So I fired up my DK 45 at 0 degrees F today

grm61 · Dec 7, 2013

So I fired up my DK 45 at 0 degrees F today, no block heater, I normally would not go out of my way to start it that cold, but I wanted to know what to expect and if there would be any problems when I really need the tractor.

When I did my 50 hr service I switched to 5w40 Rotella T6 synthetic, my fuel is treated with Howes.
My point and shoot infared thermometer showed the engine oil, coolant and hydraulic oil all at +1F.

I hit the manual pre-heat (key all the way to the left) for about 13 seconds, then turned the key forward for the timed cycle, then to start, It fired instantly, it blew some smoke for about 1 second, and then cleared, and then just exhaust steam until the muffler and pipe warmed up.

The hydraulic pump made a little noise for a couple minutes, it would go quiet when I raised the bucket.
Next time I think I will feather the bucket lightly to avoid pump cavitation, or whatever made the noise.

FYI for you guys that think your tractors are warmed up because the temp gauge came up, after 15 minutes of running with my coolant temp gauge up in the middle between the dots, my engine oil was up to 25 degrees F.

Just thought I would report my findings.

Overall I am very pleased that it started so well being that cold.

SPYDERLK · Dec 7, 2013

grm61 said:
So I fired up my DK 45 at 0 degrees F today, no block heater, I normally would not go out of my way to start it that cold, but I wanted to know what to expect and if there would be any problems when I really need the tractor.

When I did my 50 hr service I switched to 5w40 Rotella T6 synthetic, my fuel is treated with Howes.
My point and shoot infared thermometer showed the engine oil, coolant and hydraulic oil all at +1F.

I hit the manual pre-heat (key all the way to the left) for about 13 seconds, then turned the key forward for the timed cycle, then to start, It fired instantly, it blew some smoke for about 1 second, and then cleared, and then just exhaust steam until the muffler and pipe warmed up.

The hydraulic pump made a little noise for a couple minutes, it would go quiet when I raised the bucket.
Next time I think I will feather the bucket lightly to avoid pump cavitation, or whatever made the noise.

FYI for you guys that think your tractors are warmed up because the temp gauge came up, after 15 minutes of running with my coolant temp gauge up in the middle between the dots, my engine oil was up to 25 degrees F.

Just thought I would report my findings.

Overall I am very pleased that it started so well being that cold.

That is a suspect finding. I would be looking for the reason. Did you take the oil measurement while running?

grm61 · Dec 7, 2013

Yes taken while running, what is suspect about it?

grm61 · Dec 7, 2013

SPYDERLK said:
That is a suspect finding. I would be looking for the reason. Did you take the oil measurement while running?

The reason I posted this imfo is alot of folks don't understand that your oil temp comes up alot slower than your coolant.
When coming from a very cold start your coolant temp may be up but the bottom end is still cold.
There is nothing wrong with the tractor.

Raw Dodge · Dec 7, 2013

I'm not surprised,I'd expect it to fire right up with preheating,full synthetic and fuel treatment..our 83 ford 1910 sits for weeks in an unseated barn and fires up like new,no block heater,and it's been as cold as -10. I preheat for 20 seconds and fire it right up...

creekbend · Dec 7, 2013

Thanks for posting.

rider7767 · Dec 8, 2013

Thanks for the info. I am glad I don't have to deal with that type of cold. We get to "zero" once every 50 years or so.

rmorey · Dec 9, 2013

For us, 0F is a cold day. Our winter seems to hang around +10F with a week or so late January near 0F. My baby lives in a heated workshop (65F), so it starts without issues. (so far) :laughing:

Ranchofla · Dec 9, 2013

We have not seen 'zero' since 1899.... and I hope to never see it here or I will have to move further South..<G> Good to know though that I could start the tractor at that temp, though I would probably have a block heater if I lived where it got that cold and did not have heated storage.

Ranchofla