Cold start issues, which fluid needs a heater?

TSO · Mar 1, 2015

Ok, so do you guys know if the glow plugs are on a fused circuit?

I opened the metal fuel lines off the pump block and they are getting fuel, but still no start. Still sounds like there's no fuel trying to burn/compress, not getting any smoke when she cranks. I'm wondering if the glow plugs maybe aren't working?

Coyote machine · Mar 1, 2015

I'd have to imagine there is a fuse in the glow plug circuit. I suggest finding it, checking it, and going from there.
Then, if no blown fuse, it's time to check the actual injectors. Remove them, mark as to which position they are in, and take them to a diesel shop where they can be pop tested to verify spray pattern, opening pressure, etc.

grm61 · Mar 1, 2015

TSO said:
Ok, so do you guys know if the glow plugs are on a fused circuit?

I opened the metal fuel lines off the pump block and they are getting fuel, but still no start. Still sounds like there's no fuel trying to burn/compress, not getting any smoke when she cranks. I'm wondering if the glow plugs maybe aren't working?

If you were getting fuel under the correct pressure to the injectors, even if the glow plugs weren't working, you should be getting some white smoke out of the exhaust while cranking.
Does your glow plug light come on? Do you here the relay click when you turn the key on?

I think you have a fuel delivery problem...

grm61 · Mar 1, 2015

You may have water and gunk in the line from the block to the in injectors....You could have someone crank it while cracking the lines loose at the injectors maybe purging crap and air out.

I'd be tempted to pull the tank and clean it out..Put good clean fuel in, then bleed it at the injectors, you got that much crud in your filter with 300+ hours on your new rig there has got to be a bunch of crap/water in the bottom of the tank...

Beware of old metal cans as well for fueling your tractor, they tend to be a source of rust , dirt ,and water.

TSO · Mar 1, 2015

The problem I'm running into right now is access. I parked with the loader attached and resting on the ground. With the loader on, it's really difficult to get tool access to the injectors. And, while I could see one of the injectors plugged, I can't imagine all 4!

skyhook · Mar 2, 2015

I'm not suggesting that you do this but,
I've seen people use a propane torch to heat up the fuel lines, a little heat will melt any ice blockage.

Dave M7040 · Mar 2, 2015

I suggests you consider investing in an infrared temperature measuring instrument like the one below from Northern Tool.
Less than 50$ and an invaluable tool around machinery.
Ironton Infrared Thermometer | Vehicle Monitoring| Northern Tool + Equipment
With this tool you could easily measure which glow plug was working or not.
Which cylinder was firing or not.
As a substitute for glow plugs some of us who have had old British tractors without them would gain access to the air intake and direct a heat gun or even hair dryer into it as someone cranks the engine.
All the glow plugs do is to provide a way to heat the air in the cylinder to ease combustion.
With all the problems you have had I really suspect your fuel.
I would have some diesel on hand from a truck stop or from a farmer who buys winter diesel and drain what you have which can be used in warmer times so not wasted.
Drain the tank and refill with the new, bleed as much as you can to bring the new fuel into the system, use your big heater and then start it up.
Dave M7040

TSO · Mar 2, 2015

Ok thanks guys. What's the process for bleeding the system once I drain the fuel?

Coyote machine · Mar 2, 2015

TSO,

It's NOT the glow plugs keeping it from starting, it IS fuel delivery. The glow plugs will help get it started if functioning, BUT without proper delivery of clean, properly atomized fuel you're dead in the winter.
Access may be difficult, however you need to get any injector off the machine for testing. ALL injectors CAN be jammed by debris, rust, whatever got past your filter and by the IP.
You've said no fuel, and I'm as certain as one can be from where I sit that you have little to no fuel getting to your engine. If you test one injector and it's faulty you've found your problem. It's really the easiest way to verify fuel delivery too. Draining your tank is a good idea, but still won't fix a jammed injector or several injectors hampering delivery of fuel to the engine. If you find dirty injectors most often they can be cleaned, and THEN you can drain/clean refill your tank.