Glow Plug Light & Warm Starts

[Redneck_Randy]

Do you have to wait for the cold start light to go out if the tractor is at or close to operating temperature? I'm on and off the tractor alot and I always shut it down for safety reasons and I hate having to wait on the light to go out when the tractor is already at operating temperature.

Thanks

 

[Doc_Bob]

If it starts with ease, then no.
Bob

 

[AndyMA]

I agree with Bob. I virtually never use my glow plugs unless it's very cold out. My tractors start very quickly without using the glow plugs. My excavator is a different story. I use the glow plugs most of the time for cold starts since I don't want to risk killing the battreies.

Andy

 

[Doc_Bob]

I agree with Bob. I virtually never use my glow plugs unless it's very cold out. My tractors start very quickly without using the glow plugs.

What other tricks do you use for easy starts in the winter? Heated barn? Block heater? Synthetic oil? How cold does it get?
Bob

 

[jbrumberg]

Doc_Bob:

I have an engine block heater. I will plug it in whenever the temperature drops below 32 and I anticipate tractor "use". I will use the heater for a couple of hours depending upon ambient temperature. The colder it is the longer I use the heater. Once I start the tractor I generally let it idle for ~ 5 minutes to let everything warm up before I start to "work" the tractor. I have started and run my TC29DA in temperatures around ten degrees. I cover the engine block cowling before I use the engine block heater to trap heat. With my old tractor I also used a heat gun to "warm" the fuel injectors and fuel lines. I used my old tractor in temperatures ranging in the single digits with wind chills ranging -75 degees (I experienced "frost nip" on all exposed areas ). I use temperature appropriate oils and lubricants and I also buy my diesel fuel from the same providers that the local school buses purchase. Jay

 

[jinman]

Do you have to wait for the cold start light to go out if the tractor is at or close to operating temperature? I'm on and off the tractor alot and I always shut it down for safety reasons and I hate having to wait on the light to go out when the tractor is already at operating temperature.

Thanks

It seems there are a lot of glowplug circuit designs even within a single brand like New Holland. On the Class III Boomers like Randy's, as soon as you turn the ignition to ON, the glowplugs cycle. Mine is the same way. What I do is go straight to the "START" position because as soon as you do that, the glowplugs seem to quit (I'll have to check the circuit for sure.). I used to be afraid of blowing the 7.5 amp fuse and would wait for the glowplug cycle to time out. But since I replaced it with a 10 amp fuse, I've not had a problem.

Most of the time if I'm off and on the tractor a lot, I just leave the engine running. I do shut the tractor down if I'm hooking up a PTO implement.

 

[AndyMA]

What other tricks do you use for easy starts in the winter? Heated barn? Block heater? Synthetic oil? How cold does it get?
Bob

Bob I don't believe a TN has glow plugs. It has a heater in the air intake circuit that the button on the dash activates. If you want you can keep it pushed while you crank. I've never used a block heater either, probably the main reason being that my tractors spend their life outdoors at a farm which at this point does not have electricity.

My TN always starts almost instantly even when below zero. Probably about 32 degrees I start pushing the air heater button for maybe 10 seconds before cranking. Starts right up as long as battery cranks it over well. I also usually start at minimum throttle. Don't know why except that it doesn't complain and then it can warm up for a few minutes before I load it up.

Andy

 

[AndyMA]

Bob I don't believe a TN has glow plugs. It has a heater in the air intake circuit that the button on the dash activates.
Andy

I checked on the New Holland parts site and I appear to have this wrong. It appears that the device is called a THERMOSTART and it heats the fuel. You can see it under engine accessories reference number 6.

Andy

 

[Doc_Bob]

I checked on the New Holland parts site and I appear to have this wrong. It appears that the device is called a THERMOSTART and it heats the fuel. You can see it under engine accessories reference number 6.

Andy

A THERMOSTART No glow plug? heats the fuel? WOW! Warm fuel . Like warm milk.

 

[PineRidge]

I yanked the glow-plug timer on our 40D this summer because it was faulty. I have had absolutely no problems with starting cold or otherwise.

Residing in Ohio where the winters are cold I'll now need to get it replaced before winter hits. Anyone know Messicks URL?