Possible Starting Problem

[Cutlass65]

Hi all
I have gc2410 which was purchased new in July of 2010. As the weather gets colder it is getting harder to start. It takes about 30 to 45 seconds of the engine rolling over to get it to start. Just before it starts a lot of white smoke comes out of the muffler. From limited diesel experience I suspect that the glow plugs are not working properly. Has anyone had this issue? I will not be using the tractor this winter and will store off site until spring, at that time I was thinking of taking it back to the dealer for warranty. It currently has 90 hours on it. Any advice out there?

 

[blackd]

Cutlass, recently one post recommended it might take holding the key in pre-start (glow plug) position for as long as 30 seconds to get them warm enough to heat sufficiently. How long are you holding the start key to warm the glow plugs?

 

[Cutlass65]

I am leaving the key in the on position about 30 to 40 seconds before trying to start. In the warmer weather about 5 to 10 seconds seemed ample and it did not take long for it to start.

 

[Willl]

I am leaving the key in the on position about 30 to 40 seconds before trying to start.

Aren't you supposed to be 'pushing' the key in for glow plugs ?

 

[DEWFPO]

These are cold blooded engines. I too thought I had bad glow plugs but didn't. What worked for me in winter was holding the glow plugs on for about 40 seconds, then move the throttle to 1/4-1/3 open and crank the engine, it should light within 3-5 seconds and then back off the throttle as soon as it starts. A little white smoke as it cranks is normal when it's cold.

Another option is to plug in the block heater an hour before using if you have one but it is not always convenient.

DEWFPO

 

[wbrooks]

Tonight I started mine (2310 same engine) and it only requires a count of 10 on glow to start the engine within a few revolutions at 30 F. Last winter I could start it with about 30 seconds on glow and a few seconds of cranking at - 20 F, sometimes it would need another 15 seconds of glow. At -40 forget it without a heat source. I don't have a block heater but use a small 1500 W ceramic cube space heater blowing on the intake side of the engine and after about 30 min it will start easily. I would say your glow plugs are not working, do you turn the key CCW for glow and CW to start like the 2310?

 

[irvingj]

That's a question I was wondering about, too-- are the glow plugs on the 2400/2600 activated in the same fashion (CCW on key) as the 2300 tractors?

 

[MFRED]

That's a question I was wondering about, too-- are the glow plugs on the 2400/2600 activated in the same fashion (CCW on key) as the 2300 tractors?

No, on the 2300's there is a CCW position to activate. On the 24/2600's it is a CW position/detent right before start.

 

[ray66v]

Try it like DEWFPO suggested.

You need to find the right combination of throttle, and glow plug time.

It's like finding the spot where you scratch a dog to make his leg go, everyone is different. Some are different from one day to the next.

 

[Transit]

Will the ammeter show the current draw when you activate the plugs? If so, you can use the meter to indicate when the plugs are properly heated, when the current stops changing.

If the engine is equipped with de-compression use that too.

Spin the engine till oil pressure is up, heat the plugs and than spin the engine again to start.