickle charger. During the really cold weather, I went out every 3-4 hours and started the MF GC2300--let it run for 10-15 minutes (hey I was desperate in case I really did need it to clear snow). I hooked up the charger and used a 100-watt trouble light beneath the oil pan to hold it for the next interval. It always started, but my sleep took a beating!

Tomorrow, the dealer's picking up my tractor, installing a block heater and bringing it back tomorrow afternoon. They're not charging for pickup & delivery! I'm hoping this is the end of sleepless nights...

Good luck to you!

snowbound · Jan 18, 2004

( I know that we have the glow plugs to at least "in part", perform this task. But in the extreme cold that the North East has recently experienced the glow plugs just aren't enough.)

We have the same model tractor; (TC-35D). It's not as cold here as it is there, but I've started mine at -10F with not problem. I have no block heater or anything else - just the stock glow plugs.

Since you have a block heater, I would expect that your engine was warmer than mine was at -10F when I started mine.

So I agree that it is probably the fuel. My dealer suggested that if I had any problems to add a gallon of kerosene to the tank. I haven't had any problems but since you're having them maybe you should try it.