L3540 cold starting

[vrmnthntr]

I have noticed with my L3540 that when it is cold it has a hard time turning over. It stays in my garage where the temps have been around 40 degrees. It seems like the battery is weak.

The tractor is 15 months old.

Everything else I have started fine.

Should I put a slow charge on the battery, buy a slow trickle charger?

After the tractor has been running it starts fine.

 

[amigauser]

I have a L3240 and I have never had starting issues. I have a block heater though that I plug in once it gets down in the 30's or below. I keep my tractor in a unheated garage so it gets pretty cold. I also use a battery tender on mine so the battery is always topped off. A week battery will cause starting issues. I also use Mobile 1 5w40 diesel oil which is easier to spin over in cold temperatures.

 

[repete]

I keep mine plugged into a small (1 amp) battery conditioner. If you spin it fast, especially when cold, it will usually start. My L2550 has somewhere around 5000 hours and it never fails if plugged in. Mine stays in an unheated open tractor shed.

 

[Thomas]

How long do glows plugs work before cranking?

 

[vrmnthntr]

The glow plugs are on for 15 to 20 seconds. I have been preheating them twice. Don't know if that makes a difference.

I also use 5w40.

I may try a battery tender.

 

[Papasmirf]

On my NH TC30 they will stay on as long as you turn the key backwards. NH recommends 6 secs. or longer. Also, if you use your glow plugs year around the engine starts easier and a lot less smoking.

 

[BeezFun]

If it's 40F and you're having problems, that doesn't sound right. I'd put a voltmeter on the battery at rest and while you crank, see if it's maintaining proper voltage. You might have some slow drain on the battery, did you add any accessories like a stereo that draws a vampire load? Try topping battery off and see if that makes a difference. If you're going to buy a charger, I'd buy a microprocessor one that you can use for different kinds of batteries like AGM and will safely charge them.

 

[vrmnthntr]

I have a stock radio that was installed when I bought the tractor. The key is always out of the ignition.

I am going to put a slow 2 amp charge on the battery, unless the charger says its full and try that. If not then I will get the battery tested. I don't have a tester.

Last winter I did not have a problem. My garage does not get below 38 degrees even when temps get in the teens at night.

 

[vrmnthntr]

I just put the charger on the battery after I disconnected it from the tractor. Its showing around 13 to 14 volts, 99%. The hydrometer is showing green. I counted the seconds the glow plugs stay on and its 10 seconds. After running the tractor I and shutting it off it starts fine.

I don't know if I should just accept it as normal or contact the dealer.

 

[diesel lover]

Other things to concider are voltage drops due to corrosion and bad connections. Everything needs to be shinney clean! Every little bit helps. You may have a weah ground to the starter or a weak positive. I have seen it before even on year and a half old equopment . Your battery may need a load test preformed. Auto stores do it for free. If you need help cleaning connections I have used angle grinders, die grinders and course brushes on drills you can buy at Lowes.

Cycling the glow plugs twice is a good idea as every little bit helps! You can buy a timer (one for applances or Christmas lights is perfect for 10$) and plug in your tractors block heater. If you need the tractor at 9 am program the timer to turn on at 6 am or so. Good luck