TC40d won't warm up

[Slippy]

TC40d won\'t warm up

My TC40d does not want to start when it is cold. I let the yellow light go out and wait about 15 more seconds before I try to start it. It sputters and puffs smoke the first time. Then on second try doing same start up process it will start, hard. Again, puffing and sputtering. After a few seconds it will get to a smooth running condition.

While plowing snow today, temp around 30 degrees, I noticed the temp needle did not move off the cold position, even after about 45 min of running. Is this normal? Should I be concerned about the hard starting or the fact the gauge indicates cold?

 

[IH3444]

Re: TC40d won\'t warm up

Slippery, you should check the thermostat, and if it's OK, then consider what I do with both my properly working dozer, and 2WD IH. Place a piece of cardboard in front of the radiator, blocking about half. That should help with warm up. Have you ever seen the big tractor trailer rigs with their snap bibs over the grill, only opened up part way in the winter. Same principle with the card board. As far as the hard starting, you should seriously consider a block heater., $20 at the NH dealer, and about an hour to install. Your tractor will start like it's summer.

 

[DocHeb]

Re: TC40d won\'t warm up

For the starting problem:

Are you running winter diesel or using winter anti-gel conditioner for your fuel? If not, peruse the innumerable threads on this subject by searching for "gel" or "gelling".

For the low operating temperature problem:

3. Low-temp running due to flow bypass at common coolant drain line.
Cold TC45D
Finally - a Cold Fix

4. Low-temp running due to defective thermostat with "dingle-ball" that jams and keeps thermostat open.
My brand new TC35D... Nice picture of the problem. Several different methods of correction are presented in following threads.

 

[DieselMonk]

Re: TC40d won\'t warm up

Start the engine right after the light goes out. Don't wait 15 seconds. I think that's what my manual says anyway. Or pre-glow the engine twice before you start in extreme cold weather. If that does not help, maybe some or all of your glowplugs are gone. You also can try a engine block heater.
Now about coolant temp: Maybe the termosat is gone. Take it out and boil it to see if it opens and closes.

good luck!
Max

 

[thatguy]

Re: TC40d won\'t warm up

My first guess would be the 15 second wait is allowing the cylinder/air intake (depending on what is being heated) to cool off sort defeating the purpose of heating..

good luck

b

 

[lhfarm]

Re: TC40d won\'t warm up

I had the same starting issues (but not the warm problem). My TC40DA came with a block heater installed. I just plugged in it for about an hour and it started like it was summer time. A good investment.

 

[Slippy]

Re: TC40d won\'t warm up

Unless the thermostat just went out, it is ok. It worked fine prior and all summer. Fuel issue is a good idea. Low on fuel anyway and need to fill up with winter grade.

Does a block heater need an hour to warm up? Don't think I would have that much lead time most often.

Is there anyway to check a glow plug?

I will try glowing twice before next start and see if that helps.
Thanks to all.

 

[jinman]

Re: TC40d won\'t warm up

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Unless the thermostat just went out, it is ok. It worked fine prior and all summer. )</font>

Slippy, the thermostat works fine up until the time the little checkvalve just happens to lodge in the open thermostat and from then on it's "toast." You have to remove the thermostat and push the little valve back into place to make it work again. If you read the links from DocHeb, you saw a picture of my thermostat with the problem. That doesn't happen gradually, it happens all at once. Also, the block drain bypass problem is one many of us experienced. I'd bet my next paycheck that your problem is one or both of those issues.

I can't help you with the starting problem. My tractor has always started instantly. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[DieselMonk]

Re: TC40d won\'t warm up

I would measure the current drain while pre-glowing the engine with a DC current clamp. That is the easiest way. It wouldn't hurt to visually inspect the connections at the glow plug. You also could pre-glow the engine and feel with your hand if the glow plugs are getting warm. You also can take off the injectors and visually check the glow plugs if they are getting hot.

I would try starting your cold engine right after the glow pug light goes off. Don't wait and hit the starter right away. This way the glow plug is still glowing while the fuel is getting injected.

Hope you're getting it figured out!

Max

 

[jjcc246]

Re: TC40d won\'t warm up

I always hit my glow plugs two sometimes three times on extremely cold starts. Just turn the key when the light goes out hit it again and repeat if necessary. Then start immediatly, don't wait 15 secs. Don't have the no heat situation, so I can't help there. Good Luck