Motor question.

[rasorbackq]

2010 4720H less then 2000 hrs. About 100 hrs since last service
At start up cold engine It pumps out a lot of smoke and there is an engine clunking maybe louder ticking noise. After 15-20 seconds all sound normal Smoking is done.
Just started in last 3 days.
I use the tractor often so sitting around isn't an issue.
Lets hope its a cheap fix

 

[ptsg]

What color is the smoke?

I'm leaning towards bad glow plugs not working properly, which would cause the smoke for a couple seconds. The noise could be related since it's not burning quite right.

 

[rasorbackq]

Light gray

 

[ptsg]

It sure looks like it's the glow plugs. Make sure there is power getting to the glow plugs once you flip the key to the On position.

Here is an easy guide on how to test glow plugs: How to Test Diesel Glow Plugs | YourMechanic Advice

 

[rasorbackq]

Being I have very limited knowledge of a diesel motor . How many glow plugs am I looking for? Thinking this brandson is a 3 cylinder . Will look around in the morning. Not even sure what to look for. Will look for large gauge wire as per your info . Thanks.

 

[Cougsfan]

A Branson 4720 is a 4 cylinder. The glow plugs are on the left side (looking forward) of the engine. Here is a image from the service manual that shows one:

 

[ericm979]

The glow plugs have wires connected to them. The fuel injectors have pipes connected to them.

Does the glow plug indicator on the dash light up when you turn the key? Then go out to tell you it's time to start the engine? There's a fuse and a controller for the glow plugs. If the fuse is burnt out or the controller is not working, none of the plugs will work.

 

[rasorbackq]

So Did the test . Meter was .2 ohms . With metal strip removed terminal to ground was .8 ohms .8ohms .8ohms and 6meg ohms.
So I have a bad glow plug. Do I replace all them ? or just the one. Seen on line where they say to do both. Change them all or just the bad ones.

 

[rasorbackq]

The glow plugs have wires connected to them. The fuel injectors have pipes connected to them.

Does the glow plug indicator on the dash light up when you turn the key? Then go out to tell you it's time to start the engine? There's a fuse and a controller for the glow plugs. If the fuse is burnt out or the controller is not working, none of the plugs will work.

Yes the light goes on and off when ready to start.

 

[defranks]

My Branson 4220 has always smoked a bit at start up, and it clatters, too. When the engine starts from cold it usually takes a few seconds, five or ten, for all four cylinders to get hot and cleanly burn all the fuel. If the engine is starting readily, not requiring long periods of cranking, then your glow plugs are working.

Just as a test, one morning when the machine is cold, just crank it without letting the glow plug light go out. It'll start, but it will take quite a bit of cranking and you'll see a lot more of that gray smoke. I sure don't recommend doing that as a matter of course, it's hard on the starter, but it will give you a frame of referrence.