Glow plug problem

[Juicybaka]

First post with many to follow I'm sure. I have a Mahindra 2810 I purchased this past summer and having difficulty starting in the cold. Glow light symbol does not come on dash but I can hear relay working. I've replaced the battery and glow plugs which made no difference. I have to crank for quite some time to get started with lot of white smoke while trying. Once it starts, it's perfect! Turn of and turn on and it starts right up. What is the next logical step in fixing this problem?? Thanks

 

[Lou66]

Place a light under the hood the night before you plan on using it,,, next to the injectors.. it will help keep it warm.. Lou

 

[MHarryE]

Glow plug relay, temperature sensor, and make sure you read the manual. For example my mini-excavator requires turning the key switch backwards to heat the glow plugs.

 

[mrmikey]

Glow light symbol does not come on dash but I can hear relay working

Just because you can hear the relay closing doesn't mean there's power getting to the plugs. Use a test light and confirm the power is getting to the plugs. If so then using a multimeter check the resistance of the plugs, I'm not sure of the exact reading but I think it's somewhere around 3-4 ohms.
If you have an ammeter on your tractor, you should see it drop and slowly rise as the plugs warm up.....Mike

 

[Juicybaka]

I will check to see if power is coming from relay. I did check to see if glow bulb is good in dash and it is. Would that indicate something as well? Mike

 

[k0ua]

Do you have the schematic of the electrical system? It is very difficult to repair electronics without a diagram and a theory of operations. The glow plug circuit in my tractor is fairly complicated with timer and a high current relay and also a post glow function after the light goes out to signify the operator to begin the start sequence. How for you know the glow relay is what you are hearing. Does your tractor also have a fuel shut off solenoid? How do you know that is not what you are hearing? My point I'd without the diagram and understanding of how to read it and troubleshoot electrical problems it is a waste of your money and time keep replacing parts in the hope to eventually repair it. A voltmeter and a diagram will tell the tale quickly. Otherwise take it to someone who has these things and the knowledge to use them. My intent in saying this is not to be harsh, but to be helpful and realistic.

James. K0UA

 

[Dr Dave]

First post with many to follow I'm sure. I have a Mahindra 2810 I purchased this past summer and having difficulty starting in the cold. Glow light symbol does not come on dash but I can hear relay working. I've replaced the battery and glow plugs which made no difference. I have to crank for quite some time to get started with lot of white smoke while trying. Once it starts, it's perfect! Turn of and turn on and it starts right up. What is the next logical step in fixing this problem?? Thanks

Check your owners manual, I beleave you have to turn the key backwards to energize the glow plugs.

Dave

 

[Juicybaka]

James, I do have the electrical schematic and I'll send it to you if you don't mind. I'm certain I can tackle the problem but like anything it's having the time to fix it. Your right I don't want to keep buying parts and hoping for a fix. Battery, glow plugs is what I started with. I'm certain it's the glow plug relay but need to get meter out and start there. I'll check relay and glow plugs and get back to you with findings. Mike

 

[k0ua]

OK first step is to measure for voltage on the glow plug buss and work backwards. Send what ever info you have. And I will try to help.

 

[Qapla]

In addition to checking power at the glow plug bus (usually a thin metal bar running to all the plugs) you can use a wire to go from the positive battery post to the bus. Touch it to the bus for a few seconds and try to start the engine (while cold) If it cranks right up, you have a problem with the timer or relay.

 

[k0ua]

In addition to checking power at the glow plug bus (usually a thin metal bar running to all the plugs) you can use a wire to go from the positive battery post to the bus. Touch it to the bus for a few seconds and try to start the engine (while cold) If it cranks right up, you have a problem with the timer or relay.

Make sure that wire is a nice big one and wear leather gloves. We are talking about 60 amps of initial current here. The average clip test lead is going to go up in a puff of smoke and you are going to have it in your hand.:shocked:

 

[Juicybaka]

Do you have the schematic of the electrical system? It is very difficult to repair electronics without a diagram and a theory of operations. The glow plug circuit in my tractor is fairly complicated with timer and a high current relay and also a post glow function after the light goes out to signify the operator to begin the start sequence. How for you know the glow relay is what you are hearing. Does your tractor also have a fuel shut off solenoid? How do you know that is not what you are hearing? My point I'd without the diagram and understanding of how to read it and troubleshoot electrical problems it is a waste of your money and time keep replacing parts in the hope to eventually repair it. A voltmeter and a diagram will tell the tale quickly. Otherwise take it to someone who has these things and the knowledge to use them. My intent in saying this is not to be harsh, but to be helpful and realistic.

James. K0UA

James, checked voltage and confirmed glow relay and temp sensor are working. Getting power to glow plugs too. Changed oil, fuel filter and glows as well. It will start in temps above 50 but won't start in the cold when I need it most lately. What should I check next? Mike

 

[k0ua]

James, checked voltage and confirmed glow relay and temp sensor are working. Getting power to glow plugs too. Changed oil, fuel filter and glows as well. It will start in temps above 50 but won't start in the cold when I need it most lately. What should I check next? Mike

Mike, I am about out of ideas, if the glow plugs are heating, and the starter is cranking over the engine at a normal speed, and the injector pump is working, it ought to start. You say it starts fine above 50, and after warm up, it restarts fine, it would seem to me the glow plugs don't work. So I am at a loss to why it does not want to start.. You are sure the connections to the glow plugs is good, and they are pulling current and getting hot? Any chance the plugs you put in are open and not heating?.. Just grasping for straws here Mike, I am not sure where to go from here.

 

[Juicybaka]

Do you have the schematic of the electrical system? It is very difficult to repair electronics without a diagram and a theory of operations. The glow plug circuit in my tractor is fairly complicated with timer and a high current relay and also a post glow function after the light goes out to signify the operator to begin the start sequence. How for you know the glow relay is what you are hearing. Does your tractor also have a fuel shut off solenoid? How do you know that is not what you are hearing? My point I'd without the diagram and understanding of how to read it and troubleshoot electrical problems it is a waste of your money and time keep replacing parts in the hope to eventually repair it. A voltmeter and a diagram will tell the tale quickly. Otherwise take it to someone who has these things and the knowledge to use them. My intent in saying this is not to be harsh, but to be helpful and realistic.

James. K0UA

James, checked voltage and confirmed glow relay and temp sensor are working. Getting power to glow plugs too. Changed oil, fuel filter and glows as well. It will start in temps above 50 but won't start in the cold when I need it most lately. What should I check next? Mike

 

[jimmysisson]

When you turn your key switch to Glow and hold 30 seconds you should be able to feel heat with your fingers at the glow plugs. Did you buy the correct replacement glow plugs? Does sound like they don't work.
Jim