L3940 Starting in -6F ambient

[PHILIP8N]

Got down to -13F ambient (-41F windchills) last Monday here in central Indiana night. Had to move 11" of wet heavy snow and drifts on Tuesday morning, so I took a video of my L3940 starting at -6F. Very happy, fired right up with just one cycle of glow plugs, no other starting aid (heaters, etc.). No engine vibration, and had more than enough power to move the wet heavy snow and drifts. Fuel was from local truck stop less than 1 month old, so it was #1 or a #1 mix. I also use Power Service white bottle aditive, and have 5w-40 synthetic in engine oil pan. Cleared the 500' driveway in no time at all. This is my 1st time posting a video, hope it all goes well! Philip.

L3940 starting minus -6f - YouTube

 

[vetteman46]

Got down to -13F ambient (-41F windchills) last Monday here in central Indiana night. Had to move 11" of wet heavy snow and drifts on Tuesday morning, so I took a video of my L3940 starting at -6F. Very happy, fired right up with just one cycle of glow plugs, no other starting aid (heaters, etc.). No engine vibration, and had more than enough power to move the wet heavy snow and drifts. Fuel was from local truck stop less than 1 month old, so it was #1 or a #1 mix. I also use Power Service white bottle aditive, and have 5w-40 synthetic in engine oil pan. Cleared the 500' driveway in no time at all. This is my 1st time posting a video, hope it all goes well! Philip.

L3940 starting minus -6f - YouTube

Hi PHILIP8N,
Not looking for an argument here but I don't understand how the snow could be wet if the ambient temperature had been -13F the night before and -6F when you started the tractor. I gotta be missing something.
Mike

 

[PHILIP8N]

The day before, when it snowed, it was 30ish. The next day it was below 0. So the snow was still wet below surface. Philip.

 

[BeezFun]

Impressive. Do you always start with throttle at idle? My manual says to start with 1/2 throttle.

 

[rayclar]

you are also in a building so wind chill is out the window. But it sure did start good though. Thanks for showing.

 

[diesel lover]

Truck mechanic here I work in Indianapolis Indiana at a semi truck shop. I run a kamatsu pay loader and two highway plow trucks to plow with. Sunday was 34* f with very heavy snow!!! Darkness hit and it was -14 *f so what was wet and we didn't plow turned into solid ice !!!!

I live in whitestown Indiana and roads have been very dangerous! But what's worse is the dangerous drivers sliding into other people and so on.

As a diesel mechanic I can tell you that you are doing the correct procedure to the point for cold weather starts!! I am buying a house in the near future and plan to buy a Kubota tractor. Very reliable. My old Massey diesel is not meant for pushing snow but will do it.
Perfect on fresh winterized #1 or possible mixture of 1 and 2. Summer fuel has a higher ignition temperature and will gell up. Power service is a premium anti gell. Good stuff. Won't hurt any engine if used correctly. 5 w40 has a perfect flow for cold weather.

I have been plugged in my truck the last three days. Its -14*f. I have a gasoline half ton ford f150 v6 but the block heater helps it out! If you do decide to plug it in use a Christmas light time to minimize to 4 hours preheating before you decide to use it. Save electric. Xmas light timers are usually rated to 1850 watts and work perfect! Hard to find honest hard working people in Indy. Be safe!

 

[diesel lover]

Also where is the nearest kubota dealer? The one in Carmel went out of buisness or something like that. Thanks again for sharing

 

[vetteman46]

The day before, when it snowed, it was 30ish. The next day it was below 0. So the snow was still wet below surface. Philip.

Ok, Thanks, PHILIP8N. I've experienced similar temperature drops, but maybe not quite as severe. It's always a surprise and a bit of a PITA, when the temp is so low but the snow is sticking to the chute.
I've not had a problem with fuel gelling but you're certainly not the first to mention it as a potential problem, so I think I'll get a jug of Power Service and add it, just as insurance.

BTW: I had a Ford Jubilee -waayyy back when (my first tractor).

Regards,
Mike

 

[Leejohn]

you are also in a building so wind chill is out the window. But it sure did start good though. Thanks for showing.

Tractors don't cares about wind chill, but people sure do.

 

[diesel lover]

While we are showing cold starts. Here is an old cold start of my Massey. No block heater but will be installing a high wattage radiator hose heater. Has a fire lit intake heater on it run by diesel fuel from the tank. I can get it to fire right up but my dad can't when it gets colder lol.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XIORB_qUp8&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Judging by your video and what I heard about kubotas I may be buying one soon after my house purchase!!