Strange intermittent diesel starting problem

[kolkmeyer]

Six months ago I purchased a used 2006 20 hp Mahindra diesel with 400 hours. There is a three second glow plug light, and until recently it always started as soon as the glow plug light went out and you hit the ignition switch. Right before the problem started, I thought I noticed an unusual puff of black smoke on several occasions when I started the tractor. Soon after, it turned over just fine, but the engine would not fire at all. There is a fair amount of black smoke as the starter spins the engine, which I believe indicates an adequate fuel supply. After trying to start the tractor every day for a week, I skipped several days. After two days It started with no hesitation. I was able to stop and start it all that day, but the next day it would once again turn over but not start. No luck for another week until skipping a few days, then it immediately started again. This week it did not start after skipping several days. When it won't start it sometimes makes a buzzing-howling noise as it is turning over. I have tried starting it without the air filter with no luck. After reading warnings about using starter fluid in diesels, I did try several squirts of WD-40 in the breather hose. That didn't help either, but it may not have reached the engine. I'm in the middle of no-where and would greatly appreciate any suggestions. I have limited computer access so please excuse my slow response to questions. If it would be easier to talk on the phone, feel free to call John at 417-429-3037. Thanks

 

[banjodunn]

G'day check all battery connections are clean and tight if that does not help have you tried to jump start? It sounds a bit like it is not spinning over quick enough.



Jon

 

[mrfu]

I had a similar problem turned out to be a bit of corrosion on the bar that connects the glow plugs to each other. I took it off cleaned the connections with fine sandpaper and was good to go. took about 5 minutes.

 

[Ford tractor]

You may have fried the glow plug controller or even a glow plug. Do the simple things first. Verify that they are getting power, that they are getting warm, etc.