TC40d won't warm up

[PineRidge]

Re: TC40d won\'t warm up

Slippy you have been given good advice from Doc & Jim on the thermostat problem. Our TC-40D comes up to temperature within 7 minutes in the coldest Ohio winter.

We do cycle the glo-plugs twice before starting in really cold weather but it has never failed to start.

 

[CT_Tree_Guy]

Re: TC40d won\'t warm up

<font color="blue">I can't help you with the starting problem. My tractor has always started instantly. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif </font>

Jim:

And to think, in my very first post ever, I referred to you as "a gentleman among gentlemen". And now it's too late to edit it out! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I guess I'll have to go find a new role model, but at least it's nice to know that you're not perfect, just like the rest of us. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Still a huge fan, John D. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[jinman]

Re: TC40d won\'t warm up

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I guess I'll have to go find a new role model, but at least it's nice to know that you're not perfect, just like the rest of us. )</font>

John, you wouldn't want a "perfect" role model would you.? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

No, I can't say I'm anywhere near perfect by any means, but Texas is about as perfect as it gets for all-around tractor use. We have very mild winters here and my tractor does not have the benefit of shelter. Even so, it has performed flawlessly when it comes to starting. I've had to troubleshoot that glowplug circuit exactly 1 time because I got water in a relay socket. As a result I know very little about it without looking at my repair manual. That's why I said what I did. I'm a poor choice to give advice for very cold weather starting. Although, I was bragging just a bit about the reliability of my little blue buddy. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

What the heck... I'll check the Repair Manual to see what I find. ...be back in a minute...

Okay, I'm back. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

The manual shows that the glow plug lamp circuit (relay and lamp) are in parallel with the glow plugs. That means that if the light is ON, there has to be power available to the glow plugs. The deluxe model TC have glow plugs with a resistance of only .8 ohms each. They are in parallel, so trying to read them without disconnecting each one is an exercise in frustration. Most meters struggle to accurately measure 1 ohm, much less a couple of tenths of an ohm. The glow plugs on the deluxe TCs are quick heating types and thats why they only stay on for 10 seconds. I'm not sure what stress it puts on the glow plugs by cycling them multiple times, but if those who do that on a regular basis have no problems, then I'd say it probably won't hurt.

That's about all I can add to this issue. If the light is cycling properly, then the glow plug timer and the associated circuit is working properly. There may be other issues with the grade of fuel or additives as DocHeb suggested. That's another thing I'll have to plead ignorance of thanks to Texas weather. I really feel for you who live in frigid temperatures. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[hazmat]

Re: TC40d won\'t warm up

I think you questions have been answered, but I just wanted to thank you for reminding me to "install" my cardboard for the winter. My TC18 runs very cold in the winter.

PS - get the block heater - you can leave it plugged in overnight when the weatherman predicts the white stuff.

 

[Slippy]

Re: TC40d won\'t warm up

Thanks to all of you for the great suggestions. I have filled up with winter fuel, covered 1/2 the radiator with cardboard, and used the process of starting as soon as the glow light goes out... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif what a great result. Tractor started right up, not sputtering or puffing smoke. Plowed snow and after about 8 to 10 min., temp guage smack dab in the middle of the green. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif You guys are great! Simple things that I hope I would eventually try on my own, but with your help, done in 15 min., and life is good, well at least as far as my TC40d is concerned. If I'm wrong let me know, but I assume that means glow plugs and thermostat are all working properly.
Thanks again!

Oh yea, and by the way, should I still be concerned about the shut off valve discussed in the other posts that many of you have installed?

 

[IH3444]

Re: TC40d won\'t warm up

Ahhhhhhhh...........cardboard, the magic tool. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[djradz]

Re: TC40d won\'t warm up

The cardboard addition is unnecessary, if all else is working well. Since you've gotten the glow plug process down, I'd also look at the other two problems on the 40D - the partially blocked open thermostat and the radiator bypass through the coolant drain. Even during the fall and spring, when the engine is more likely to warm (and you probably won't have cardboard in) these two minor items, keep the engine from warming to mid-range, and should be corrected.

 

[SacandagaBrad]

Re: TC40d won\'t warm up

Hazmat,

</font><font color="blueclass=small">( My TC18 runs very cold in the winter. )</font>

Really? I wonder if the thermostat is stuck open. My TC24 runs at the exact same temp (on the gauge anyway) whether I mowing on a 90 degree day in July or pushing snow at 1800 RPMs at -20 in January.

Been skiing yet? Gore (my closest place) is shaping up real nice from what I've heard, might try to sneak out Monday if I don't go fishing.

Brad

 

[CT_Tree_Guy]

Re: TC40d won\'t warm up

I've been thinking about this, and I keep coming back to what PineRidge said: <font color="blue"> Our TC-40D comes up to temperature within 7 minutes in the coldest Ohio winter. </font> This is the same sentiment that was just expressed by the previous poster.

While cardboard, aka "magic tool", aka "affordable housing" will get you more heat, I don't see any reason that a properly functioning engine can't get up to normal operating temp without it, or at least close enough to not need it. I still think Slippy has a problem with the thermostat, or one of those two possible trouble spots in the plumbing mentioned by DocHeb.

In other words, <font color="blue"> "Slippery, you should check the thermostat". </font> /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Lastly, here's a thread that talks about heater problems, cooling system plumbing, cardboard, and other good stuff: Need Help Heater Does Not Work.

 

[hazmat]

Re: TC40d won\'t warm up

Maybe I should check it. I think I have an old pot around somewhere I can boil it in....

I've skiied 3 days at Sunday River & 1 day at Bradford (the 200' bump where I patrol). Both have decent conditions, although today's storm was rain at Bradford (Eastern MA)