Starting your Diesel on a cold day tip

[Paddy]

Some of you may find yourself needing to start your diesel on a cold day. I have never installed a heater but always mean to : )

My trick is to use a propane torch to heat up the intake manifold. I also hit the injectors carefully. The intake is cast iron so it can take some heat.

Starts every time....

Disclaimer; You do know you are exposing fire to a liquid fuel burning device, i.e. tractor, heat it but don't burn it!

 

[MoKelly]

Before you begin this process, do you ask your friend to hold your beer?:laughing:

MoKelly

 

[HEC]

Think I will stay with block heater and hope I don't ever have to try that one , my luck I would screw up something . I don't drink but if I were to do that maybe I should .

 

[mkreitler]

Get yourself a block heater if you can't afford one or know how to install one ask someone who does if you must do it your way I would keep the FIRE DEPARTMENT handy.

 

[vtsnowedin]

Being a little harsh there aren't you Bucky. If you don't have a block heater and its below zero what's your next move. I've tented mine under tarps and put a Mr heat propane heater in there to heat up the whole tractor including the jelled up fuel lines. My father would place an ash pan full of hot coals under the oil pan of a 62 ford until the oil snapped and popped. Some times you have to make do with what you've got close at hand. I wouldn't burn off any paint but I'd use a torch if that's all I had.

 

[kenmac]

Assuming we are talking about a diesel vehicle.. My diesel truck has an intake heater... Never had had a problem starting the engine in the winter

 

[vtsnowedin]

Assuming we are talking about a diesel vehicle.. My diesel truck has an intake heater... Never had had a problem starting the engine in the winter

But you are in the heart of Dixie. Try it at -20 F with the wind whipping by your tractor at better then thirty miles an hour. It is a whole different world.

 

[Wooddust]

I do so love the internet.

 

[JBourquin]

How I started my tractor the other morning when it was -16*.

 

[CalG]

I use an electric heat gun to do the same.
Play the hot air over the head and injectors etc. Then spend some time warming up the air cleaner canister (and the air inside).
Then put the hot air stream flowing into the cleaner inlet while going through the start procedure.

Cranking a few revs without glow heaters or any throttle also adds heat to the cylinders via compression.
Followed with glow and a throttle setting best for starting, Varoom! Off it goes. (It's a Mitsubishi 4 cylinder.)

There are a few too many wires and plastic parts on and near the head and intake for me to feel comfortable with an open flame.