how long to crank?

[anthonyk]

I've noticed that when I start my Century 3647, it seems to have to crank a LONG time. I follow the instructions, letting the glow plug indicator turn off, then turning the key further to actually start it. It usually has to crank for 10 seconds before it'll start. It does start, though, and runs perfectly, but just wondered if that was normal, or if I'm missing something. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

any ideas?

thanks, anthony

 

[JCar]

10 seconds is a long time in warm weather, I would say that the fuel is running back into the tank after sitting, look and see if there is a in-line check valve behind the fuel filter. Branson was sending them out at no cost, and it should take care of the problem. Your Century dealer should know about this. Jason

 

[anthonyk]

thanks, I'll "check" /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

anthony

 

[carluman]

My C47 was giving me a hard time as well. Would smoke when it did start. I would cycle the key 2-3 times before every start because it had such a hard time starting.

Around 65 hours on the clock and the fuel pump (not injector pump) failed. Called in for warranty and got a replacement... WOW this pump is much larger than the old one. Must be the wrong one. Call the dealer and finally decided they must just be replacing with larger ones.

Install the new pump and bammm that thing pops right off. All along I thought maybe I had a problem with the glow plugs. I'm now wondering how it will do in cooler weather. I'm guessing my problem is now solved!

Big thanks to AmericanJawa for replacing with quality parts.

EDIT:
In case you are wonding why I didn't take it to my dealer for warranty. I live in Iowa and bought from Creek County Equipment in OK. Was able to handle everything via the phone and mailed the bad part back /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[anthonyk]

thanks for the tip, I'll be checking with the local dealer.

anthony

 

[kongs3510]

My tractor was doing the same thing, but only if I let it sit for a few days...I went to the dealer and the factory had sent him a box of check valves... I got one and installed it this weekend, so I will see if it fixed it after I leave it sit for a while.... hope this works, since it's such a cheap fix.....Brian

 

[anthonyk]

thanks. I spoke with American Jawa yesterday, and they said it needed a check valve. They're sending me one free of charge.
That's good customer service.

anthony

 

[kongs3510]

After letting my tractor sit for 5 days, It seems that the check valve has done the job. It hit on the first crank this morning. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif The hardest part of this test was letting the tractor sit for so long...lol