Glow Plug Problem ?

[Jenkins003]

I have a Century 3040, same as Branson 4020 I believe. When I turn the key on the Glow Plug light comes on but the ticking I used to hear while that light was on has stopped. The tractor seems to start as good as ever but it is stored inside. From what I can find out from a Google search the tractor either has a timer, relay or controller. I just figured that since there is no ticking the glow plugs are not heating. Does anyone know what the problem could be ? Thanks

 

[George2615]

Usually a ticking sound when turning the key on is the fuel pump.
To check the glow plugs to see if they are getting power, pop the hood and with a voltmeter on DC scale connect the black lead to ground and red lead to the top of glow plug where they are all connected. Then turn on the key. You should read a voltage (approx. 10-12V). That will tell you you are getting power. Since it is starting OK I suspect they are good. You can also check each glow plug with an Ohm meter. Disconnect the common wire or metal plate that is on top of the glow plugs. With the ohm meter measure the resistance between ground and the top post of each plug. There should be a resistance reading. No change means the glow plug is open, A 0 (zero) reading means the plug is shorted.
As weather warms up, some tractors don't need the glow plugs to preheat the chambers.

 

[Jenkins003]

Thank you George2615 for your reply. I will check with a volt meter as you suggest. Can someone explain why the ticking only happened as long as the glow plug light was on and when the light went off the ticking stopped sort of like a timer. I know a fuel pump makes a sound when the key is turned on but why would it tick for several seconds as long as the light was on and now there is no ticking. I am not saying you are wrong I'm just trying to understand what changed.

 

[George2615]

I'm not familiar with your model tractor but you may have a glow plug relay that kicks on and off instead of applying constant voltage to the plugs. Checking with the meter will quickly answer that. Hope its nothing serious. Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

[DavesTractor]

Generally when the glow plug light goes out, you start the tractor and can't hear the fuel pump any longer. Also, they are louder at first, and when the fuel is pressurized after a few seconds, the pump gets much quieter. That may coincidentally correspond with the amount of time the glow plugs are energized. These Branson fuel pumps are not known to last forever, and I suspect yours has failed. Dealers carry them in stock.

The FIP will suck fuel from the tank anyway, just not real efficiently. If the lift pump on the firewall has failed, I'd replace it even if the tractor is still running OK. A good supply of fuel to the FIP is important for the longevity of that rather expensive pump.