Thermostart information for MF 135?

[80sDweeb]

I'm getting a 1972 MF 135 vineyard diesel. I looked in a 1973/1974 Operator's Manual, and it makes no mention of thermostart, but does mention spraying starting fluid (with caution) to start in cold conditions. I looked in the Service Manual for the 135, and it mentions "thermostart" only once:

Thermostart
C.A.V. Thermostart Mk IIIC is fitted to this tractor. Full details and data are provided in the Perkins AD3.l 52 Manual.

I found "Workshop manual for 3.152 series diesel engines 3.152 D3.152 3.1522 3.1524 T3.1524 and D3.152M, 3HD46 marine engines" (Publication No. TPD 1091 1208 E.) A search showed thermostart is mentioned only briefly in torque specs and info on fuel system re-assembly.

Will my 1972 MF 135 (serial number 9A134257) have thermostart? What exactly IS thermostart? How does it work? I see it mentioned in a MF 565 manual online (same "Thermostart Mk IIIC" as the MF 135) that shows an additional key switch position, "Heat", and how it should be used:

Turn the starter switch key to the second position clockwise (heat) and hold it there for 15 to 20 seconds.
Turn the key to the third position clockwise (start) to engage the starter.
If the engine fails to start within 15 seconds, return the key to the 'heat' position for a further 10 seconds.
Re-engage the starter by moving the key to the 'start' position.
When the engine starts, turn the key to the 'heat' position for up to 15 seconds maximum, until the engine runs steadily, then allow the key to return to the 'auxiliary' position.
If the engine does not start, repeat the re-heat and cranking cycle. After three attempts, if the engine fires but fails to pick up, turn the key to the 'heat' position for several seconds, then to the 'start' position.

I'm sure there is no "auxiliary" position on the 135's key switch, but does the rest of this work for a 135 diesel? Why are no operating instructions mentioned in any documents I can find for the 135?

Scott in Brighton NY

 

[DLTTrekkers]

MF 135 was fitted with a generator and not a altenator . That makes that it do not requere an ON posision on the ignition switch . So the first position on the switch will be for the glowplug (thermostart) and the second position will be for STARTING .
On the other hand if someone change the generator to an altenator (some red lights on the dash ) then you wil have OFF .....ON (lights on )......then glowplugs(thermostart).... AND THEN starting !
The glowplug(thermostart) is fitted in the intakemannifold with a fuelpipe and a elect connection to it .

 

[Agvg]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeDvCVS38hk