Is this normal?

[teeravis1]

This morning it was -15 deg F, I went out & plugged in my B3030 for 2.5 hrs. Then I went out to start it, held the glow plugs for 15 sec and cranked the engine, it almost went but not quite. I held the glow plugs for another 15 secs and cranked it and it started up, but blew quite a bit of dark smoke out the exhaust. I let it warm up for about a half hour and went out to go clean some snow but noticed below the exhaust all kinds of black dots in the snow? Is that normal? I don't know if it is oil or what it is, can anyone help me out here? I am still pretty new to diesel engines.

 

[DK35vince]

I let it warm up for about a half hour and went out to go clean some snow but noticed below the exhaust all kinds of black dots in the snow? Is that normal?

It just spit out a little soot from in the exaust pipes.
Its Normal.

 

[Egon]

Are you sure the block heater was working properly??

 

[teeravis1]

Thanks Guys!!

 

[machmeter62]

It is cold enough that the fuel maybe jelling; is the winter grade of diesel fuel in the tank?

 

[Lockport]

Are you sure the block heater was working properly??

I'll 2nd that.

 

[smfcpacfp]

How can you tell if the block heater is working? I had a block heater in my old diesel car and when you plugged it in, it sounded a little like boiling water. With my B3030 tractor I hear nothing. Is that normal?

 

[Egon]

You may hear a little hissing when it's plugged in. The other method is to feel the block and rad. They should be warm.

 

[jbrumberg]

Have you considered and/or are using some diesel additive for your diesel fuel? Jay

 

[john_bud]

I'll second Egon. You can use your hand to feel for warmth with a block heater. Should be warm around the heater in 10-15 min, depending on temps.

When it's real cold (and -15F qualifies), run the glow plugs 3 or more times before you attempt to start. Then when you warm it up, you want the target RPM's to be about 1/3 of the rated pto speed.

I'll also second the additives. Howes Diesel Treat has worked well for me, better than Powerservice.

jb