Hard starting Jinma 354

[bjr]

I got 12 winters on my Jm354. It's been a good starter. I've modified my tank valve to a 1/4" needle valve. I've only had to use the glow plugs one winter +5 F that day with wind. It's not a shedded baby either it sets out in the open. bjr

 

[gergstuff]

Ok, there are glow plugs all connected by a copper buss bar. Fuse is ok and there is a wire connected to the buss bar I was not able to determine if the wire is hooked to anything...too dark and rainy. Killed the battery trying to get it started. It doesnt seem to draw any more amps when the key is held in h. Must be an answer in there somewhere.

 

[greg_g]

Buss bar wire is typically green, and should have a #5 tag on both ends. Understandably you lose you lose it in the wiring harness, but the other end is connected to the HEAT post on the back of the keyswitch. If you have access to a multi-meter, set it to measure DC in the lowest range that will read 12 volts. Put the positive lead on the buss bar, and the negative lead on the negative post of the battery. Have someone turn the keyswitch to HEAT. If you see 12v, your switch and wiring is good. If less than 12v, you need to clean some connections or add a relay and larger gauge wire. If no voltage, either the wiring has been compromised or the switch has gone bad.

//greg//

 

[gergstuff]

OK, I do have a multimeter and will delve a little deeper into it this evening assuming it isn't raining cats and dogs again....
Thanks for the advice!

 

[gergstuff]

Well there must be a break somewhere in the wiring between the start switch and the buss bar. I have volate at the switch, nothing at the buss bar. I hooked up a jumper wire from the switch to the buss bar and was getting voltage at the buss bar and find that it starts MUCH easier with the glow plugs working...

I will rig up a more permanant wire tonight.

I wanted to park it in my new garage but found it will not fit with the roof on it. Roof is coming off (the tractor)...

 

[Soundguy]

can add in a solenoid ( relay ) and a push button and just hit the button and kick the solenoid in for a bit.. then start up.. etc..

 

[greg_g]

Use 10AWG stranded wire (primary wire) if you're going straight from the switch to the buss bar. Any smaller diameter will not deliver max voltage to the GPs. If you elect to install a relay (solenoid), the OE wire will do between the keyswitch and the relay. But go with 10AWG between the relay and (a) the battery and (b) the buss bar.

//greg//

 

[succor]

I went with a 40 amp relay; much safer on the key switch!