GC 2300 wont start

[EricW]

Hi Everyone,

This is my first time posting a question here. I just bought a house in December and with the house I also bought a used GC2300 that I think is a 2003. I am having a problem trying to get it started. Let me start out by giving everyone the full story. When I first moved in the temps were very cold for Arkansas. The GC's battery was shot and I was able to jump it off of my ATV battery. That lasted 1 run and then the tractor sat in my pole barn for a few weeks. I tried starting it again when the temps warmed up a bit and the only way to get it running by jumping it. This time with a larger battery than the ATV battery. After that I cannot get the tractor started no matter what, so today I went out and bought a brand new battery and it will crank and crank but it doesn't even give a hint that it wants to start. So, tomorrow I have a new fuel filter that should be here that I am going to try. I'm crossing my fingers that it isn't getting diesel. Here is what I have noticed.

1. When cranking or turning over it generates a lot of black smoke. When I did happen to have it running it didn't smoke nearly that much.
2. I read somewhere to look for a broken ground. I have found one coming off the battery and possibly one coming off the left side of the engine. Both look good. If anyone has any pictures of what I should be looking for that would be awesome.
3. When it was running, it ran perfect. And it would restart if you turned it off and tried starting it again.

If anyone has any tips on how to get this thing running that would be great. And it does have a FEL which is lowered to the ground. Is there a way to raise this if I can't get the tractor running? The 2300 is blocking my Rzr from getting out of the barn so I would like to move the 2300. I'm sure I can drag it backwards (assuming the hydro is in neutral and doesn't bind) with an ATV. But pushing it back forward with the FEL is going to be tough.

After spending what seems like a never ending sum of money on this move I can't justify bringing the GC into the shop just yet so if we can figure this one out, then I can start playing around the yard the my (new to me) Massy

Thanks in advance and I look forward to hearing your responses.

Eric

 

[bakerg]

First of all welcome to TBN.

Since your motor is cranking over, that would eliminate a bad ground. if your ground was bad your starter would not work. Question, are you using the glow plugs? I you don't know how to use them just turn the key to the right just far enough that the starter doesn't engage. if it is real cold, hold the key in that position for about 40 seconds and then turn the key more until the starter engages. Hope I explained that right so you understand correctly. Good luck.

 

[EricW]

Gary, yes I am using the glow plug. On my tractor, it looks like you are supposed to turn it to the left or the opposite way you would turn it if you are going to start it. I don't think I have tried it for 40 seconds so I can give that a shot tomorrow.

Thanks for the tips.

First of all welcome to TBN.

Since your motor is cranking over, that would eliminate a bad ground. if your ground was bad your starter would not work. Question, are you using the glow plugs? I you don't know how to use them just turn the key to the right just far enough that the starter doesn't engage. if it is real cold, hold the key in that position for about 40 seconds and then turn the key more until the starter engages. Hope I explained that right so you understand correctly. Good luck.

 

[ray66v]

Anytime it does not start after 10- 15 seconds, stop cranking it. You will only end up with a dead battery.

My guess is you are not running the glow plugs long enough, as Gary said.

Keep in mind you also need to open the throttle some in very cold weather, perhaps 20% or so. You can try slowly opening the throttle while it is cranking, if it fires, note the position of the throttle. Use that as a starting point, next time it's that temperature.

If several attempts to start it with long glow plug times fail, remove the float bowl and check the fuel for signs of gelling. If it is gelled, you can try using Power Service Diesel 911, which is made to dissolve it.

If it's not too windy, and you need to thaw it out, people have been known to throw a tarp over a tractor, and put an electric heater on the ground under it.

Yes, you should be able to apply pressure under the front bucket, and then move the joystick to allow the fluid to move, raising the bucket enough for transport.

The GC 2300 started with the 2005 model year.

 

[EricW]

Well, I went out to the barn and tried holding the glow plug for a solid minute. No dice. I am ordering some of that Power Service Diesel to give that a shot. Hopefully, my fuel filter will arrive today and I'll try that too. I also am going to try some fresh diesel too. I have no idea how long that has been in the tractor.

 

[rayclar]

Id check your air filter also. If you are getting alot of black smoke you are getting some fuel.

 

[EricW]

I had the filter off at one point. That didn't make a difference.

 

[lobsterman1]

Glow plug operation on my gc2400 is to the right just before the starter switch not to the left . Mine also likes lots of fuel to start .

 

[EricW]

I've mostly tried starting it with full or 3/4 throttle as that is what it says on the starting instruction sticker on the tractor.

 

[ray66v]

I've mostly tried starting it with full or 3/4 throttle as that is what it says on the starting instruction sticker on the tractor.

WHAT??? I hope you said that wrong.

You start it with a closed throttle in warm weather, and a partially opened throttle in cold weather. You should avoid cranking the engine with the throttle wide open, for any length of time.

If you get too much fuel in there, you can damage the cylinders and the bearings.

Power Service 911 is only going to help if there is gelled fuel in the lines.