YM2310 continues to impress

[etpm]

Today I needed to start the YM2310 tractor in order to operate the FEL because I wanted to make some measurements before shortening the hydraulic cylinder rods. The temperature outside was about 35 degrees F. The tractor is parked outside in the shade and there was 3 inches of snow on the hood. The thermostart device is broken and I forgot to order a new one. But I figured I could try starting the thing and as long as the starter wasn't cranked too long I wouldn't hurt anything. So I pulled the decompression knob, turned the key, got the engine spinning, and after about 10 seconds the engine started puffing black smoke and trying to run. The RPM climbed and maybe after another 10 seconds the engine was running. It then really started to take off and I had to push the throttle back to keep the RPM at about 1000 RPM. Then, after a couple minutes the diesel rattle sound went away and the engine sounded like it should.
I am really impressed that a 40 year old diesel engine starts this easily in the cold. Yanmar makes some good stuff. I am so glad that the first diesel I bought was this one. I especially lucked out because I knew nothing about diesel equipment in general and Yanmar tractors in particular before I shelled out 2500 bucks for mine last summer.
I used it a bunch last summer moving dirt and drilling holes with the post hole digger. The power shift transmission is fantastic. I like it better than the shuttle shift in my Case 580CK because it has 3 forward speeds. Though it can't move dirt as near as fast as the Case it gets into much tighter spaces and I'm pretty much done with major dirt moving on my place anyway. I can hardly wait to use the rebuilt 5 foot wide Yanmar tiller I bought for it a few months ago.
Eric

 

[bmaverick]

Using 5W30 diesel engine oil makes a huge difference in starting our old machines. Often down to 25F, the thermostart is not even used.

Yes, we need you to keep posting the progress of your Yanmar tiller.

 

[Menagerie-Manor]

Been very happy with my choice of the 2310, it just starts and works well every time. Have yet to use the comp release or the thermo-start as she is stored indoors around 50 degrees, just fires right off. Lot of activity with the flail mower, love that attachment.

Please post pics of the tiller in operation, interested in a review.

 

[ponytug]

That's great that yours starts without using the compression release.

Free advice: worth what you pay for it...

Could I just point out that even though your engine starts without compression release, it is much easier on the starter and engine as a whole to use the compression release? The engine has a chance to pump oil into bearings before being loaded up, and the starter has a much (much!) easier time of it, just spinning up the engine to speed, and not trying to do the work of compression at the same time.

All the best,

Peter

 

[etpm]

Using 5W30 diesel engine oil makes a huge difference in starting our old machines. Often down to 25F, the thermostart is not even used.

Yes, we need you to keep posting the progress of your Yanmar tiller.

What tiller? Oh, that one! As a matter of fact I was measuring and marking the steel today for the 3 holes to be drilled and for the rounded end. I'll take and post some pictures. Because I decided the best route to go, even with the shortened Yanmar PTO shaft I got from Cary, is to make extended mounts. I bought a 2 foot length of 3" by 5/8" steel to make the extended pin mounts. On the tiller itself are welded a couple pieces of flatstock to locate the pins for the 3PH which have a flat milled on them. Being loathe to grind them off I decided instead to use steel bar stock thick enough into which I can mill a groove that will clear the flatstock yet still be strong enough to support the tiller. The groove will be 1/8" deep. The plan is to drill 3 holes in the extension bar at the tiller end and one hole at the tractor end. Two of the three holes at the tiller end will be for 10mm bolts. These holes will have matching holes drilled in the tiller. The third hole will be the same size as the existing hole for the 3PH pin. At the other end of the extension will be a hole drilled for the pin. I think the 3 holes at the tiller end will be plenty to keep the extensions from moving. I could weld it but at this point bolting on the extensions seems to be best.
Eric

 

[Menagerie-Manor]

That's great that yours starts without using the compression release.

Free advice: worth what you pay for it...

Could I just point out that even though your engine starts without compression release, it is much easier on the starter and engine as a whole to use the compression release? The engine has a chance to pump oil into bearings before being loaded up, and the starter has a much (much!) easier time of it, just spinning up the engine to speed, nd not trying to do the work of compression at the same time.

All the best,

Peter

Ok, good advice.