Yanmar cranking issue

[jb2010]

I am looking at buying a new (to me) Yanmar tractor. Looking at 20-30hp models. I am staying away from the ones that continuously smoke or that will only crank if u pull the decompression lever. Here is my question:
I'm running in to a few tractors that will only crank from a cold start if u heat the glow plugs (or thermal whatever). By cold I mean hasn't been ran in a few days. Temps are 70+.
Is this also a sign of engine wear. Should I shy away from this issue also? Ive seen this on 2&3 cylinders on a ym2200, 2310d, and a 2610. They do this yet they don't have any blow by. I'm buying used from individual owners and trying to do all my homework as I can't afford to go to Fredericks and buy a really nice one nor can I afford to make a $3000 bad decision. My 2220 I sold would crank at almost any temp after turning it over no more than 3 or 4 times regardless of any Alabama temp. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thx!

 

[Kernopelli]

Hard starting could be due to slow cranking speed. 70 degrees should be more than warm enough to not have to use glow plugs.

 

[jb2010]

Hard starting could be due to slow cranking speed. 70 degrees should be more than warm enough to not have to use glow plugs.

So what are u saying? Maybe a weak battery or starter or?

 

[Kernopelli]

So what are u saying? Maybe a weak battery or starter or?

Probably battery or starter.

 

[284 International]

What Kernopelli said is exactly true. I would just add that the proper method for starting that vintage of Yanmar machines is to give it several seconds with the compression release activated in order to build oil pressure and get some heat in the system. Once everything is spinning full speed, the compression release can be closed, and the tractor should start within a few revolutions from that point. It would not worry me if one of these machines wouldn't immediately start from a cold turn of the key. If there is no blowby, the engine feels strong and smooth, oil doesn't smell contaminated or burnt, and all the other typical things one would look for check out fine, I wouldn't give it a second thought. Even my extremely tight, high compression YM2000 needs to be spun up to full speed before closing the compression release, and it always instantly bangs to life once that happens. Without the reduced compression to help in getting it up to speed, it won't ever start.

My 2 cylinder Yanmars generally start easier than the 3 cylinders. The 3 cylinders are quieter and sound smoother, but this is all relative.