New GC 1710 Cold Start

Farmer George J · Dec 6, 2014

I recently purchased a new GC 1710 and have about 20 hours on it. When starting it cold it seems to start pretty quickly but seems to run on a one or two cylinders for maybe 5 to 10 seconds before smoothing out. I'm using the recommended starting procedure as far as I know and as temps get close to freezing it's getting worse. So just wondering if this is normal or that I may have an issue of some kind.

ray66v · Dec 6, 2014

There can be incomplete combustion sometimes, when you do a cold start. That is the roughness you feel. Some cylinders were ready to fire, and some were not. Working on your technique will minimize or eliminate that problem.

As the temps get lower, you need to increase the glow plug time. And, when it's real cold, you need to open the throttle some, to get a good start.

As an example, at 0 degrees F, I would use 30-40 seconds of glow plug time, and open the throttle 1/4 of he way.

If the engine does not fire in 5-8 seconds, stop cranking, and return to warming the glow plugs more.

You need to find what works for your tractor.

If all else fails, you can invest in the overpriced MF block heater.

MAN IN BLACK · Dec 7, 2014

Best option for cold weather starting is a block heater...expensive or not, it's the way to go.
My opinion and experience (30+ years farming)

uglyboywith11fingers · Dec 7, 2014

Hey, Farmer George, not too often you'll get down to 0 deg F. in the banana belt of Ontario.

I go about 10-15 seconds of glow plugs when really cold, and open the throttle a bit... BX engines run pretty rough at low RPMs anyway. Maybe the GC's are the same.

Wifey & I are originally from Kingsville area, have lots of relatives in Essex County, a few around A'burg. Welcome to TBN.

Pete

WilliamBos · Dec 8, 2014

Did you get the block heater? worth the money. Keep cycling the glows, it will fire.

irvingj · Dec 9, 2014

I agree; although the M-F block heater is way overpriced, it's worth it. Fit into the frost plug hole beautifully, no leaks, works great. I also found that the electrical cord can be removed and it's retaining nut replaced with a garden hose cap for summer to keep the cord from being damaged.

While the tractor may not absolutely NEED the heater to start when it's really cold, I figure it's got to make life for the engine, starter & battery a lot easier. I put mine on 6 years ago and it still works great.