Ford 545C Diesel Cold start problem

[hawksnst]

Recently purchased a Ford 545C diesel tractor which doesn't want to start in temperatures approx. under 40F and only w/ starter fluid. With temp. under approx. 20F will not start. There is no block heater. However there is a intake manifold heater which I replaced and it does heat up. Apparently diesel fuel is not getting to it as no flames occur. I am planning on trying to trace the line back to tank and blow it out if able to. Does anyone know if it is possible to do that if so difficulty? Any other suggestions? I see a freeze plug behind the starter which perhaps could fit a block heater, however, I normally park the tractor in a pole shed which doesn't have electric. But I could park it outside my garage and plugged in if I needed to plow snow. Would rather keep it in shed if manifold heater would do the trick. Would it be worth installing a block heater? What about a dipstick heater rather than freeze plug type since it would be easier to install?

Thanks for your advice.

 

[MHarryE]

Your manifold heater - isn't it one that is supplied by fuel from the lift pump, and on your tractor isn't the lift pump mechanical? Reason I ask is the ones with which I am familiar need preheat to open the spray valve and heat a wire igniter coil, but don't start a fuel fire to heat the incoming air until after the engine starts cranking.

 

[RickB]

A functioning thermostart unit requires 30-45 seconds of use to be effective. A frostplug heater will be far more useful, assuming you have a place to plug it in!

 

[hawksnst]

Just confirming- a frost plug much better than a dipstick heater?

 

[3930dave]

A block heater is a very good addition to any diesel. Dipstick heaters don't accomplish much, IMO.

Something like a Honda 2kw suitcase generator would be enough to run a block heater in your shed, and wouldn't use much fuel for the hour or 2 it would be on.

Rgds, D.

 

[hawksnst]

NOt familiar w/ what a lift pump is. But is it the pump which squirts fuel out from the neck of the fuel tank? Yes the manifold heater has a fuel line and the fuel is supposed to flame after the man. heater turns red hot. I think the fuel line goes to the top of the fuel tank just under the fuel cap on the tank. I did some work on it today and found the line to the heater had been spliced at some point so I separated the plastic hose and blew air through it and fuel came out the end which I disconnected from the man. heater. So if it was blocked it is open now. Tried holding down toggle switch for 40 sec. and the heater glowed but no fuel ignited. This was a newly replaced man. heater. So just for sun I put back the old one and got a flame. Maybe just a fluk as the old one worked once in a blue moon. Cold weather coming back tonight so will try again.

Thanks for your help

 

[hawksnst]

That's a thought- running a small generator in the shed. Will have to look into the cost of one. Will forgo the dipstick heater.

 

[3930dave]

That's a thought- running a small generator in the shed. Will have to look into the cost of one. Will forgo the dipstick heater.

It's what the heavy equipment guys do up here. They have to start diesel equipment in the middle of a huge field, often for weeks/months before elec. service arrives..... and they have generators around for other reasons. Even a 1kw gen may work, for a small BH. 2kw is a nice size as small gens go - it matches up well with what people usually run on a 15A circuit.

Rgds, D.