Starting smaller LS machines in cold weather.

[Diggin It]

Posted this to the similar MF thread, but got to wondering if our Yanmars are different from their Isekis.

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I can get days below 10 degrees but they're rare. Most nights from December to March are in the 30s or so, but we have had streaks of a week or more that were colder. I rarely get enough snow to worry about. Moving firewood would be my main winter task and that would be enough for a week or more at a time unless we get a real cold snap.

All that leads to this.... my machine could sit for a week or more, maybe two between starts. I hope to have my shed ready by winter to be able to park under cover, but it may not be fully enclosed yet. It will never be heated or insulated, but will have a metal roof for any solar heating effect.

So far, I've never had to leave the GPs lit for more than 10-15 seconds and I only do that if below 50 degrees or so. It starts easily, but coughs and shudders for a few seconds before smoothing out. I see people mentioning 45-60 seconds or longer. I do not have a block heater and no plans to get one. So, my questions are:

Is there a 'too long' that can damage the GPs?
Should I be starting and idling my machine more often in cold weather?

 

[ptsg]

Instead of running the GPs too long. Try cycle them twice.

On my older Kubota B7000, it wouldn't start unless I ran the GPs at least 30 seconds. More time for cold weather, but those engines were designed like that.

Mostly we get here is around 35 to 40 degrees. Sometimes it goes as low as 30s but very rare.

 

[thepumpguysc]

ptsg is on to something..
CYCLE THEM & see what that does.. a COUPLE OF 10-20 & even 30 second glows & see how that works out..
Yes u "can" burn them up.. but it depends on the GP.. there are different manuf. w/ diff. quality controls..
& of course, what the ENGINE manuf. recommends for GP wait time..
THATS how I start every diesel.. cycle the GP's 2-3x for a 10 count & turn the key..{some require longer}
Does your engine have a supply pump feeding fuel to the inj. pump.??
What about a hand primer in the system.??
I ask because, if the pump has a drain back problem.. your pumping air at start-up, until the fuel actually reachs the inj. pump..{longer crank time}
The stumbling at start up may be an indicator of air or it may be simply cold cylinders..

 

[Diggin It]

Does your engine have a supply pump feeding fuel to the inj. pump.??

What about a hand primer in the system.??

The stumbling at start up may be an indicator of air or it may be simply cold cylinders..

Dunno.

Not to my knowledge.

I've been told here in previous threads that it's normal for these 3 Cylinder Yanmars to rattle your teeth on start up.

 

[oosik]

It will get -20F, occasionally, here. A few of those times I've gone out and done chores. My Kubota M6040 has one heating element - in the fuel plenum. How long this will remain on is automatic and temperature dependent. In these cold temps the heating element will remain on for 10 to 15 seconds.

The tractor will start right up, blow smoke for a few seconds, then smooth right out.

As I get older - the reasons for going out in such cold weather become less & less. Actually - I can, now, see no good reason for ever going outside in such cold temps.

Hot coffee - a touch of JD - big bay window - I'm happy.

 

[Roadworthy]

As noted glow plug specs vary by manufacturer. The same manufacturer will also manufacture a variety of glow plug types. NGK may have fifty or a hundred. The diameter may vary or the length it extends into the cylinder but the composition of the plug varies as well. There are short duration rapid heating plugs and ones which are slower to come up to temperature. Use the plugs recommended for your tractor and follow the manufacturer's recommendation for duration of application. My tractor sits in a field near the house and always starts - yes, it's a diesel. After starting let it warm at idle for a bit - good excuse for another cup of coffee. That allows the engine to warm as well as the hydraulic fluid.

 

[buickanddeere]

Why so dead set against a coolant heater ? They are the industry standard world wide . A warm engine wears less than a cold engine .

 

[jaydee325]

Just out of curiosity, what are the cold start instructions as stated in the owners manual?

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

When I had my 125, there were a few times starting it last winter when the temps were around 10 degrees in the morning. I cycled the GP's twice at around 15 seconds with about 10 secs in between. She definitely ran "rough" for about 30 seconds after starting. I let it warm up for about 5 minutes at 15-1600 rpm. I also added Powerservice winter additive to the fuel.