Starting

[AlanB]

I have a 1998, 1925 tractor I just purchased used. They are supposed to get me a manual on it, but I do not have it in hand yet. I am working on the manual part.

What is the "starting procedure" for a cold engine.

I have a little light on the dash that has a picture of a glow plug on it, that lights when I hold the key over.

Thanks for taking the time to explain this to me.

Al B

 

[tc35dforme]

Generally with a manual glow plow system, you cycle the key to activate the glow plugs ( either to the first click or sometimes to the CCW direction ). This is when the light will come on. Then wait ( with the key still in that position ) several seconds up to about 8-10 seconds depending on just how cold it is. Then try to start. Experience will tell you how much glow time is required. If it starts rough, maybe next time add a second.

You want to avoid extra glow plug time. I understand this will greatly shorten their life...but, you want to be sure to get enough heat into the cylinders to allow a decent start so you don't really bang up the engine parts.

Got a block heater ??

 

[art]

Not knowing from your bio where you live makes it a little more difficult to help you for your conditions. The glow plugs have different amounts of time they are to be on. Some times it's only for 10 seconds but yet on some makes and models they would require 60 to 90 seconds. One thing that is critical is to have a fully charged battery as they are only at 50% of peak below freezing.

 

[MikePA]

On some newer tractors, the glow plug light goes out to indicate when you can start the tractor.

 

[AlanB]

I keep forgetting to do the Bio, but have done it now.

Clarksville, TN, just above Nashville.

About 25-30 degrees here this morning, cold, but not like many of you are experiencing I am sure.

I guess I was hoping for the light to go out thing. And did not want to burn out the glow plugs waiting to figure out that it did not.

Thanks guys.

 

[Soundguy]

On my NH 1920.. I turn the key CCW, and hold it, and the light goes out after a few seconds. What is the key setup on the 1925?

Soundguy

 

[KrisHansen]

turn key to glow

I like the idea of being able to control how long the glow plugs are hot better than the timer deal. I find that one cycle is often not enough to get a good clean start.. I usually cycle the plugs a few times when it's really cold and I have not run the tractor for a few days..

 

[AlanB]

Well, I have 4 little icons over the switch, Of course there are only 3 switch positions, go figure. My key will not turn CCW, and that Icon is the off one so I do not think mine works that way.

So, if I turn it too the icon that shows the little glow plug, and the glow plug light on the dash lights, and it is in neutural, it is cranking, so I put it in gear, held the key in that position to warm the plugs (I think) and then put it in N and crank it up. That was what the guy showed me, but somehow, I have a feeling that will not be the procedure in the New Holland manual.

I will give the used dealer a bit more time, then it will probably be worth the $30 + for the owners manual. Maybe my dealer will work something out with me??? well, maybe not.

 

[Soundguy]

Strangely enough.. we have some heavy equipment that functions just like that.. glow plugs flash -during- starting...

Soundguy

 

[PineRidge]

When in doubt it is a very easy task to remove the wire from the glow plug and hook up any 12 volt automotive bulb to test the circuit. That way you will know in which key position your glow plugs are actually fired. You will also find out if they are on a timed circuit and if so for how long the power is established on each cycle. Then reattach the glow plug wire and you will know which start proceedure to follow for your tractor in the future. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[hazmat]

Great Idea Pine. you may not even have to remove the wire if the termination is exposed. Get one of the automotive test lights (screwdriver looking thing with a point for probing & an alligator clip for ground).

 

[PineRidge]

Most any 12 volt lamp will work. But the ones like you mentioned are well suited for the job.

 

[rambler]

I actually read my 1720 manual the other day, & it said the glow plug lamp on the dash will go out in 4 seconds (more like 7 actually) but that if it is really cold, below x degrees, you should hold the key in the gp position for an additional 4 seconds after the light goes out. This tells me the lamp is on a time circut, the glow plug actually isn't. Don't know how that relates to other NH models.

--->Paul

 

[PineRidge]

Paul as I stated earlier a bulb would tell you the story of exactly what is happening at the glow plug end regardless of what the dash light might lead you to believe.

Try it, you'll like it! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[AndyMA]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I actually read my 1720 manual the other day, & it said the glow plug lamp on the dash will go out in 4 seconds (more like 7 actually) but that if it is really cold, below x degrees, you should hold the key in the gp position for an additional 4 seconds after the light goes out. This tells me the lamp is on a time circut, the glow plug actually isn't. Don't know how that relates to other NH models.

--->Paul )</font>

I dug out my 2120 manual and it's basically the same as above. It states that "Important: In cold weather below 23F (-5C) start the engine after holding the key switch to the "HEAT" position for approximately 10 seconds even if the glow plus indicator warning light has gone out."

This is not something I knew about my tractor, I usually just did the 4 second thing 2 or 3 times. It also stated to make sure the tractor is in neutral.

Andy

 

[thcri]

My TC29D is the same way. Glow plug light will come on for about 4 seconds then go off, but the glow plug itself will keep going. I could really tell this when I was having problems with my battery. You could tell by the lights dimming on the front.

murph