BX1850 Hard to Start, Must Leave Glow Plugs on 10-15 Seconds to Start

[Plow Paul]

I picked up a BX1850 two months ago with 135 hours on it. It was worked fairly hard judging by the physical condition, used by a homeowner to clear/grade driveway for a new house. Mower was never used.
I noticed that I have to hold the key on for glow plugs at least 10 to 15 seconds before it starts, or it will just crank. I also have a BX1830 that tells you when it's ready to start on the hour meter after just a few seconds and it starts right up.
The owners manual for the 1850 says a few seconds to warm glow plugs before starting. I'm wondering if the fuel may be old. It runs great when started, but I notice the exhaust smells a little different than the 1830.
Any suggestion what to try? The tank is nearly full with the original diesel fuel it had when I got it. Thanks in advance!

 

[Plow Paul]

Forgot to mention, just installed a new battery in hopes that was the problem, but it apparently wasn't. Also recently had filters replaces as well.

 

[HEC]

If you are having a hard time just to crank it over I would test battery or try one you know is good or simply use some jumper cables . Well I guess that rules out my theory as your second post came while writing mine .

 

[dodge man]

That sounds normal to me if its colder out. If its 90 outside, that's not normal but I have to run the glow plugs on mine longer when its colder.

 

[Plow Paul]

It takes that long starting from the garage in my basement, at around 60°F. Thanks for your replies.

 

[mccash40]

This is far from scientific, but I have been using diesel to start my wood fires in the house, as the local kerosene dealer went out of business. I notice that when the diesel is cold (just in from outdoors) It barely catches when lit with a Bic lighter, and even then it burns very slowly. When it has been inside for a while, it flares right up, almost like kerosene.
Maybe even at 60 degrees in would take a bit longer than normal with the glow plugs. I have to "glow" 5-10 seconds any time after September for a quick start on my 2360. Just a thought.

 

[HEC]

My 2650 is in my heated 60 degree basement garage and will start up immediately after using glow plugs for about 5 seconds . Something doesn't sound right with what you are going through . My M5700 out in a cold garage at 30 degrees or so will start right up with a 10 sec. glow plug use . If it gets colder than that I use the block heater even though it will start without it .

 

[Kanook]

You may have an air leak in the fuel delivery...by that I mean when it is shut down a pin hole or loose clamp on the fuel line may be allowing air intrusion into the fuel line. When you 1st start up it may be taking fuel pump a while to re-pressureize. Try turning key to on/run and wait about 10 sec and then advance to glow position and hold there for 5 sec and then start....If the symptom remains the same then air leak isn't the problem...I had this problem several years ago on a B1700 and a clamp on the fuel line was the problem...the fact that it runs ok once started would imply that fuel delivery is good once started.....but I'd replace fuel filter/air filter and try fresh fuel.

 

[David Devuono]

How old is the BX1850? My old 2cyl B4200 requires 15sec temp above freezing (including first start on a 75F day) 30 seconds below freezing. This is on a a plate on the dash so I figure it is normal. My newer B3200 requires about 5 seconds summer and 15 seconds winter.

 

[itsjustme]

I have a BX1850 and have always held the glow plugs on for 10 seconds. Its easier on the engine to start quicker..

Don't sweat it,,. The fuel in yours could be several years old, maybe its had some type of fuel additive put in it that's causing the weird smell.