s370 cold starting

[Andre L]

Hello, I'M new to this discussion group, and I have found it to be very helpful.
I recently purchased a s370, it runs very well with 470 hours on it.
My problem is this is the hardest diesel to start out of five other diesels I own .
The glow plug system work very well above 50 f but below that forget about starting.
I guess My question is does anyone have a part#for a zerostart freeze plug heater? or specific instructions on how to install a tank type heater?
Everyone I ask locally suggests a lower radiator hose heater but I don't see how to make that work.
Thanks Andre

 

[mit]

you can measure the inside diameter of the radiator hose. there are various places u can go to get a heater that fits the hose. or u can try the magnetic heaters.go to Sparex Ltd is a world leader in the supply of Replacement Parts and Accessories for agricultural tractors and machinery., sparex would refer you to a local dealer or Tractor Parts, Manuals, Implements for Farm & Antique Tractors From SSB. or www.shafertractors.net or it would be best to get one locally if u can.if you brouse mitsubishi/satoh you will get a lot of suggestion on cold starting.

 

[wushaw]

My 372 which is the same basically starts below 50, I just hold the glow plugs on for 10 seconds then start.

We haven't had any cold weather yet this year so I don't know how it's gonna do this year. I don't expect any different from last.

 

[Andre L]

Thanks for the information. Due to the design of the s370 I really don'tsee how you could install a lower hose heater, it's simply to small no room to fit.
I may be able to install a small tank heater . Does anyone know which ports to install into and what thread are they tapped?
thanks again Andre

 

[diyDave]

I installed one on the left side of the motor, I think I went from a drain plug to the wtsu port at the top of the motor. Even then, it was an awful tight fit. I bought another S-370 this fall, and found that it had a freeze plug heater behind the starter. It looks like the way to go for ease of installation, all you have to do is to pull the starter, remove the freeze plug, pop in the heater unit, then re-attach the starter. Maybe a 2 hour job, all you need to know is the dia. of the plug hole.

 

[kenmac]

You can also try a lighter weight oil for winter use. This will help for winter starting problems

 

[alvanko]

I have a block heater in my MT372D. It is in the freeze plug hole behind the starter. I installed a few years ago, I actually have a new spare one in the garage. I don't know the part number but I think it was for a Massey. Slightly under size I changed the O-ring to make it a snug fit. Has never leaked and makes a real difference. I don't even start the Mits in the winter anymore since I got the Yanmar. Mine would never start under 40 degrees. Fine in the summer.

 

[BillRodgers]

It wouldn't hurt to have the compression tested. It should be around 400 to 455 lbs. IF it's below 350 lbs, it will always be hard to start.

 

[Egon]

Sounds like the fellows with the same engine have given you some very good advice. Be a follower!

 

[mit]

lets say u find the compression to be low.this could be the main cause of hard starting on these diesels.how do you compensate for this without rebuilding the motor?things you could to help with problem are
1. use hot air in the intake.
2. add sea foam to diesel fuel tank.
3. warm up engine with heat.
4. use starting fluid.(do not heat the glo plugs if u use this)
5. use a lighter oil in the cold.
6. use a battery booster on your battery to get max rpm.
7. wait for summer