My first Yanmar

DaveG · Dec 12, 2003

I just purchased a Yanmar 1300D with a loader and tiller. It has approx 1200 hours on it. I have a couple of questions that maybe some of you guys could answer. I live in upstate ny and this does not have glow plugs like my Ford 1700 had. Can I put glow plugs on this or will it start in our cold upstate weather. The guy I bought it from said I just pull the compression release and turn it over a few times and then push the release in and it starts. I was also thinking of getting one of those stick on block heaters as I had a bad experience with a dipstick heater in the past. Any suggestions would be great!!
Also I want to get manuals on theis for parts and repair, any suggestions on where to get them from would be appreciated!!!

Tractors4u · Dec 12, 2003

I don't know about starting in sustained cold weather like you have in New York, but I have started many a Yanmar down here in north Alabama when the temp was down in the teens. To install glow plugs you would have to drill and tap holes for the plugs and you would have to get them in the right place. Very few Yanmars have glow plugs. Most of the greys that have sold type of cold weather starting aid use what is called thermo start. It is a fuel bowl that drips diesel fuel onto a coil that is like a cigarette lighter in a car. The coil burns the fuel there in the intake manifold, warming the air that goes into the chamber. I have never had a dipstick heater but I have heard people speak against them. How about a magnet mount block heater? Another thing I have done with a hard starting is to take a hair dryer and put it at the air intake, turn it on high heat and then try starting the tractor. Good luck even though you may not need it. Those little Yanmars can be tough to beat when it comes to cold weather starting.

MDL · Dec 12, 2003

If the 1300D has any similiarity to my 186D it uses a thermostart (?) system. Basically preheats a squirt of diesel before you suck it into the cylinders when cranking. I'm in New Hampshire which is similar in temps to upstate NY. I don't use a block heater and the tractor is in an unheated shed. I don't keep the battery on a charger either. I never have an issue starting this tractor up. It definately takes a bit more time and cranking but thats only reasonable. It starts just fine. Get to know the tractor and don't waste your time or money with a glowplug modification.

rdam · Dec 13, 2003

I had a YM 1500. I used the compression release to start it all the time. Turned it over until the oil pressure came up and then let go of the release.

I think part of the reason for the block heater is to get the warm oil flowing faster which helps reduce wear on cold starts. Can't say I have much cold weather starting experience.

Soundguy · Dec 13, 2003

I think yo've gotten great advice all around. Check on the thermo-start.. otherwise the magnetic block heater and the comp-release is a great method.

Soundguy

lens12 · Dec 13, 2003

I'm in northern Illinois. I use a water heating device on all my tractors that I start in the winter. It warms the block to the point that it starts like it is summer. It makes it easier to start & less wear on the engine due to better lubrication. On the YM1300 I use a heater in the lower radiator hose. I can supply the heater & manuals for your tractor. . Click on my name to email me for more info.

CMunger · Dec 13, 2003

Tractors4U- I'll bet the black soot on the end of your wifes hair dryer go's over real well with her. I'd like to be a fly on the wall while you're there explaining to her how it got there.
Chuck M.

Tractors4u · Dec 13, 2003

How does black soot come out of the air intake? Actually I have used a heat gun, but I figured most people wouldn't have a heat gun. Mine looks like a small hair dryer. It does not have the air flow of a hair dryer but it gets a little hotter.

DaveG · Dec 14, 2003

I really appreciate all of the replies!! You guys are great! I am going to try a couple of your suggestions. I never thought of the hair dryer one!! I tried to start it yesterday with the temp around 20 and it started and ran for about 30 seconds, then slowed and stopped. I got it started again and it did the same. It then refused to start again. The guy I bought it from said he had the winter mix fuel in it and at that temp I didn't think it should have jelled. I work on small engines but have very little experience with diesels. I amy not even be trying to start it right, as I have no idea how long to hold out the compression release. I may not be holding it long enough, or maybe too long. I don't have an oil pressure gauge, as one guy suggested, to watch.
I am wondering on the glow plug issue however, as my key turns backwards on a spring with the red light lighting (you have to hold it there) like my Ford 1700 did for the glow plugs, so maybe it is set up for them?
Without manuals I am like a kid with a new toy not having a clue how to work it.... All I know is dummy me had my plow plopped behind the tractor in the shed so when it wouldn't start yesterday I had to drag it in front of the tractor so I could hook my truck up to it... My back still hurts /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Again, Any suggestions you guys have on this would be great!! THANKS!!

pennwalk · Dec 14, 2003

Dave,
Here is the cold weather starting routine from the 186 operations manual.
1) Pull throttle lever fully rearward(off)
2) Pull decompression lever for easier engine cranking.
3) Crank engine 5 to 10 seconds until (low) oil pressure indicator lamp stop glowing.
4) Place throttle lever in fully forward position.
5) Turn key counterclockwise and hold it there for 10 to 15 seconds.(activates thermostart)
6) Pull decompression lever and depress clutch.
7) Quickly turn key clockwise and start (crank) engine.
8) As soon as engine starts turn key back to thermostart position and pull throttle lever about halfway back. Hold key in this position until engine runs smoothly and then turn (key) to on position.

With my 186D I pull the decompression and crank the engine till the oil is circulating and the low pressure light goes out. Then I give it some fuel and run the thermostart for a 10 count. Then I crank the engine and it has always started for me. I know we are supposed to let it warm up for 5 min. at 1500 rpm but sometimes in the summer when the grass is calling it is hard./forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Chris