Starting in cold weather GC17XX

[CBCGC1715]

Ok just went outside and the temp is 38f outside. Something i noticed is that a light on the dash is not lighting up. it's the glow plug lamp? I get the battery charge light next to the oil pressure indicator. but correct me if i am wrong but isn't the glow lamp supposed to light up as well? I plan on reaching out to my MF dealer but wanted to be sure about the light.

I hear the clicking sound of the plugs I thing. please help it will not be to long before I see 15f

 

[cglaser104]

Glow plug lamp doesn't light up until you engage the key about 1/2 way on the spring loaded step in the ignition just before the starter turns.

 

[CBCGC1715]

Ahh I feel so dumb... thanks for all the help. I just went outside and did 15sec and she fired right up.

 

[cglaser104]

Ahh I feel so dumb... thanks for all the help. I just went outside and did 15sec and she fired right up.

Not dumb to ask the question. Glad it all is working as designed

 

[CBCGC1715]

Small update currently temps reading 26f. I ran the glow plugs for 15sec and she fired up no issues.


When should I consider using the block heater?

 

[cglaser104]

Block heaters are nice below 32° to keep your oil from getting too thick. That said you can run different oil grades in cold temperatures to mitigate too much thickening as well.

I live in the Northeast near buffalo NY. I run Rotella T5 15W-40 Diesel Motor oil year round. I simply vary my use of glow plugs depending on temperature. I store my machine in an unheated garage and have been fine all the way down to about 0° with heavy glow plug use. Even then it's rare for us to get that cold with any consistency. We usually hover in the low to mid 20's in the dead of winter. I also start my machine and let it warm while I dress to be outside in the winter for 10-15 minutes when it's real cold out. Hope this helps.

 

[Imold]

33* here and have not started the 1705 in over a week, might go give it a shot later today and let it warm up for a bit, I have not used the block heater yet but will plug it in for a hour or so when the weather starts getting below 30* being it sits in a un heated un insulated garage.

 

[ray66v]

Keep in mind, as a warm engine cools it can develop condensation inside if there is any moisture in the air.

This moisture can accumulate in the engine, if it is not run long enough the next time, for the heat of the engine to evaporate all of it. In aircraft engines, the generally accepted rule is that it takes being run about an hour to be assured of that.

So, unless you are actually going to use the tractor you are probably better off not starting it, just to run it, in cold weather.

 

[JWR]

Small update currently temps reading 26f. I ran the glow plugs for 15sec and she fired up no issues.


When should I consider using the block heater?

My policy is Do Not bother with a block heater until it is cold enough to also be concerned with fuel gel. That's roughly 10 deg. F. Rare enough where my tractor is that I do not use block heater at all. Being inside a building, even unheated, is a big advantage for a lot of things including starting.

 

[4570Man]

My policy is Do Not bother with a block heater until it is cold enough to also be concerned with fuel gel. That's roughly 10 deg. F. Rare enough where my tractor is that I do not use block heater at all. Being inside a building, even unheated, is a big advantage for a lot of things including starting.

My equipment stays in an unheated building which protects it from the worst enemy, sunlight and it keeps it mostly dry which is more convenient but how does it help starting? A good building might be a little warmer but a sloppy shed isn’t maybe even colder.