Help - Cold starting

[gerry100]

First winter with a diesel , won't start at 20 deg.

Massey 1010,4wd,306 hours.16Hp diesel, new battery.

Cranks well. I'm following directions from the manual ( 60 sec glow etc).

Will not fire.

I'm not seeing any puffs from the exhaust during cranking so I'm suspecting fuel supply or gelling. Fuel is mostly from summer.

Suggestions on a fuel additive? Any other ideas.

Ran well when I started in 25 deg a few weeks ago, but does not start right up, needed a lot of cranking.

Advice appreciated.

 

[beenthere]

Sounds a bit 'tired' and if it is not, then checking to see that the glo plugs are working. If ok, then checking to see if there is fuel available through working injectors and fuel pump. If okay, then checking the compression. Sounds like time to get it checked out by a diesel mechanic, and tuned up.
Could be any number of things.

Where are you located? (I read your past posts and see you are in the Albany, NY area). We have days here in Wisconsin in the 30's and 40's (42 now) and would think you could find some where it would start.

Would be helpful for us if you would fill out your bio. Thanks. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[gerry100]

Thanks for getting back.

Started/ran well before it got cold, and with 300hrs I don't think anything should be tired.

I'm In upstate NY ( Near albany).

PLan is to get some fuel additive and maybe a new filter.

Again, cranking speed doesn't seem to be a problem, just can't get a cough or sputter. Previosly before it fored up, I got some blue /white puffs from the stack which suggests soem fuel in the cylinders.

Today no puffs, so I'm guessing the fuel isn'r flowing.

 

[rdbrumfield]

If you have a propane torch, try preheating the air going into the intake, I have done that on larger diesels and it works quite well.

 

[beenthere]

Warm weather is coming for you next week. At least above freezing (I see you have 12° F this afternoon - brrrrr).

I have about 300 hours on my diesel, and it cranks and starts always within 2 seconds, never more, and down in the below zero numbers. If you have diesel fuel in there from the summer, then maybe it doesn't have the winter addatives. I usually don't put in but about 3 gal at a time, to be sure the fuel is fresh and 'in season'.

Hope you get it going. If last summers fuel, I'd drain it and put in fresh fuel, if mine. I don't like the 'addatives' that are on the shelves, as I don't trust all that they claim to be on the labels. Just me.

 

[James1720]

Suggestions from the North:

Switch fuel from #2 to #1 for winter. If it's not to cold where you live 50/50 might be ok.

I also use Sea Foam fuel additive. It helps keep the injectors clean and prevents the fuel from gelling. (Check with your dealer/ manufacture before you use it so you don't void a warrenty).

I would also have a block heater installed. My tractor sits in an un-heated shed. I plug it in for an hour or so and it will start at 40 below zero. It is better for the tractor to warm it up with a block heater even at 20 above zero.

Just my thoughts. I bet your fuel is gelled up.

 

[tom30519]

Another possibility is water in the fuel from condensation.

With the wild temperature swings we've had in the northeast (I'm in Quebec), everything in my unheated garage was soaking wet yesterday when it was +50F; it's frozen solid today at 0F! If the fuel tank wan't full then the chances of water condensing inside the tank are pretty good. Doesn't take much...

A diesel additive with antifreeze should bring it back to life, IMO.

Tom.

 

[gerry100]

Maybe a dumb question ( I'm a newby).

Wouldn't the fuel from the gas station puchased a few weeks ago be OK for winter? It's probably 1/3 the new stuff.

 

[Egon]

As per Jim ND for the long term.

To get it going throw a tarp over it and put an electric heater under it. After you get it started add the fuel additive so it can mix. It will not mix when cold.

Egon

 

[Syncro]

A gentle and most brief shot of ether in the air intake works wonders. Gotta be carful though as too much can blow things up. I know the general wisdom is to never use it, and you shouldn't if you are not comfortable doing so. For me though its been a regular item for all of my diesel tractors in cold weather for many years with no problems, but like I say it can be dangerous if too much is used. But then that is also true for many other things.