New GC1705 glow plug question

[sewells1951]

The manual for my new tractor says the glow plugs should be activated for 5 - 10 seconds before starting the tractor. However, the glow plug light on the dash does not seem to turn off when the glow plugs have warmed the cylinder enough. After I start the tractor the glow plug light does go off but I was sort of expecting the glow plug light on the dash to go off when it has warmed the cylinder enough to start the tractor.

Is this normal for this tractor or should the glow plug lights turn off, before starting the tractor, once the glow plugs have warmed the cylinder sufficiently?

This is a new tractor for me that I've only had a week or so. Still learning its quirks, etc. Has a loader and a 4 ft Taylor Pittsburgh brush cutter that I use to maintain my pastures, etc.

Would appreciate any responses to the question from other owners.

 

[bakerg]

The glow plug light only indicates when the glow plugs have power to them, it doesn't shut off automatically. Light like the glow plugs are controlled by the switch.

 

[sewells1951]

Thanks! The manual doesn't say one way or the other. Nice to know it's not a problem, etc.

 

[jlgurr]

Like Gary said, the light only indicates power to the glow plugs, not whether they are hot enough or not. Technically they are not warming the cylinder, they are creating an ignition source for the diesel fuel. Diesel fuel is normally ignited due to heat created from compressing the combustion air. When the engine is cold, and especially in cold weather, the hot glow plug helps the fuel to ignite.

We had some pretty cold weather here this past winter, abnormally cold, but there wasn't a time my GC1705 wouldn't start just need to warm the plugs a little longer as the temps drop.

Jeff

 

[irvingj]

I think these Masseys are set up so that after they're started, power remains to the glow plugs for some period of time. Don't know what the circuitry is to shut them off, but I think I read somewhere that they stay on after start for a bit. Memory's getting bad, though-- maybe it was another diesel?:confused2: (Mine doesn't have a light, so I can't really tell.)

Just curious: if you don't use the glow plugs, and start a relatively cold engine, does the light come on after start-up?

irvingj

 

[jlgurr]

The operating manual says to turn the key to on for a few seconds (you can hear the fuel pump) then turn the key a little more to activate the glow plugs. I can tell they are heating because the fuel pump slows down a little and the dash light comes on. After 10 - 15 seconds turn the key the rest of the way and crank it up. If it's real cold it might not start and you need to warm them longer. Even on a "warm" day the engine may not start if you don't use the plugs first. (I think diesels sound really neat on a cold start.) The glow plug indicator light never comes on again after you crank the engine.

 

[ray66v]

I think these Masseys are set up so that after they're started, power remains to the glow plugs for some period of time. Don't know what the circuitry is to shut them off, but I think I read somewhere that they stay on after start for a bit. Memory's getting bad, though-- maybe it was another diesel?:confused2: (Mine doesn't have a light, so I can't really tell.)

Just curious: if you don't use the glow plugs, and start a relatively cold engine, does the light come on after start-up?

irvingj

The glow plugs do get power while you crank the engine.

When you stop cranking, they go off.

This tractor does not have an automatic timer that cycles the glow plugs like many engines have. It's all manual.

Mine will starts no problem, without first preheating the glow plugs if the outside temps are 70F or above.

And, has always started well in extremely cold temps without a block heater.

Some of that is each machine is a little different, some of it is operator technique.

 

[sewells1951]

Yep, that is the way they seem to work. Mine starts well, was just wondering whether the glow plugs cycle automatically or not. It seems to me that starting without the glow plugs having raised the temp enough might result in incomplete combustion initially that, over time, could build up engine deposits unnecessarily. So, since they are not automatically cycled I'll just be generous with the amount of time I have the ignition switch in the glow plug position prior to cranking the engine.

Thanks,

 

[ray66v]

You can tell right away if you haven't run the glow plugs long enough; it doesn't start.

You could also theoretically use the glow plugs too much, and wear them out prematurely, as well as shorten the life of the battery. Everything is a trade off.

Don't worry. These engines are very durable, and will very likely never give you any problems, regardless of what you do, or how you use it.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I find that with my Kubota's (B26 and RTV 900) about 5 seconds is needed for a quick start at any temp below 70F. Although they will crank without waiting for the plugs to heat, it takes about that long turning the starter for it to fire so I may as well hit the glow plugs for a few seconds and have it fire on the first turn of the engine. Even at 19F (coldest it has ever been here) about 10 seconds is just as good as 15 for starting. The plugs seem to get hot quickly and provide enough heated air to start the engine quickly. Most times after a quick GP engagement, just touching the key to starter position fires up the engine. It better to use the glow plugs a little longer than wear out the starter. I haven't bought any glow plugs ever, but I have bought starters AND batteries and they are definitely high dollar items.