Easier winter starting ?

WilliamTO-35 · Dec 28, 2010

My neighbor had an early to mid 1970s John Deere diesel tractor. It may have been a 4030, or similar model of around 80 to 90 hp. In the winter, it was a bit hard to crank and start, as are many diesels. My neighbor swore that he could make it crank faster and start sooner by turning the steering wheel back and forth just a little while cranking. He thought that it somehow unloaded the power steering pump a bit and lessened the load on the starter motor. Is that a known phenomenon, or just his imagination ?

kuboman · Dec 28, 2010

WilliamTO-35 said:
My neighbor had an early to mid 1970s John Deere diesel tractor. It may have been a 4030, or similar model of around 80 to 90 hp. In the winter, it was a bit hard to crank and start, as are many diesels. My neighbor swore that he could make it crank faster and start sooner by turning the steering wheel back and forth just a little while cranking. He thought that it somehow unloaded the power steering pump a bit and lessened the load on the starter motor. Is that a known phenomenon, or just his imagination ?

I never heard of that one. I would think it would make it worse. JD did/does have a de-stroking kit for their tractors which made starting easier.

AKfish · Dec 29, 2010

Your neighbor's starting theory doesn't ride well on the "logic train" - IMO.

Working the steering wheel back and forth would place a load on the power steering pump and therefore increase the drag on the starter - making the tractor harder to start.

It would be a nearly identical situation of pulling back on the hydraulic lever to elevate the loader bucket at the same time as engaging the starter to fire the engine!

Bad, bad - battery math!

Much better to install one of those big, circulating tank heaters - all 1200 watts worth!

AKfish

Egon · Dec 29, 2010

Is that a known phenomenon, or just his imagination ?

If the fellow believes and the tractor starts what the heck.

Some of us may prefer other Starting Aid methods.:thumbsup:

JDgreen227 · Dec 29, 2010

WilliamTO-35 said:
My neighbor had an early to mid 1970s John Deere diesel tractor. It may have been a 4030, or similar model of around 80 to 90 hp. In the winter, it was a bit hard to crank and start, as are many diesels. My neighbor swore that he could make it crank faster and start sooner by turning the steering wheel back and forth just a little while cranking. He thought that it somehow unloaded the power steering pump a bit and lessened the load on the starter motor. Is that a known phenomenon, or just his imagination ?

I have a hard time understanding how anybody could even turn the wheel on a P/S equipped tractor with a dead engine, especially in cold weather. Quite an imagination, but if he imagined it worked, that's all good.

bigtiller · Dec 29, 2010

I had a 1969 gas 3020. Yes, it is true. Turning the wheel while cranking does make it turn over faster. Not twice as fast but noticeably faster for sure. I think it has something to do with by-passing the hydraulic pump.

Maybe a Deere mechanic will help explain.

jd110 · Dec 30, 2010

The reason this actually works is due to the closed center hydraulic system. As soon as the engine starts cranking, The hydraulic pump attempts to build 2300 psi. When the oil is warm and relatively thin, the load on the starter is not that great. When the oil is cold it is a different story. Turning the steering wheel opens the circuit to steering motor and bleeds off some of the pressure, causing engine to crank faster.

oneangrycowman · Dec 30, 2010

I learned something today.:thumbsup:

In my area, percolators are the standard for cold winter starts.

AKfish · Dec 31, 2010

jd110 said:
The reason this actually works is due to the closed center hydraulic system. As soon as the engine starts cranking, The hydraulic pump attempts to build 2300 psi. When the oil is warm and relatively thin, the load on the starter is not that great. When the oil is cold it is a different story. Turning the steering wheel opens the circuit to steering motor and bleeds off some of the pressure, causing engine to crank faster.

Well, I learned something! Thanks.

I was just about to try it on my JD 110TLB - guess with an open center hydraulic system it would just bog my starter down.

Always pick up something on this site - that's why I keep comin' back!

(What happens if the engine doesn't fire right off and the hydraulic line and steering cylinder are filled? System start building pressure?)

AKfish