Buying Advice Looking for yanmar advice

[jb2010]

I am looking at buying a new (to me) Yanmar tractor. Looking at 20-30hp models. I am staying away from the ones that continuously smoke or that will only crank if u pull the decompression lever. Here is my question: I'm running in to a few tractors that will only crank from a cold start if u heat the glow plugs (or thermal whatever). By cold I mean hasn't been ran in a few days. Temps are 70+. Is this also a sign of engine wear. Should I shy away from this issue also? Ive seen this on 2&3 cylinders on a ym2200, 2310d, and a 2610. They do this yet they don't have any blow by. I'm buying used from individual owners and trying to do all my homework as I can't afford to go to Fredericks and buy a really nice one nor can I afford to make a $3000 bad decision. My 2220 I sold would crank at almost any temp after turning it over no more than 3 or 4 times regardless of any Alabama temp. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thx!

 

[Rmart30]

Some engines are more finicky than others when cranking... ive got a new Miller bobcat welder I got with zero hours on it. Even when temps are 80 degrees you have to glow plug it when first cranking. I see this a lot on the smaller 2 and 3 cyl diesels.

 

[jb2010]

Thx for the input. Anyone else?

 

[MBTRAC]

Having to heat the glow plugs when cold isn't indicative of any issue, providing the tractor then starts quickly without excessive cranking & all other signs are ok (e.g post initial start up no smoke, no blow by ...etc.)
It's quite common/recommended on many small (low tech) Japanese diesel iengines to always use glow plugs when cold & irrespective of the prevailing ambient temperature - but if the engine then takes more than 10 seconds to fire I'd be finding another machine to invest my $'s.

 

[jb2010]

Good deal. Thx!

 

[6011Artist]

I've had my 2200 for 15 yrs and always have to cold start it by using the glow plugs. A well charged battery is important for good quick starts. Having to use the glow plugs is not a sign of wear or problems, it's normal for that model.

FYI, the 2200 is a good strong older model but it is somewhat the rare breed too. It's known as a "grey market orphan", meaning it was only built 1-2 yrs, parts are a lil harder to find. I'd already bought mine when I learned this. Still a good tractor by all means though.

 

[jb2010]

Very good info!!
The 2610 I looked at was the same way. (With the glow plugs) It's a little bigger but works great also. Would it be a better buy than the 2200? I found out the 2200 has a broken cable for the tachometer. He said he replaced it and it worked for a few minutes and broke again..? Not sure what that's about. Any clues on the better route to take?

 

[Rmart30]

a tach that doesnt work wouldnt stop me from buying a machine if thats it only "problem" ...tons of tractors running around without working tachs and they still do a fine job. Most all injector pumps have throttle stops on them to keep from over revving the motor.

 

[jerrybob]

I think most Yanmar diesels will have some smoke. I have a 186d......I use the thermostart on all cold starts and the decompression lever. It designed that way....even says it in my manuals. Tractor runs like a champ....blows a little smoke under load......a little work horse!

 

[DavesTractor]

3-cylinder Yanmars will generally start quickly at 70 degrees without glow-plugs. They even start well at 50 degrees and a little cooler. That is not the case with many small diesel engines. Many brands of small diesel engines require a little glow plug if the engine is "room temperature" even in the summer, but not the little Yanmars in my experience anyway.

But as mentioned, if a little glow or thermo-start will make it fire right up and you do not have any noticeable blow-by, then I'd think the rings are still sealing well and you should be fine.

Somebody can probably chime in an explain direct vs indirect injection and pre-combustion chambers and all that stuff and explain why some diesel designs fire up so well and so need glow.

 

[kenmac]

I have never used thermostart on my 3110. When it's cold outside 50* or below it turns over real slow ,but still will start without thermostart. No way You shouldn't have to use thermostart on a 70* day

 

[jb2010]

Well the guy just sold the 2200 so now the 2610 is my best option. It ran great without blow by just wouldn't start without the glow plugs. I'm sure everyone knows its a 3cyl. So I'm guessing that having to heat the glow plugs is fine. The guy has been using the decompression lever to kill the engine for several years. Is that a problem? Or can it cause one?

 

[kenmac]

there are no glow plugs . It should be a thermostart system .I don't know of any problems using the decomp to kill engine.I don't use it to kill my engine

 

[DavesTractor]

Kenmac, good point on the thermostart vs glow plugs.

If the battery is hot on the 2610 so it spins the starter at a good clip, it should start quickly at 70* without any pre-heat. If not, I'd pass on that particular Yanmar. My statement does not apply to all engine designs, but a 2610 will fire right up with no assistance down into the 50's or cooler. In fact the thermostart was an option on some of the earlier Yanmar tractors as it was only needed in cold weather areas.

 

[kenmac]

Dave , You should know more about these yanmars than I. You sold them for several yrs ?.I've had mine for 7-8 yrs now and have never used thermostart.

 

[jb2010]

Glow plugs, thermostart, smurfs with torches, you know what I mean. .
Why would you stay away from it if it has to use the "thermostart"? What could be wrong with it? I'm getting mixed comments. What could be wrong causing it to have to use it to start?

 

[DavesTractor]

I quit importing entirely nearly 10 years ago, but we still appreciate the quality of Yanmar tractors, be it grey market or the USA models. But with literally hundreds of Mahindra's on our lot, we had to focus!

The 3110 was sure a nice model, and just like a good 2610, they start fast with no assistance except in very cold weather.

 

[DavesTractor]

Glow plugs, thermostart, smurfs with torches, you know what I mean. .
Why would you stay away from it if it has to use the "thermostart"? What could be wrong with it? I'm getting mixed comments. What could be wrong causing it to have to use it to start?

Low compression. If you still want to buy it, take it to a shop and have them do a compression test. It will be on the low end of normal at best.

Smurfs with torches, I like that! A thermo-start is entirely different than a glow plug system, but has the same goal of warming up the cylinders.

 

[kenmac]

Thermostart is kinda like a smurf with a torch. Like Dave said.(and he should know he use to import these tractors) compression is probably on the low side. Diesels crank/start/fire on high compression & fuel pressure.My Dodge Ram with Cummins uses a intake heater (no injectors)to warm the incomming air to aid in starting,but it only comes on in low temps and it ain't 70* .More like 50*-55*.My yanmar will fire right up at 70*