Jinma 254 Hard starting

[Mr Bitz]

Just purchased a new Jinma 254 and have noticed that it starts pretty hard.. It doesn't crank hard just once it starts it spits and sputters for a while and smokes pretty heavily. After about 30 seconds it seems to snap out of it. But before that there is nothing you can do to help this, I've tried giving it some throttle but doesn't do anything.. Any suggestions?? I have it in a heated shop which is about 40 degrees always.. Also it seems my hydraulics are very noisy for a while as well until it warms up real good.. Any thoughts on that as well? Thanks

 

[greg_g]

Must be your first diesel, because you're describing some otherwise normal traits. Assuming you have a Y385 engine, it has a compression release and glow plugs. Use both next time, and let us know if that doesn't improve your cold starting experience.

//greg//

 

[Mr Bitz]

Not even close to my first diesel.. Glow plugs are used and the new Jinmas do not have decompression on them anymore.. dStill, rather hard to start.. It fire up right away but it will spit and sputter for a while, like I said about 30 seconds or so.. 40 degrees isn't that cold I didn't think.. All my other tractors that I had fired right up in that temp..Yes I do have the Y385 engine.

 

[Affordable]

Is the smoke black ? If yes it could be a dribbling fuel injector, then once it fires off and runs it burns all the diesel in the cylinders, if you have the shuttle shift model the Compression release linkage got in the way of the shuttle cable so they took the compression release off of the Y385

Tommy
Affordable Tractor Sales
"Your Jinma Parts Superstore"
Home of compact Jinma, Foton, and Koyker Tractors and Parts, Wood Chippers, Backhoes - Affordable Tractor Sales Company

 

[RonMar]

Good question, what color is the smoke? What position are you holding the throttle lever at when starting? I find my most consistent starts with the throttle held at the position that yields about 1200 RPM when the engine is running. How much current do the glow plugs pull when pre-heating? What battery is in it, and have you gone thru and cleaned all the large gauge cable connections between battery and starter, and battery and frame? A small decrease in crank RPM might not be all that noticeable, but it would delay startup and give a cold startup due to lower compression temps. That would cause added fuel buildup which would have to burn off to get a stable idle, much like the dribbling injector Affordable mentioned. You may still have the compression release mechanism, look for a lever and rod comming out of the back of the valve cover.

 

[quicksandfarmer]

For my opinion read post #6 on this thread:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/chinese-tractors/287274-jinma-200-hard-starts.html

 

[greg_g]

Not even close to my first diesel..

Sorry, should have said Chinese diesel. The Y80/85 series engines are notorious for hard (cold) starting, and no compression release makes it even worse. I've had two Y385s and a Y485 (no compression release), and they were all a PITA to cold start without modification. To get more voltage to the solenoid, I added a Ford-type relay and 10AWG primary wiring. To get more voltage to the glow plugs. I added a second Ford-type relay and more 10AWG primary wiring. Cold starting issues evaporated. Having said that, these mods can't compensate for a potentially leaking fuel injector.

//greg//

 

[Diamondpilot]

My first thought is a injector or two is allowing air into the line.

Chris

 

[NT304]

If it has a coolant heater, use it. It makes a world of difference.

 

[coolreinfarm]

I have a Nortrac 254 and installed a 750 watt Zerostart tank type heater, plumbed outlet of heater to thermostat housing, inlet to heater is connected to block drain. Plugged in for 30 min with ambient temp at 20 deg the engine starts like its 85 deg outside, saves wear and tear on starter. I have had this setup for 8 years starts everytime

 

[RonMar]

I have a Nortrac 254 and installed a 750 watt Zerostart tank type heater, plumbed outlet of heater to thermostat housing, inlet to heater is connected to block drain. Plugged in for 30 min with ambient temp at 20 deg the engine starts like its 85 deg outside, saves wear and tear on starter. I have had this setup for 8 years starts everytime

I put in a 1KW exactly the same way. Warms the head and block nicely and makes cold starts clean and quick...

 

[timkirby]

Several years ago I installed a coolant heater in my Jinma 284. It has made all the difference in the world in cold weather starting my tractor. The heater is installed into the lower radiator hose by removing a ~ 2 inch piece of the radiator hose and inserting the heater. On cold days I plug it into a 120 line 45 - 90 minutes before I start the tractor. The heating element in the heater warms the engine coolant which in turn warms the engine block and the oil. With the engine pre-warmed a bit it starts easily. I can't remember the brand name of the heater but I bought it at Tractor Supply.