How long to cycle glow plugs

[bp fick]

Rotate the key until the glow symbol lights. Hold for a count of 6, 8 or 10 Mississippi, depending on temperature. Either one hold of 10 seconds, or a series of two, 8 second counts, if below zero. With throttle 1/2 open.

It'll fire right to life at -10 F degrees. Of course, there will be a puff of black smoke and the engine sometimes sounds like there is marbles in the cylinders, but it'll fire and run just fine.

The throttle being cracked a third or more is key, imho. Never had an issue with either my BX or my B. Yes, it is all pretty much in the manual.

 

[Tollster]

Thanks ya'll, didn't expect so many replies. I too always wondered why the glow plug light does not go out like on my dads truck, which was one of the primary reason I posed the question.
Thanks,
Tol

 

[jonyyuma]

Glow plugs controllers never act the same. Chevy and MB fully automatic. Bota, semi-auto..I always give mine the count of ten, unless it has been running and still warm.I have never been to Maine, but the temps there sound brutal. We just had 18 deg here. Jy.

 

[plaindave]

The clicking is most likely the fuel shut off solenoid. It is energized to run, so when you turn the key you open the solenoid. And I'd also bet that the fuel pumps are mechanical, not electric like a gas engine. My fuel tank is a gravity feed to the pump.

 

[Go Wings]

I turn the key to first position, pig tail comes on and then goes off. Turn the key to start and she fires up. Am I missing something?

 

[Tollster]

I turn the key to first position, pig tail comes on and then goes off. Turn the key to start and she fires up. Am I missing something?

There are 3 positions on my BX, first: is 2 lights, and the key position will stay closed.

Second position: is the glow plug, pig tails light up on dash, key position will not stay closed and if released the key indexes back CCW to position one, this is the one you hold for the 10 second count to preheat the combustion chamber, thats being discussed here

Position 3, is starter engaged, closing the starter selinoid, once released, it also returns CCW to position one.
At least thats what I recall from the comfort of my woodstove and recliner

 

[Go Wings]

I have an L series tractor. The key switch is #1 off, #2 pig tail comes on with the other lights on dash and then pig tail goes out after a few seconds, third is start and back to position #2.

 

[Craig Clayton]

I did an experiment this morning on glow plug useage. After 17 years with the same tractor I kind of have it figured out. At 10F or -12C I plugged my lower rad hose heater in for 1 H 15min because I went back in and breakfast. I came out and hit the starter with NO glow plugs, the engine jumped to life. I have found it is better to warm up the engine than to be burning up the glow plugs.
Craig Clayton

 

[sw03]

I hold my key, glow plug time, about 3 seconds MAX...So far, at -10 last week no issues starting....

 

[Haywire]

I'm getting a block heater installed sometime before next winter. We don't get negative numbers very often, but it was single digits when I needed to use the 2660 to bring wood up to the house. I used the truck instead. The tractor is easier to load and unload.