2300/2310 questions

[DEWFPO]

I have a couple of questions for other 2300 owners.

1) at ~30F, how many seconds does your engine crank before it fires up? No block heater use, just glow pugs use.

2) My fuel pump normally has made a loud ticking sound when you turn the key to ON before starting since new. Today, when I went to use it, it was very muted, to the point I thought it wasn't coming on. But it was on, just a whole lot quieter. Can't explain why that happened. I've been using #1 diesel for the last tank. Thought I'd try it this winter season.

At ~30F I hit the glow plugs for a 10 count, then the fuel pump for a 5 count before I go to start. It cranks over for several seconds, smoking while it's cranking, and then it lights up. I've got to give it some throttle to get it to fire up. Not sure if that is normal. I have nothing to compare it to.

Thanks

DEWFPO

 

[MAHINDRA OF OHIO]

You may have a bad ignition switch. We had a new unit that did the same thing. We replaced the switch and it was fine.

 

[DEWFPO]

Thanks, I'll check that out. The engine hasn't been starting as easily as it did when new (only has 60 hours on it). I've been wondering if the glow plugs have been getting hot.

DEWFPO

 

[Ray2310]

Have you tried letting the glow plugs heat a little longer? I usually heat mine for 20-30 seconds when its cold.

 

[DEWFPO]

I have run the glow plugs for longer 20-30 seconds and it doesn't seem to start any easier or faster, which makes me thing the glow plugs are not doing their job. If I have the time, I plug in the block heater for a few hours and it starts fine.

DEWFPO

 

[archerynut]

Below 30 I use the glow plugs to about a 20 count and then within two turns the engine starts right up. Even started when it was ~5 degrees here a week or so ago, let the glow plugs go for a thrity count though. HAven't had any troubles so far.

 

[DEWFPO]

Last night it got down to +3F. Was mid 20's by the time I started the tractor. Had the block heater plugged in for 2 hours, held the glow plugs for 30 seconds, tractor started fine after a couple of seconds. Can't tell if the block heater or the 30 seconds of glow plugs made it start better, or both. Will test further.

DEWFPO

 

[JerryG]

Like some said, use the glow plugs longer. Before you start, put the throttle handle at about the half way point. Use the glow plugs 20-30 seconds. Then crank it engine. When it starts and as the RPMs build, pull the throttle handle back to a lower RPM of about a 1000-1100. If you have that low of temperature normally, I would say that you really need to install a block heater or a good box heater. Also consider putting in synthetic engine oil. Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel truck is a good example. The engine will start much easier with a full synthetic oil.