Cold, but why hard to start?

[Rhino35]

Got out a couple of weeks ago on my 41 HP Kioti DK40 HST and used the FEL to plow our long shared gravel driveway - thanks for the FEL plowing advice in another thread.

This tractor always starts immediately when I turn the key (after watching glow plug "heated" light come on) and this morning inside my detached garage it was 40 degrees. I'd been out there in 5 degree F weather, with wind chills to -5 degrees, for 45 minutes moving snow when I shut off the tractor for few minutes to help a neighbor with his stuck car. It started normally. Couple more short shutdowns and normal start. Then, after the engine had been off for about 10 minutes, it would turn over and light off, but then immediately quit. Only by moving the throttle from idle to a higher RPM position did it catch and run - and then it ran normally. I didn't try a restart again.

So the engine was warmed up, but could the ambient cold have affected the fuel supply/system? The diesel fuel was Kroger brand commercial diesel fuel I'd bought in October. I think the tractor is in good shape - 500 hours since new - always garaged and in winter kept at 40 degrees (or higher).

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

Power Service diesel fuel additive and maybe bad glow plug(s)?

 

[RandyT]

5 degree weather with October treated fuel could of very well started jelling in the cold temps.

 

[Robin Veerman]

That’s what I think too. October purchase was likely still leftover summer fuel, especially if it’s coloured fuel which doesn’t have much turnover.
Just buy road diesel because it’s fresh, especially if it’s a popular fuel station for big rigs. Who cares about the few extra pennies in cost, and always add a diesel conditioner appropriate to the anticipated weather.
I buy several jugs of winter fuel in March and save them for the following October.
ps. IMO,
Best practice is to leave the tractor idling for a few minutes instead of shutting it down all the time, in really cold weather

 

[dodge man]

In Kentucky do they blend a winter diesel? My thought was your fuel is gelling up also. Maybe a weak battery but with the tractor warmed up you wouldn’t think so. I never glow plug mine if it’s warmed up.

 

[Rhino35]

Thx for the replies. I'm going with the diesel fuel was starting to gel and will pay attention to sell dates and get an additive.

 

[Robin Veerman]

I like the Amsoil diesel additives. I use the 4in1 in my winter fuel, and the diesel clean/cetane boost the rest of the time.

https://www.amsoil.com/c/diesel-additives/18/?zo=331384

 

[Oaktree]

Thx for the replies. I'm going with the diesel fuel was starting to gel and will pay attention to sell dates and get an additive.

Granted it gets a lot colder where I am than where you are, but I add some Power Service to fuel jugs every time I fill them, regardless of time of year. Cheap insurance. Had to deal with gelled fuel once. Once was enough.

 

[CoyPatton]

My tractor is 40+ years old, sulfur was a part of the fuel mix back then, so I always summer, winter, spring or fall add a lubricant additive to my fuel ALWAYS. Typically anti gel is s part of the additive’s makeup.
Personally, unless I will not be back to the tractor for an extended period (not just a few minutes) I lower the RPM’s to low idle instead of shutting it down, especially in colder temps, which for me in SE Missouri is rarely below mid 20’s during working time frame of the day. It is my opinion that even a warm start is harder on engine parts than running for a bit longer. Diesel engines were designed for long run periods even smaller engines.

 

[neilpaku]

If you can leave your tractor in a heated garage overnight so everything fuel (tank, lines, filters, injection pump, etc.) can warm up, then, if you have the time, mix some anti-gel into the tank with a paint stirrer, then give it a decent 30 minute run to let that run through the fuel system then you should be good for the rest of that tank depending on how low the temp goes again

 

[Little Red Tractor]

I would most certainly use an additive. My go-to is Power Service, but there are a lot of other good ones.

 

[Kiowner]

Next winter my CK3520SE tractor will be kept in northern NH not far from the Canadian border, in an unheated barn, where temps will get well below 0. I've been using Power Service Deisel Clean Winter additive where the tractor now lives in central NH, still damn cold!. Is that a good choice, or is there a better something better I should I be using instead?
Tractor is new to me, and starts fine where it lives now, but welcome to suggestions.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

I live pretty high up in VT, same temps. I would use an additive. I chose Lucas, but that is one of many you could use. When I buy again, I'm trying Power service white, just because.