GC2410 MF block heater problem

[DEWFPO]

MY GC wouldn't start this Morning, kept cranking until the Battery gave up. I jumped it, still no luck, checked the fuel filter, etc, no luck.

It was under 20 degrees but i thought she would start. Luckily this happened before our first snow.

Would a block heater help this situation? Are they easy to install?

Gio

An engine block heater would definitely help providing your fuel didn't gel. I don't know if your using an additive, I find it helps prevent fuel related issues in the winter.

Did you use any throttle at all while cranking it?

DEWFPO

 

[ray66v]

MY GC wouldn't start this Morning, kept cranking until the Battery gave up. I jumped it, still no luck, checked the fuel filter, etc, no luck.

It was under 20 degrees but i thought she would start. Luckily this happened before our first snow.

Would a block heater help this situation? Are they easy to install?

Gio

Yes, did you move the throttle, or leave it closed?

 

[Don87]

It was about 14 here when I started mine this morning, it started and shut off twice, but the third time it kept running.
I have no block heater, but did add Power Service to the fuel.
I had the throttle bumped up to about the 1200 range.

I think I need to let my glow plugs heat a little longer.

 

[ray66v]

I think I need to let my glow plugs heat a little longer.

I think your right.

30 seconds, or longer, may sometimes be necessary.

If you can't find the right throttle setting, just increase the throttle as you crank. Note the setting where it starts, set it there the next time.

Reduce the throttle to a high idle after it starts, and go find something else to do for a while. :thumbsup:

 

[Gio]

No, i didn't think to crank the throttle. Do Tractors "flood" like other small engines?

I am going to grab some additive tomorrow and see if that help. Last fuel I purchased was about a month ago so i assume that it wasn't winterized.

I really need to get this figured out quick, if this winter is like our last here in Nebraska I will be in a bit of trouble shoveling my 1/4 gravel drive by hand.

Can I install a block heater or is it more of a dealer thing?

 

[DEWFPO]

At 20F my GC2300 would only start if I hit the glow plugs for a min. of 30 seconds, preferably 45 seconds, then opened the throttle to about 1/4-1/3 while cranking and it would start in about 3 seconds, at which time I would back off the throttle to a lower, but smooth fast idle.

A block heater can be installed by you or the dealer, your choice.

DEWFPO

 

[irvingj]

The M-F block heater is expensive, but fit very well on mine. It's rather involved, but not too difficult-- do a search on installation of it.

The block heater definitely helps, but these M-F SCUTs do seem to require a good bit of glow plug pre-heat. Like others, I use at least 25-30 seconds; often a second application if it doesn't fire up quickly.

 

[ray66v]

No, i didn't think to crank the throttle.

It is not going to start at 20F the same way it starts at 70F.

The air is denser in cold weather. More air means you will have a leaner mixture. The way you compensate is to open the throttle, and increase the amount of fuel.

If you read this thread, and put it to practice, you will be fine.

You just need to find the combination for your conditions, and your tractor.

Next time your doing something, and it's clearly not working, stop doing it, and figure out what you can do differently.

 

[Gio]

Thanks everyone. Our first year in a rural location has been a constant learning experience. When we make it through the winter it will be a complete year and hopefully we will have a smoother run next year.

This forum has been a big help so thanks again.

 

[MF RED in MT]

MY GC wouldn't start this Morning, kept cranking until the Battery gave up. I jumped it, still no luck, checked the fuel filter, etc, no luck.

It was under 20 degrees but i thought she would start. Luckily this happened before our first snow.

Would a block heater help this situation? Are they easy to install?

Gio

Hey Gio, here is a link to a thread of mine regarding MF blockheaters, you can read through it or go to post #29 for the details of the installation.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...-gc2410-coldest-weather-starting-problem.html

I hope this helps you out, :thumbsup:.
KC,