No hydraulic power in my 2007 M-F GC2310TLB when temp is below 35 deg F. What's up?

[638]

Low compression ? One or more bad glow plugs ? Turning over too slow do to summer weight oil or bad connections to starter or ground. Can't think of anything else.

 

[solomon]

Thanks 638. Double-checked, and all those things are good. It will be the dealers turn to look into it as soon as the snow melts around here (another month maybe) and they can get a trailer to it!

Sad to say though (because I really like the tractor when it runs properly), I am starting to learn just how poor M-F dealers are with customer service. I have asked my dealer (Concord are of NH) twice for help and they could care less.

 

[john_bud]

Low compression ? One or more bad glow plugs ? Turning over too slow do to summer weight oil or bad connections to starter or ground. Can't think of anything else.

In addition to all the correct stuff 638 mentioned, there are a few others. You could have summer fuel in it that is starting to cloud. (The wax component of diesel fuel crystallizes and grows into flakes like snow. That is what causes the fuel filter to clog up). It could also be that there is water in the fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel injection pump, etc restricting the flow of fuel. I would get a product like Diesel 911 and follow the directions. AND add enough #1 diesel (or kero) to fill the tank. AND add a 3x dose of fuel injector cleaning additive with cetane improver. Then run the snot out of it for a couple hours and see if that helps. Also, check for any place where diesel is leaking out as air can be leaking in. A small air leak will give the same symptoms.

Given the issue with water, my suspicion is that the prior owner's maintenance habits may have been a bit lax. Oh, also don't forget the simple stuff. Check all fuses and wires. Fuses should be good and down tight and wires should have clean, tight and bright connections. Pay special attention to the ground wires. They are often loose for some reason.

jb

 

[jimainiac]

solomon- Are you familiar with diesel fuel additives? I learned that it's really a good idea to use an additive like Power Service in the white bottle to lessen the prospect of fuel problems in cold weather. I use it all year 'round just to be one the safe side. I figure it's cheap insurance against fuel gelling. It's sold in auto parts stores and Walmart.
That might not be related to your current problem of hard starting, but I was glad that someone told me about it. Fuel gelling is a problem I don't want to have to deal with.

 

[J_J]

Thanks to everyone - appreciated the helpful hints. Turns out it was water in the hydraulic fluid. Once the water freezes - no matter how long I let the tractor warm up, and I let it warm for an hour once - no go. Stopped by the dealer last week where I learned the 2007 GC2310TLB has a hydraulic pump vent tube just aft of the seat that is exactly where water collects and gets drawn right into the system...you woukd think the M-F engineers in Des Moines would know about ice.

Today was the first day above freezing we have had in weeks and everything worked as it should. But just to get ahead of the situation, I drained the fluid, changed the filter, and moved the vent tube.

Chasing another below freezing problem though: below 32degF I have to run the charge to the glow plug for 3 to 4 minutes to get the engine to start (battery came with the tractor, has a 100 hours on it, and holds the proper charge), the dealer said it should only be 20 to 30 secs. They didn't offer to deal with it even though it is under warranty (I will eventually force the issue) - anyone have any ideas?

Thanks in advance

Do you know if the glow plugs are working. Maybe one or two are dead.

 

[Dead Horse]

My big tractor (100 90 Fiatagri, Heston) has a fuel preheat chamber rather than glow plugs.

Even on a bitterly cold day I can get the old girl to start with some patience and 10 seconds worth of the preheat switch.

I second the motion on fuel additives for the winter.........

Last but not least, does your tractor have a block heater? I have found that the MOST fool proof way to get my big AG running is to let the block heater run for a half an hour before I fire it up...... MAN it likes that!!!!!! all 6 fire up with a roar, nearly instantly!

My "little" tractor is a 3710 HST, it has plugs and has never failed to start, even in 20 below weather....... winter fuel treatment goes in the skid tank every fall.

 

[MFRED]

Water in the hydraulic oil & cold weather, not good results. You'll probably need to change the oil a few times, or flush it real good. The screen on the side is where you need to concentrate your cleaning efforts, thats the suction screen that is freezing. Do yourself a favor and don't let it run too long while not getting oil, or you may have a more serious problem.
As for the starting issue, I would have the glow plugs checked. I would think with fuel additive and a good battery it should start pretty good.
Oh, and I wouldn't say all MF dealers have poor service. You can't really group them all together.