GC cold weather start ??

[SteveM70]

So I started my GC1720 at 5*F and it took multiple attempts to bring it to life.

At first I gave it about 3/4 throttle (I usually start at idle in warmer weather) and after a liberal amount of glow plugging it fired right up but almost instantly quit. After two attempts with the same results I backed the throttle down to about 1500rpm's. Crank, starts fast, quits fast.

On the fifth try it came alive and ran.

My question for the veterans here, is this typical cold weather starting? If it is, that's fine. No big deal.

But if anyone see's something I could do to make starting quicker and smoother I'm all ears.

Not really interested in heaters because the only power I have in the tractor shed is a generator.

 

[edgarrian]

heater block with an extension cord ran from the house to your barn

 

[atsah]

heater block with an extension cord ran from the house to your barn

I second that.. My 1705 is cold blooded as well and will act the same in frigid temps.. Plenty of antigel in the fuel, a battery tender and a block heater running for a couple of hours is the answer to your problem..

 

[Oldpath05]

Did it really get that cold down there last night? Have you tried this>>> Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost | Power Service <<I've used it since I bought my tractor in 07, I think it helps and then again my tractor is parked next to my garage, below 20F, I plug it in for half hour or so before starting, below 0, atleast 1 hr.

 

[SteveM70]

Did it really get that cold down there last night? Have you tried this>>> Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost | Power Service <<I've used it since I bought my tractor in 07, I think it helps and then again my tractor is parked next to my garage, below 20F, I plug it in for half hour or so before starting, below 0, atleast 1 hr.

I'm no sure exactly how cold it was. My wife's phone said 8F and our thermometer said 4*F. The top fell out of a tall shag bark Hickory onto a couple of our single axle trailers. Nothing that couldn't have waited but the suspense of whether or not the tractor would start and whether or not there was any real damage done to the trailers got the better of me Tractor started, trailers were fine so win/win.

I did put some of that in my tank just a couple weeks ago. Maybe it helped. It wasn't HARD to start. I guess I was just curious if I could have done things differently to make it start easier.

I noticed you have an L3400, I had one a few years ago. It was so rare that I needed the glow plugs that I often forgot to use them when I did.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

My JD starts a bit rough, I have to push the throttle up just a hair, but I have always started it at idle, I would think starting it at 3/4 throttle would flood it. Can you flood a diesel?

I have thought about looking into a block heater for it but it hasn't failed for me yet.

In your case what I would do is turn it on, let the plugs warm up for 30 seconds and try to start it, if it doesn't start easy or starts easier letting the plugs warm up, I would be soon looking into a block heater.

I wouldn't leave it plugged in all the time though, they can be really energy thirsty I hear.

 

[ray66v]

I start my GC without any problems, and I do not have a block heater. You need to fine the right combination of glow time, and throttle for the given temperature.

It almost always starts on the first try. It never takes more than two tries.

3/4 throttle is probably too much. Start out with it open a little, and open it more on each try. I have never gone to 3/4 throttle, even when it was below zero.

Next time, try starting at 1/4 throttle, with 30 seconds of glow.

If it doesn't start after about 5 seconds of cranking, stop, and go back to the glow plugs. Cranking further, will only result in a dead battery.

You can also try opening the throttle slowly, while you crank it. Note the position it fires at, and use that for your starting point next time you have that temperature.

Remember, it will not warm up well at low idle. You need to idle it at a high idle setting to generate heat, and warm the transmission fluid.

 

[SteveM70]

Thanks for the advice so far. I'll definitely try giving it less fuel next go around.

 

[Snobdds]

I give mine two 30 second glow plug cycles and a little less than 1/4 throttle. It will go, a little smoky, but it will clear as the air catches up.

 

[2ndhalf]

I start my GC without any problems, and I do not have a block heater. You need to fine the right combination of glow time, and throttle for the given temperature.

It almost always starts on the first try. It never takes more than two tries.

3/4 throttle is probably too much. Start out with it open a little, and open it more on each try. I have never gone to 3/4 throttle, even when it was below zero.

Next time, try starting at 1/4 throttle, with 30 seconds of glow.

If it doesn't start after about 5 seconds of cranking, stop, and go back to the glow plugs. Cranking further, will only result in a dead battery.

You can also try opening the throttle slowly, while you crank it. Note the position it fires at, and use that for your starting point next time you have that temperature.

Remember, it will not warm up well at low idle. You need to idle it at a high idle setting to generate heat, and warm the transmission fluid.

Agree with this.