So I fired up my DK 45 at 0 degrees F today

kiotiken · Dec 16, 2013

It's currently -22 C and I had to unexpectedly use the tractor, so it wasn't plugged in. It was NOOOOTTTT happy about it one bit. It took 3 cycles of the glow plugs to get it running and then it didn't sound happy at all. I'm guessing this is as cold as I've started it without plugging it in first. I ran the pto at idle and within 15 minutes, the engine temp was in the normal operating range.

JDL538 · Dec 16, 2013

DarkBlack said:
-40F? you must be stating wind chill temp?

I have always thought the worst thing you can do with a motor is start it when it is under 10 degree. You put more ware on it just starting it than many hours of operation.. Any opinion on this ?

kiotiken · Dec 16, 2013

kiotiken said:
It's currently -22 C and I had to unexpectedly use the tractor, so it wasn't plugged in. It was NOOOOTTTT happy about it one bit. It took 3 cycles of the glow plugs to get it running and then it didn't sound happy at all. I'm guessing this is as cold as I've started it without plugging it in first. I ran the pto at idle and within 15 minutes, the engine temp was in the normal operating range.

Had to run out to home depot right after I made this post. The car showed -29C. That would be why the tractor was so cranky.

milkman636 · Dec 16, 2013

kiotiken said:
Had to run out to home depot right after I made this post. The car showed -29C. That would be why the tractor was so cranky.

I get cranky well before -29 myself

, Seriously though I plugged my block heater in about 2.5 hours before starting my white version of a DK35 at 2ºF and the glow plugs didn't even come on when I turned the key. The block heater warmed it up enough for a smooth easy start. I wouldn't want to start it any other way in these temps.

CJONE · Dec 17, 2013

JDL538 said:
I have always thought the worst thing you can do with a motor is start it when it is under 10 degree. You put more ware on it just starting it than many hours of operation.. Any opinion on this ?

has not been above 15 here for over a week. If you start them and let them idle until the oil gets a little warm I see no problems from doing that for 30+ years. If you have the correct grade of oil for the temps you should have no problems. If you start something and rev the crap out of it you will scuff the pistons at a minimum, I know I have fixed that a few times from disgruntled employees. CJ

DeereMann · Dec 17, 2013

CJONE said:
has not been above 15 here for over a week. If you start them and let them idle until the oil gets a little warm I see no problems from doing that for 30+ years. If you have the correct grade of oil for the temps you should have no problems. If you start something and rev the crap out of it you will scuff the pistons at a minimum, I know I have fixed that a few times from disgruntled employees. CJ

Easy fix: don't live there! :cool2:

But seriously, folks.....I concur - I would always try to plug in a block heater an hour or two prior to cold start attempt whenever possible. Synthetic engine oil, fresh/charged/heated battery, blended/boosted fuel, all come with living up here.

Then again, I have a heated pole barn.

Jose G · Dec 18, 2013

im located in Saint-Jean-de-Matha in Quebec, Canada... we had -33 celsius couples of days since last week, when I posted -40F...my truck was giving me that number so I figured it was -40 F/C (-40 seem to be the same in F or in C!)
the tractor dont like it for 5 mins after the start but hey, its the same for cars and everything around here. the Diesel want to freeze/gel, I always fill a 55 gallons and add anti-freeze additive for diesel into it.

plugging the block heater is easier on the mechanic of course, but sometime, you need the tractor to work ASAP. never had a problem with any machinery doing what im doing. I think you guys are too gentle with your engines