john deere 2520 glow plug or pre heater problem

[JU Fabworks]

hello i just purchased a 2008 2520 and on a cold start the glow plug light (or pre heater light) only stays on for a second or less but the ticking sound from the engine keeps ticking as long as I have the key in the "on" position the ticking wont stop. when I start the tractor it runs Very rough and puffs blue smoke bad until a few minutes go by then the smoke stops and runs great. Im thinking the pre heater is messed up somehow not working. the light only stays on for a second or less. Thanks. jeff

 

[topstoy]

Something is not right. The ticking is normal as it is a solenoid operated fuel pump that feeds the injector pump. But the glow plug light should stay on for about 20 seconds or so. There still might be a little rough running for a couple seconds but it should be smoothed out in no time. Could it be a fuse on the glow plug circuit? Not sure but something is not right.

 

[JU Fabworks]

well I took the plastic covers off behind ignition switch and sure enough I put my finger on the glow plug relay and I could feel that the click was indeed coming from that relay. So if the relay clicks does that mean its bad? I really have to start somewhere so I ordered on and will change it and see what happens.

 

[larboc]

Check to make sure all the connections are good. Glow plug/grid heater electrical connections are the highest amp draw system next to the starter and the connections have a tendency to come loose. The controller should work on feedback current from the gps/heater so if there is a weak connection it will fault and could click like you're observing. Could be a temp sensor issue telling it it doesn't need to come on too.

 

[JU Fabworks]

ok thanks. were is the temp sensor located on my tractor?

 

[topstoy]

ok thanks. were is the temp sensor located on my tractor?

I don't think there is a sensor as even when it it 90 deg outside, the glow plug circuit still comes on for 20 seconds.

 

[JU Fabworks]

Update: I guess somewhere along the line of taking all the plastic off and moving things around by the ignition somehow the glow plug relay started working again! maybe a loose wire im not sure but when I turn the key on the light stays lit for about 15 seconds now. But I don't think my problem is solved. It still smokes bad and runs rough the first two minutes. (a lot of blue smoke. It only has 140 hours on it but is 8 years old, so I did order a new fuel filter and im going to put some water remover in the tank with a diesel supplement, bad diesel maybe? anybody else have any suggestions? maybe it just needs to be ran alittle bit, the guy said he hasn't used it in a few months. hmm

Another thing, the guy I bought it from must have had the thing warmed up really nice so It never smoked a lick when I inspected in and operated it. I never thought to feel the temp of the motor with my hand or something. I don't think its going to be a big deal but its crazy how some people sell things.

 

[beenthere]

Water remover ?? Best to drain from the bottom of the tank if water is suspected.. don't know what a "water remover" is other than some advertising on a can... You should have a bowl that will collect any water that comes through from the tank.. keep it emptied.
If suspect bad diesel or very old diesel, then best to drain it out of the tank and clean it, before putting in new, fresh diesel. Can't turn bad diesel into good diesel, no matter what additives are used. IMO

 

[JU Fabworks]

my 4310 has a valve at the bottom of the tank were I can remove any sediment and water if there is any. Do you know if there is a valve on the bottom of the tank on the 2520? I see a little valve on the very bottom of the fuel filter, Is that what your talking about? I was also thinking about putting for isopropol "heet" in the diesel to help remove some water if there is any? Is that a bad idea?

 

[beenthere]

Do you know if there is a valve on the bottom of the tank on the 2520? I see a little valve on the very bottom of the fuel filter, Is that what your talking about?

That valve is on the bottom of the separator that holds the fuel filter inside, and it should open and drain out any water that has been separated.
Your 4310 (like my 4300) doesn't have that valve on the bottom so I just unscrew the ring and dump out any water that has collected. Handier on the 2520 to open that valve. You can collect what drains out and see if there is any water being trapped.

I still would in your case, drain and replace all that old fuel... just to remove it from the equation. But that is your choice.