s370 cold starting

[Andre L]

Hello, I'M new to this discussion group, and I have found it to be very helpful.
I recently purchased a s370, it runs very well with 470 hours on it.
My problem is this is the hardest diesel to start out of five other diesels I own .
The glow plug system work very well above 50 f but below that forget about starting.
I guess My question is does anyone have a part#for a zerostart freeze plug heater? or specific instructions on how to install a tank type heater?
Everyone I ask locally suggests a lower radiator hose heater but I don't see how to make that work.
Thanks Andre

 

[mit]

you can measure the inside diameter of the radiator hose. there are various places u can go to get a heater that fits the hose. or u can try the magnetic heaters.go to Sparex Ltd is a world leader in the supply of Replacement Parts and Accessories for agricultural tractors and machinery., sparex would refer you to a local dealer or Tractor Parts, Manuals, Implements for Farm & Antique Tractors From SSB. or www.shafertractors.net or it would be best to get one locally if u can.if you brouse mitsubishi/satoh you will get a lot of suggestion on cold starting.

 

[wushaw]

My 372 which is the same basically starts below 50, I just hold the glow plugs on for 10 seconds then start.

We haven't had any cold weather yet this year so I don't know how it's gonna do this year. I don't expect any different from last.

 

[Andre L]

Thanks for the information. Due to the design of the s370 I really don'tsee how you could install a lower hose heater, it's simply to small no room to fit.
I may be able to install a small tank heater . Does anyone know which ports to install into and what thread are they tapped?
thanks again Andre

 

[diyDave]

I installed one on the left side of the motor, I think I went from a drain plug to the wtsu port at the top of the motor. Even then, it was an awful tight fit. I bought another S-370 this fall, and found that it had a freeze plug heater behind the starter. It looks like the way to go for ease of installation, all you have to do is to pull the starter, remove the freeze plug, pop in the heater unit, then re-attach the starter. Maybe a 2 hour job, all you need to know is the dia. of the plug hole.

 

[kenmac]

You can also try a lighter weight oil for winter use. This will help for winter starting problems

 

[alvanko]

I have a block heater in my MT372D. It is in the freeze plug hole behind the starter. I installed a few years ago, I actually have a new spare one in the garage. I don't know the part number but I think it was for a Massey. Slightly under size I changed the O-ring to make it a snug fit. Has never leaked and makes a real difference. I don't even start the Mits in the winter anymore since I got the Yanmar. Mine would never start under 40 degrees. Fine in the summer.

 

[BillRodgers]

It wouldn't hurt to have the compression tested. It should be around 400 to 455 lbs. IF it's below 350 lbs, it will always be hard to start.

 

[Egon]

Sounds like the fellows with the same engine have given you some very good advice. Be a follower!

 

[mit]

lets say u find the compression to be low.this could be the main cause of hard starting on these diesels.how do you compensate for this without rebuilding the motor?things you could to help with problem are
1. use hot air in the intake.
2. add sea foam to diesel fuel tank.
3. warm up engine with heat.
4. use starting fluid.(do not heat the glo plugs if u use this)
5. use a lighter oil in the cold.
6. use a battery booster on your battery to get max rpm.
7. wait for summer

 

[PILOON]

Well, guess I'm the expert as of yesterday!
My MT180D block heater just quit!

Was surprised to find that the auto parts could referance Mitsubishi K3 engines and we found the correct sized block heater.
On mine it was installed directly above the oil filter and proved to be no more than a 15-20 min replacement (and dirty hands with frozen fingers).

On a new installation you would need to pry out an existing frost plug to install.

The MT180 now started at -20 deg cel with the glow plugs lit up til the indicator glowed red.
It wants to be plugged in for minimum one hour prior to starting, preferably about 2 hrs.
I have a switched outlet to heat it up as I prefer to do that while inside and cozy! (generally turn on the heat before even getting dressed and breakfast)

Oh yes, since I had a magnetic type block heater I was able to fire up the tractor prior to dumping the antifreeze, hence my hands only made contact with a warm engine block and hot antifreeze.

My old heater was simply internally burnt out.

 

[mit]

nice post some pics when it warms up.

 

[alvanko]

The part number for the block heater I have is #11-6762.
Made by CGE (Canadian General Electric). I tried a Google search but could not find one anywhere. Hope this helps.
Hopefully Piloon will post his part number of the one he got locally.

 

[PILOON]

The part number for the block heater I have is #11-6762.
Made by CGE (Canadian General Electric). I tried a Google search but could not find one anywhere. Hope this helps.
Hopefully Piloon will post his part number of the one he got locally.

The PN is: Temro pn 3100067 and was listed in NAPA to fit a 45mm frost plug hole.

If doing a new installation be sure to de-burr the casting hole in the engine block (sanding the inside of the hole with fine emery should suffice) so that the O-ring will not be damaged.

Surprisingly I did my search by phone.
The auto parts (NAPA) had a listing for Mitsubish K3 engine and I knew my frost plug size from my parts catalogue.
After that it was a phone search to locate one in stock.
Cost was about $35.00 for heater and cord assy.

 

[Andre L]

I finally got back to work on my s370. Good news found the correct blockheater locally for $30. Bad news I also did a compression test 375psi on one 325psi on the second. From what I've been told these are not good numbers, if I remember correctly it should read 450psi and both cylinders between 10%. looks like I'm in for some engine work.
Thanks to all for past and future thoughts and advise .
HAPPY New Year. Andre.

 

[wushaw]

470hrs and low compression means someone did not take care of that motor very well.

 

[eightksi]

Could also be 1470 or 2470 hrs, too... I don't understand why there isn't a thousand hour digit on these tractors (assuming this S370 has the same type as my S470) Mine is showing 560 hours, and I really don't know if that's true, or has more than that.

 

[mit]

started my mitsu d1850 today.it was 40 degrees f.i put the battery on a charger.then i took a heat gun and heated up the intake manifold and the oil pan while the battery was charging.squirt some hot air into the air filter.cranked her over and she started.i got to get some heaters on this thing.