Cold Weather Pre-heat and other questions

[PILOON]

Well I also own an MT CUT.
Yes they balk at starting in cold weather.
Even with proper block heater (400 watts) often multiple cycling of glow plugs is required.
Otherwise a great dependable machine.

Heck I even occasionally need glow plugs during a coolish summer.

 

[Bearsixty7]

It was 12F here yesterday and My MT 240 glow plug light turned off after 12-13 seconds and it fired right up. I let it idle about 20 minutes and it never got over 1/4 way on the temp gauge. I only ran it about 20 more minutes at about 1200 rpm and temp gauge never moved any hotter.

I have been using the Amsoil All-In-One diesel fuel additive though for the last couple of fill ups.


On a similar note: My neighbor friend's 2019 F350 sitting in his driveway wouldn't run today. I started my 2019 F350 in the garage up just fine and I took him some Amsoil Cold flow additive and he had just found the block heater cord and plugged it in. I told him to give it a couple hours.

 

[Texasmark]

Well it was -4F last night here 50 Miles NE of Dallas. This AM I went to the shop for a different reason and decided to check the LS preheat. Shop thermometer said +20. Turned the key to pre heat and yepper, I got a nice long coil light. Didn't leave it all the way as I answered my question.....system is working correctly.

 

[Texasmark]

@mred2, They haven't on my MT240, this is from the manual and seems accurate as far as I can tell with my moderate (30's F) temps.

View attachment 685013

That chart looks about right for mine. One thing that may make a difference is the temperature of the block or ECU where the ambient temperature sensor is located. If the engine has been run recently and the hood is down, it may make a difference in the sensor thinking the engine is warmer than it really is. This AM I had the hood up....in case a rat decided it wanted to make a nest.....and got what I would call a reading that looked like it would meet the chart....but as I said, once I saw it staying on longer than before it answered my question and I turned the key off.

 

[kormidoit]

I called the dealer and asked about the "blink". They said count to ten and my MT225S should fire up. Here at the lake we have had lower than 30 degrees every morning for the last month. My garage is in the 25 degree range. I turn the key CW...count ten and it hesitantly starts...fumbles then catches up after a minute. I have tried the CCW and CW method. We run a winter blend up here...and I have been looking for a GOOD winter additive...many solutions from u guys. Still listening. Great tractor.

 

[JCoastie]

Seems Power Service white bottle is the standard winter additive people use which is readily available. Walmart, tractor Supply, etc, carry it.
I use Howes non-winter additive, but since we've had nights below freezing for 2 weeks, I bought some Power Service as well.

There are some youtube additive testing videos, and Howes and a few others wouldn't readily ignite making them harder to burn, and in my mind it seems that if you want something to help winter starting, you'd want something more flammable while it also stops gelling. Power Service fits the bill.
Which Diesel Anti-Gel Additive is Best? Let's find out! - YouTube

 

[kormidoit]

Appreciate the info. I'll check the link..

 

[Avenger]

Project Farm is amazing!

I keep a measuring cup attached to the Power Service white bottle that I use to quickly and simply add additive to my 5gal jugs. I run 'treated' dyed diesel. They claim its treated, and I expect it to be treated, but I know they didn't drain the underground tank with the summer solution. Not sure how they do it, but I dont trust it. I treat it myself anyway.

Neighbor had his "Zoom Boom," Extendable Boom Forklift, telehandler (whatever you want to call it) gel on him recently. He only uses highway diesel that has also been treated, supposedly, and assumed that he wouldn't have to do anything more to that diesel. He as since learned.

 

[kormidoit]

Called my local Napa auto parts...they have it in stock....picking it up tomorrow. Thanks again people.

 

[PILOON]

On gelliny------
LOL, you'll only gell once!
Cold fingers, below freezing and frustration plus a cold walk home will convince U to treat your fuel.

My furnace oil also gelled when real cold.
The oil supplier suggested an alternative 'winter fuel' which I discovered was kerosene. (and pricier)
SO, I wonder if adding a % kerosene might not be an acceptable solution to tractor fuel treatment.