Yes, diesels are not as easy to start as gas engines when cold, that is a given.
Block heaters are included for worst case conditions, even in light trucks.
I don't find a need for mine until single digit temps and even then it doesn't seem to matter if I forget.
My point is that if it used to start fine at (pick a set of conditions) when new, but now only starts under those conditions PLUS some extra heat, then the heat is compensating for a problem.
That problem is not "fixed" with heat, it is masked.
There is another thread on this in the Branson/Century/Zetor forum where a member ignored a cold start problem for too long and it really CO$T him.
It was that tale of woe that prompted me to tear my (similar, but different model engine) glow plugs and injectors out for a look.
I will be doing the same on my other tractors, some of which are a little "reluctant" to start, not HARD or difficult, but not as easy as when they were new.
I think they SHOULD BE as easy to start as they were when new.
re decompression devices / exhaust valve lifters; Diesels DO NEED cranking speed and decomp was an easy way of getting the engine spinning fast with 30s/40s/50s era technology starters and batteries.
Shorter stroke engines, more cylinders, better starters and batteries have changed most of that.
Block heaters are included for worst case conditions, even in light trucks.
I don't find a need for mine until single digit temps and even then it doesn't seem to matter if I forget.
My point is that if it used to start fine at (pick a set of conditions) when new, but now only starts under those conditions PLUS some extra heat, then the heat is compensating for a problem.
That problem is not "fixed" with heat, it is masked.
There is another thread on this in the Branson/Century/Zetor forum where a member ignored a cold start problem for too long and it really CO$T him.
It was that tale of woe that prompted me to tear my (similar, but different model engine) glow plugs and injectors out for a look.
I will be doing the same on my other tractors, some of which are a little "reluctant" to start, not HARD or difficult, but not as easy as when they were new.
I think they SHOULD BE as easy to start as they were when new.
re decompression devices / exhaust valve lifters; Diesels DO NEED cranking speed and decomp was an easy way of getting the engine spinning fast with 30s/40s/50s era technology starters and batteries.
Shorter stroke engines, more cylinders, better starters and batteries have changed most of that.
