Throttle-Forward or Back

arthr31 · Dec 28, 2004

I have tried pretty much all suggested here... Tractor is in a barn/shed. Tractor has anti-gel / cetane boost additive. Tractor has magnetic block heater. Tractor was preheated under a tarp with an electric heater (about 3 hrs). Engine weight oil is for Summer. I can't change it to something like 30W until I get it started.... I'm thinking I might have a bad battery, still need to test it...

Here's one clue about the battery-- when I pulled it out of the rack/tray, there was a real thin piece of ice under it. There is water in the battery cells, but maybe not enough. So, my plan here is to: test/charge the battery; try again to start later this week since temps will reach the 40s...

Also, I'm not sure thermostart is working, or even exists on my tractor. I can take a picture, but I don't think I have it (anymore). However, there is a black button on the dash that doesn't seem to do much, says "check" under it... Anyone know what that could possibly be?

Thanks again all for the suggestions, I appreciate it.

And, btw, didn't pay for plowing, did most of it by hand... but, family is getting annoyed with me!!! latr -arthur

jimstractors · Dec 28, 2004

"Check" button is to check the idiot light bulbs/circuit.
1601d has a thermostart. Get a new battery, it's worth the 30 bucks for less grief. Then change your oil to 15w-40 Rotella or equiv. This gives you 15w viscosity at cold temps.
Jim

arthr31 · Dec 28, 2004

Thanks, Jim. Question: Is 10w-30 close enough to the 15w rotella? I ask because I have a bunch of the 10w-30 stuff and don't want to purchase more unnecessarily. Thanks much again to all that answer my questions!

thegreatrandini · Dec 28, 2004

U may have damaged your starter cranking to long. Try jump starting or a new battery. If that does not work u may have to rebuil your starter. If you have your engine compartment (area) heated to 50 degrees or so and it wont turn over..... and u have plenty of cold cranking amps..... then your starter may need rebuilt.... On Ebay today is a starter rebuild kit (minor) for around 15 dollars....... Can't be that hard to rebuild one.......good luck....

jimstractors · Dec 28, 2004

Make sure is has the diesel rating on it. Rotella makes a 15w-40 and a 10W-30 for diesels. Look for the ratings of API CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, CH-4, CG-4, CF-4, CF or equiv.

California · Dec 28, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I have a bunch of the 10w-30 -arthr31 )</font>

If one of the problems really is thick summer oil then it seems to me that putting in your 10-30 would be fine, just to get this thing started and for a few hours use in cold weather. And I wouldn't worry about getting it warm before draining the old oil. Just drain it when it hasn't run for 24 hours so there won't be much oil up in the galleries.

Diesel rated oils have better heat resistance, can absorb more contaminants, etc but that's not important for the limited use you need right now if the present oil prevents cranking it over. Just be sure to change to good diesel oil after you solve the other problems.

MarkStewart · Dec 28, 2004

You could also try warming up your intake manifold with a propane torch. Just make sure you don't melt/burn anything important.

arthr31 · Dec 29, 2004

Thanks guys. No propane torch in my house... Probably just as good /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Anyway, the battery was tested and turns out it's bad- doesn't hold a charge and when tested under any load quickly drained. So, I just bought a new battery and some 15w-40 rotella. ...supposed to be in the upper 40s on Saturday so I'll put on my shorts and see if I can get this tractor going!! Thanks again for the advice... -arthr

arthr31 · Jan 2, 2005

update: Eureka! Installed new battery, changed oil, warmed engine under tarp for 45min and it fired right up on the first cold start-up (starter ran for about 8-10secs). Thanks for all of the advice, I'm ready for my next snow storm!!! -arthr