Cold weather starting

[suntreemcanic]

New to me B7800 Kabota. I will be leaving my tractor in a shed but open to the weather. We have -10 degrees in the winter, are the glow plugs adequate to start it or do I need a block heater?

 

[Roadworthy]

The glow plugs should be adequate. The operator manual will suggest various glow plug application times based on temperature. Of course a block heater or oil pan heater will help but should not be necessary. Be sure to follow manual recommendations for oil viscosity for your cooler weather. I believe 15W-40 is recommended above 14 degrees F while 10W-30 pretty well covers all the ranges - diesel rated, of course.

 

[sandyc]

It will start with glow plugs but a block heater would help the oil to circulate quicker and the engine to warm up quicker. Remember to let it run and warm up based on the temp or you could blow out seals or have other problems.

 

[suntreemcanic]

I ordered manuals today. My battery is no good so I was wondering about a stronger battery, it only has a 220 CCA rated battery, 8 years old.

 

[moship]

Stronger (more cranking capacity) would be a plus. So would ensuring the GP wiring is in great shape to carry the relatively high currents this circuit draws. Great battery and poort wiring (high resistance) will not help starting in cold weather.

Before it gets too cold I'd check the voltage drop on the GP circuit and verify GP resistance to ensure they are all working.

Voltage drop test is a great test to verify wiring integrity under load. Many great videos out there if uncertain how to do.

 

[RalphVa]

Should do. Standard cold weather starting procedure on anything but VW TDI or Isuzu: let glow plugs work until they tell you by some sort of signal/light, throttle half way down, turn key to start. Should start in 1/2 turn of crankshaft. If not, do it again. Startup will be lumpy. Let engine smooth out and then let up on throttle.

Has worked for me since about 1978 on Benz 220D, 240D, JD 4010, JD1025R and JD 2025R. Big improvement in glow plugs from 220D to 240D but present (not VW TDI and Isuzu) diesels seem to have the same type glow plugs as the 240D, e.g. work in 3 seconds in warm weather and take up to 6 seconds in cold weather. VW TDI and Isuzu start/started much like a gasoline engine and sound like a gasoline engine, e.g. no clatter.

The VW TDI Castrol 5w30 would be the best oil for year round service on any diesel. What I use in JD and Isuzu.

Ralph

 

[RjCorazza]

I personally like block heaters even in my milder climate where we rarely see single digit temps.
The difference in just the sounds of a cold diesel vs a block warmed diesel starting up is an eye opener.

That said, I'm sure I don't NEED a block heater, but I feel better with pre heating my tractor. I also use 5w40 year round.

 

[RustyA]

If you can't find a cca battery over 300 consider a battery warming blanket if no block heater. Really help with speed of crank below zero. Ditto on 5w40 full synthetic.

 

[nybirdman]

I would advise a block heater;advise buying "winter fuel and maybe add PowerService to that.I have run a B7800 and they only "sip" fuel.Never had a problem starting in our winters( as low as -30 F).

 

[LouNY]

Block heaters aid in starting but also in the warmup time so it will be able to work sooner after starting,
also I believe in and use Rotella T6 5w-40 oil in most of my engines year round.
Definitely the Power Serve for jelling prevention possibly some blended fuel also, or just top of your tank with kerosene till you get a 30-40% blend.
Also have a spare fuel filter on hand just in case it gets jelled up.

 

[ns_in_tex]

We do not have that cold of weather, but, in our coldest weather, we will cycle the glow plugs 2 or maybe 3 times. It then always starts instantly.

 

[MHarryE]

If you need to start it on a -10 morning you will want a block heater or some means of warming it up. I has a L3710, slightly larger engine but also indirect injection, and it wouldn’t start at that temp unless in my heated garage. Neither would my L5740 also with Indirect injection but my direct injection L6060 will start with just using glow plugs. But I get much colder temps than you so everything gets a block heater. 5W-40 or 0W-40 also recommended not only for easier cranking but also easier on the crank seal. Friend blew his rear seal and the company said they’d replace one but not again unless he switched to the “not in the book” 5W-40.

 

[mikester]

I will be leaving my tractor in a shed but open to the weather.

I would use a radiator cover if the tractor is exposed to the elements. I would also use a rad hose heater or block heater with a timer. I personally prefer the lower rad hose heater and have had less problems with them.

 

[hdmyers]

Block heaters aid in starting but also in the warmup time so it will be able to work sooner after starting,
also I believe in and use Rotella T6 5w-40 oil in most of my engines year round.
Definitely the Power Serve for jelling prevention possibly some blended fuel also, or just top of your tank with kerosene till you get a 30-40% blend.
Also have a spare fuel filter on hand just in case it gets jelled up.

2nd on Rotella.

 

[suntreemcanic]

Thank you everyone for their advise. I am waiting for my manuals. I am going to NAPA today to get a battery, their group 51 Legend battery has 440 CCA and it is a perfect fit so then I can get it started with out jumping it and have to leave it run, but it has a massive fuel leak at the fuel tube attaching to the #1 injector, so I am going to look into that problem.