How often should I start it?

[Chrisb009]

I bought an entire exhaust for my bmw years ago. the car doesn't get 5000 a year, if that. i've had it i think 27 years.

i used to start it, let it warm up and turn it off. After a couple years and maybe 2000 miles or less, big hole in the muffler. i called the co, they answered their phone. I told them my story and the guy explained......

that's the worst thing to do to an exhaust, water builds up in the bottom of the muffler and if you don't drive it, the water just sits there.

lesson learned, now i start it and at least drive it up and down hills etc.

Very good point - condensate can build up and typically doesn't dissipate quickly if the exhaust isn't warmed up...

-Chris

 

[RjCorazza]

Hello. I posted awhile back when I was searching for a sub compact tractor(Thanks again to you guys for your feedback in guiding me through that!). I am a total novice to diesel tractors and really don't have any experience around tractors, so maybe this is a dumb question.... The BX2230 runs great after I get it started, but I'm wondering if I should be concerned about how long it takes to get it started. It always starts, but I have to turn the key and hold it down as it cranks for sometimes up to 25-30 seconds while it kicks smoke out the front and then when it does finally get started, a huge cloud of smoke comes out - normal? ...or does it need servicing?

Some diesels are harder starting than others, but 25-30 seconds of cranking is excessive. I'm not familiar with the bx2230, but are you activating the glow plugs prior to starting? Some machines require a few seconds of the key being turned backwards, some a position between run and start to pre heat, some are automatic based upon temperature. I pre heat my zd mowers 3-4 seconds in the summer on the first start, and they start after a revolution or two.

 

[Rockbadchild]

Hello. I posted awhile back when I was searching for a sub compact tractor(Thanks again to you guys for your feedback in guiding me through that!). I am a total novice to diesel tractors and really don't have any experience around tractors, so maybe this is a dumb question.... The BX2230 runs great after I get it started, but I'm wondering if I should be concerned about how long it takes to get it started. It always starts, but I have to turn the key and hold it down as it cranks for sometimes up to 25-30 seconds while it kicks smoke out the front and then when it does finally get started, a huge cloud of smoke comes out - normal? ...or does it need servicing?

and just to add on RjCorazza once the glow plug got warm up for a few second and you try to start it, if it doesn't start stop trying and flick the switch again and warm the glow plug again then try again don't hold it until it start.

 

[oldpilot]

It was drilled into me long ago that I should NEVER hold the starter down for more than two or three seconds, but should let the starter motor rest for at least that length of time between efforts. I sometimes see the gray cloud of smoke you mention coming out the front of Mahindra Baba when she fires for the first time in cold weather. (I should say Yamaha-san, since that's who powers the old lady.)

 

[Jims1025R]

30 seconds is about the limit for most starter motors, and is excessively long to start a small diesel. The normal starter motor limits, as published in some operating manuals is: Crank 30 seconds maximum, rest for one minute, crank for 30 seconds, rest for five minutes, crank for 30 seconds, rest for 30 minutes. Try the good glowing mention above, and consider electric pre heat, even in warmer temperatures, it'll reduce the smoking.

As for the original question, I start and warm up all of my machines at least once every two weeks year 'round. I would never leave an engine sit unused for months, unless it were preserved, or in climate controlled storage. Condensation will cause rust/damage inside the engine, and oil will carry water unless it is boiled off by operating the engine at correct temperatures for a while.

Someone mentioned it being damaging starting an engine... well, you should see the damage starting an engine which has not run for a long time, and oil has drained away from some of the surfaces - metal on metal until oil pressure builds. Yes, there is wear any time you start and run an engine, they're consumable. But wear and deterioration resulting from non preserved sitting is worse than regular running.

 

[thepumpguysc]

If u turn the key to “on”.. can u hear the fuel supply pump running.??
If not, u should..& need to trace the inlet line from the inj pump back to the tank to find it.. Then check your fuses..
Btw.. 10 seconds on the starter MAX.

 

[GeneV]

Turn the key to let the fuel flow for a few sec, then turn and hold a few sec for the glow plugs, then turn further to crank the starter for a few sec. If it doesn't start, go back to the glow plugs a few sec, and then try again. You may need to do that a few times....a few sec of glow plugs/start, plugs/start...it will fire up.