TC 18 Glow Plug Problem

[TimC]

I haven't run my tractor in about a month, and I went out to start it up and the glow plug indicator light would not come on in the "Warm" setting on the ignition switch. After trying to warm it up for 20 secs, I tried to start the tractor and it wouldn't start, it would turn over fine, but not start. Finally, after cranking for about 10-15 secs it cranked. Based on my search here, my first guess would be the glow plug timer, assuming the TC18 has a glow plug timer like the larger TC33 etc sized machines. Anyone know if the TC18 glow plugs are on a timer, and where it is?

Thanks!
Tim

 

[Inspector507]

Anyone know if the TC18 glow plugs are on a timer, and where it is?

Thanks!
Tim

Tim,
My TC 18 does not have a timer. They will stay energized as long as I hold the key in that position. I don't think any of them have a timer.

 

[AndyM]

Tim,
My TC 18 does not have a timer. They will stay energized as long as I hold the key in that position. I don't think any of them have a timer.

This is correct.
On the TC18, you need to hold the key in the "warm the glow plugs" position for as long as you wish them to be activated... then you can turn the key the rest of the way to the "start" position. There is no glow plug timer on the TC18 models.

 

[TimC]

Anybody have any idea what else to look at?
In "warm" neither the glow light on the dash, nor glow plugs themselves work, as evidenced by the hard start.

 

[Solo]

Check the switch. Get your ohm meter out.
- Go from terminal 30 on the switch with one lead.
- With the other lead go from terminal 19 on the starter switch.
-With the key in the off position, contiuity will not exist between any of the terminals.
-Turn the key to the heat position, 3, and watch the meter.
-A low or no resistance reading means there is continuity between the start switch 30 ,and 19.
-A high resistance reading means the circuit is open, the key switch needs to be replaced.

That proceedure is from the New Holland repair manual, Section 3.

Solo

 

[TimC]

Found the problem.

Something had been nesting in my dash over the winter and had eaten the wiring going to the dash. I should have looked here first, because my fuel gage was registering really low, much lower than I had ever seen.

I spliced the wiring back together with butt connectors and covered the connections in heat shrink tubing, then electrical taped the bundle back together. Everything works good as new!

Right now, the tractor lives in a carport type of shelter, but maybe I need to look into some more secure storage...
We have been talking about a new garage for the cars, so the Tractor would get a place in the shop

 

[Solo]

Tim
Glad you found the problem. It's always the simple things that are wrong with something. I have the same problem with mice eating wiring. They keep chewing on my fuel guage wires. The mice have also built nests under the dash and urinate all over the top of the fuel guage. It has come to the point now that I have to replace the fuel guage because it has rusted and the connecters are no longer there.

Solo

 

[newt]

Cats are good for mice.I have 4 now and no more mice trouble.they were for ever getting into the airfilter in the ford tempo and nesting in the cowelling.