wont start

Atlfinfan · Feb 21, 2020

Probably an easy fix, but I am not mechanically inclined.
This started late summer so it's not a COLD weather problem, I wouldn't think. I am having problems starting the tractor. It turns over but will not start, unless I put rpm lever about half way up and turn key at least 3 times to let glow plug cycle. As soon as the glow plug light goes out, I turn off key and turn it right back on 3 times. I can hear the fuel gurgling, if that helps. The other thing I have to do, most of the time, is squirt a short shot of starter fluid in air filter housing. I was told that wasn't a great thing to do, so spray as little as possible. Once it does start, it will crank as it should, the rest of the day, even after a couple of hours off. My local dealer has just closed up and the nearest one is probably 50 miles away.
Help is very much appreciated. It has been serviced as per warranty. A little more than 400 hours on tractor. Used very lightly except for garden tilling once a year.

RNeumann · Feb 21, 2020

Cold start issues are typically in two categories- electric intake manifold heater (I don’t think that model has glow plugs). Or for some reason the fuel is draining pressure out of the filter and lines between the tank and fuel pump. If it can sit for several hours when it’s warm out and restart fine I’d be leaning intake manifold heater. If you have a IR temp gun it’s an easy check. Otherwise you should be able to feel the manifold change temps with you hand. Or on a cold morning heat up the intake manifold with a heat gun or blankets and an electric heater.

The fuel draining pressure is unlikely. You would see the fuel and would likely notice a lack of power. But hearing fuel gurgling is an interesting observation.......I’d make sure the filters are good, the fuel lines and fittings aren’t leaking, you have normal power and that the fuel pump is kicking on when the ignition is in the on position. A check for this would be to cycle the ignition switch on and off 3 times when cold (like you have been doing) but don’t wait for the glow plug light to go off....on/off quickly. Then see if it starts after the 3rd try. If it does it’s losing pressure and or getting some air in the fuel system when it sits for a while.

Sergei · Feb 21, 2020

Biil' Tractor lists a glow plug relay on their web page, so I'd say you have glow plugs. I'd agree you may have a fuel issue. Now as far as the glow plugs they are used to preheat the air in the pre-combustion chamber when its cold. Since your problem started last year when it was warm you might rule them out. But since they list a relay there my be a high failure of them and might cause your starting problem, need a wiring diagram to know for sure.
If the relay is not the problem or in the circuit then I'd start looking at your fuel filter, fuel pump or injector pump and finally the injection nozzles, maybe the nozzles are dirty The injection nozzle has two purposes, injection and atomization..
Remember unlike a gaoline engine which utilizes a spark the diesel relys solely upon intense heat of compression., so you need air and compresion to run.

Atlfinfan · Feb 21, 2020

I appreciate the replies.

RNeumann · Feb 21, 2020

Btw- they make starting fluid that is safe for diesels

Atlfinfan · Feb 22, 2020

RNeumann said:
Btw- they make starting fluid that is safe for diesels

I did not know that. Thanks

LouNY · Feb 22, 2020

I would be leary of any starting fluid doesn't matter if it's compatible with diesels or not.
With a location in Ga. I am surprised that you have a temperature related starting issue.
Hard starting from a diesel can be from a number of issues.
Fuel quality, fuel injection timing, the actual fuel injectors and then the multitude of other issues.
Low compression, slow cranking speed, I have seen hard starting engines turned around by new starters especially
when they were upgraded to a gear reduction type, could be as simple as cleaning up battery connections and maybe new brushes in the starter.

RNeumann · Feb 22, 2020

Atlfinfan said:
I did not know that. Thanks

Here is a cheesy article about a few-

3 Best Starting Fluid for Diesel Engines (2

) - The Drive

Atlfinfan · Feb 22, 2020

LouNY said:
I would be leary of any starting fluid doesn't matter if it's compatible with diesels or not.
With a location in Ga. I am surprised that you have a temperature related starting issue.
Hard starting from a diesel can be from a number of issues.
Fuel quality, fuel injection timing, the actual fuel injectors and then the multitude of other issues.
Low compression, slow cranking speed, I have seen hard starting engines turned around by new starters especially
when they were upgraded to a gear reduction type, could be as simple as cleaning up battery connections and maybe new brushes in the starter.

I don't personally think it's a temp. problem since it started getting harder to start when the weather was warm, but I DO KNOW...... I don't know much. I just tried to include everything in my OP.

Lately, the battery doesn't stay charged so I am going to start there, as you suggested.....cleaning battery terminals, though they LOOK fine to me. Then, if nothing improves, I'll probably get a new battery. The original one is 4 years old, so I thought it would not be the problem.

I guessing most of the guys that posted suggestions DON'T REALIZE HOW MECHANICALLY DUMB I AM. It's hard for me to admit......:embarrassed: