GC 1705 black smoke on startup

irvingj · Sep 13, 2016

Agree with not2old-- I use glow plugs even in the summer; starts more quickly & less smoke. In winter, mine would start with glow only, but I use a block heater (plus glow) for the same reason.

SteveM70 · Sep 13, 2016

I use glow plugs in the summer also but that's simply because my tractor will not start otherwise

I have 170+ hours on the clock now and somewhere around 150 hours it started starting quicker. It could be that I switched over to 5W40 synthetic on the last oil change, better fuel (doubtful since I purchase from the same place every time) or maybe the motor is just breaking in.

ray66v · Sep 13, 2016

I can't see anyone starting it cold, without glow plugs.

Even in the summer, it cranks too long.

Starting it without glow plugs, once it has been run, and is up to temp, is another story.

AxleHub · Oct 10, 2016

I learned something today. If you've read my posts on starting a sub compact like my Massey GC1715 you would have noticed I write about always using my glow plugs when my engine had not been run and isn't already warmed up. I also write about having the throttle control lowered to a minimum level.

I've never had big clouds of smoke at startup plus I use premium diesel too.

Anyway I've kept wondering why some talk about a big puff of smoke . . which I've never had.

Well this afternoon . . I thought I'd do a little test. It was sunny and 65 degrees so its not like its cold outside by any means. So I did something I haven't done since I got my scut 16 months ago . . I turned the key without using the glow plugs. Well I quickly discovered two things:

I'm used to my unit starting with virtually no cranking of the engine. I noticed an immediate difference by not using the glow plugs . . It cranked and cranked. In addition I got a bunch of smoke so I stopped cranking. If you aren't using your glow plugs . . No wonder you get smoke . . Totally unacceptable. I'm used to 1 or two turns of the engine and its running.

So now I know what some are describing. What I don't understand is why some would not use their glow plugs every time. The manual says to do it unless you've already warmed up the engine. Glow plug use is not just for cold weather. Its for when you want it to start slmost immediately and with virtually no smoke whatsoever.

I won't repeat that experiment again.

Jonohio · Oct 10, 2016

Ditto axlehub,

I use my plugs on average for 10 seconds on every start if the engine is cold, I even hold for 5 seconds if the tractor is lukewarm.

When is under 50 degrees I hold for 15 seconds, and under 30 I hold for 30 seconds. I use minimum throttle until it starts (which is usually the 2nd revolution) and then bump to 1500 to let it warm up.

Oh and by the way I keep my tractor in my attached garage.

SteveM70 · Oct 10, 2016

Axle, you don't get a puff of smoke when starting your tractor cold?

AxleHub · Oct 11, 2016

SteveM70 said:
Axle, you don't get a puff of smoke when starting your tractor cold?

When I use my normal procedure I get a very very small quantity of smoke. But in my experiment mentioned above where I did not use glow plugs . . . the amount of smoke was 8 or 10 times more.

Other than in cold conditions my gc1715 turns over and fires very quickly to start running.

SteveM70 · Oct 11, 2016

My thoughts on what MAY be going on here is the puff of smoke on start up is subject to interpretation. What many of us consider a small puff of smoke on start up could be interpreted differently by someone relatively new to diesel tractors, especially in an enclosed area.

I definitely agree that not using the glow plugs is a bad idea but I disagree with the speculation that that is what's going on. I can't see anyone starting a cold GC without them and not quickly realizing there start up procedure needs to change to include some pre-heating. I, like you have tried starting my tractor without them. Actually more than once as the weather warmed up going into summer just out of curiousity. I don't think there was a time in any of my attempts that I actually got the tractor started before I gave up and glow plugged it.

ray66v · Oct 11, 2016

SteveM70 said:
My thoughts on what MAY be going on here is the puff of smoke on start up is subject to interpretation. What many of us consider a small puff of smoke on start up could be interpreted differently by someone relatively new to diesel tractors, especially in an enclosed area.

I agree. :thumbsup:

One guy sees is as a puff of smoke. Another, sees it as a cloud of smoke.

2ndhalf · Oct 11, 2016

Here is a theory for you.. can't prove it though. When I first bought my GC2400, used, I remember the first starts being very smokey, more than most diesel tractors I had owned in my remembrance. I have owned two others diesels. Now it does not seem to smoke very much and I have a feeling it may be the old diesel in it from when it sat on the lot. I wonder if the OP had a new tractor that had sat on the lot a while and had old diesel in it. Would be curious to know if he stills has the issue. i don't think mine smokes a lot at all now.. I always have glowed it as some have mentioned above at least 5 - 15 seconds and when really cold.. twice for 15 seconds. Using the glow plugs properly also makes sense for a non-smokey start since they aid the heating of the combustion chamber and would burn the fuel more effieciently quicker.

I didn't think glow plugs did anything to pump fuel anywhere .. as someone mentioned in another thread?