Tough starting

[pedalstomper78]

I've got a 2005 DX33 Case/IH that I absolutely love. It's got 690 hours on it and has been well maintained from what I can see. (Bought it with 66x hours on it).

Recently, it's become a bit hard to start. I'm wondering if the glow plugs are starting to fail or if it is the timer. I just installed a block heater to help out but haven't given it much of a shot.

I turn the key on and the glow plug light stays on anywhere from 4-6 seconds. I can cycle the glow plugs a few times, but it still seems a bit slow to start. (cranking for 15 seconds or so). It's not cold here yet, but I'm sure it'll only gets worse as mother nature gets grumpier.

Battery has tested well, but the tractor seems to crank a bit slower than what I think it should. The starter solenoid will occasionally only "click" until the 4th or 5th turn of the key, so I have a new starter on the way.

Glow plugs? Starter turning too slow?

 

[whistlepig]

I've got a 2005 DX33 Case/IH that I absolutely love. It's got 690 hours on it and has been well maintained from what I can see. (Bought it with 66x hours on it).

Recently, it's become a bit hard to start. I'm wondering if the glow plugs are starting to fail or if it is the timer. I just installed a block heater to help out but haven't given it much of a shot.

I turn the key on and the glow plug light stays on anywhere from 4-6 seconds. I can cycle the glow plugs a few times, but it still seems a bit slow to start. (cranking for 15 seconds or so). It's not cold here yet, but I'm sure it'll only gets worse as mother nature gets grumpier.

Battery has tested well, but the tractor seems to crank a bit slower than what I think it should. The starter solenoid will occasionally only "click" until the 4th or 5th turn of the key, so I have a new starter on the way.

Glow plugs? Starter turning too slow?

I think it may be the battery. If it's a 2005 with the original battery buying a new battery would be money not wasted.

 

[geneP]

If your battery checks good and it's clicking and cranking slow, I would check all connections and cables including where the ground connects to the block. Sometimes the cables will loose connections at the cable end to wire. A little diagnosis might save the cost of a starter.

 

[whistlepig]

I don't know about others but having things "checked" hasn't worked at all for me. If it doesn't start I do the basic steps. New battery first, cables next, and last of all starter. Using this alternative "checking" method I would end up with a new starter first, battery cables second, and the battery last of all. When all I really needed was a battery to begin with. Of course the operator of the battery "checking" will say he is sorry and that his machine isn't working properly.

 

[pedalstomper78]

I've pondered replacing the cables. The date code stuck on the battery showed 11/04. WIth it coming up on 6 years old....I may start with a battery just to be on the safe side.

How long does everyone else's glow plugs run for though so I know if I'm looking at a $68 timer?

 

[Thomas]

I'd lean towards battery replacement.also clean battery post and cables.

 

[pedalstomper78]

OK......so I replaced the battery....starter is up to snuff...and it just does not start cold.

My thoughts.....glow plugs. To me, that's the only logical thing. If the engine is warm, she starts right up on the first kick. If it's cold, she'll just crank and crank. I've got power to them as I checked that earlier this evening. I've got a block heater and if I leave that plugged in for a few hours, she starts up fine. How bad are the glow plugs to replace on the tractor? Do I need to re-seal them with anything?

 

[Willl]

First make sure each is getting proper voltage.

Got a meter ?

 

[pedalstomper78]

battery voltage at each one.

 

[Willl]

battery voltage at each one.

Confirmed at the very tip of each glow plug ?

If that's a yes, then disconnect power in wire and all jumpers between plugs.

With a 'capable' meter, hit each with batt voltage and notice amp reading.
(("capable" = at least 10 amp)) (I use a hacked together in-dash amp gauge, works awesome)

The one's that aint up to snuff will definitely show its head.