TC45 Glow Plug Timer

[cpayne5]

Howdy, folks. I live about an hour west of DC where we are currently getting hammered with snow. I own a TC45.

My mother (lives next door and we own the tractor 50/50) uses the tractor for her small horse farm probably 90% of the time. I brought the tractor over to my house this afternoon to get it ready for the snow and it looks like the glow plug timer is dead. As a result, it was very difficult to start. Normally, I'd just buy a new timer and make do until it arrived (this tractor has been through a few timers now...), but we're forecast to receive upwards of 3' of snow tonight and tomorrow. I need to push some snow

Is there any way to jump the timer's connector so that I can get those glow plug working? Or any other options to get it started after it's been sitting for a while and cold?

Thanks.

 

[Harry in Ky]

As far as I know, the glow plug circuit (other than the timer) is nothing exotic. Just 12 volts. If it were me, I would open the hood, locate the easiest to reach glow plug(they're all tied together), connect a jumper wire to battery positive. By the time you climb on and hit the switch it should be warm enough to start. Then jump off and remove the wire.

 

[cpayne5]

Thanks, Harry.

Just got in from a quick plow out the driveway and back. I was able to get the tractor going after a few cranks. Really worked the starter, though.

I'll try to jumper the glow plugs directly in the morning.

 

[cpayne5]

Found this post from jinman from a few years back.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...026-temporary-relay-defeat-2.html#post2213839

I'll probably give it a try. It's been very windy all day (with bad drifting), so no use trying to push it yet.

 

[Harry in Ky]

Jim was always pretty sharp on the TC series. I'm sure many of us miss reading his very helpful posts.
I too have replaced a few of these timers, and at $140 each, it's understandable that some owners opt for the "push button" solution. I've done that on occasion as well. Probably a longer lasting fix anyway.

 

[cpayne5]

Yes, he always had some good info to share. I've been lurking the forum for a few years and never noticed his username, but recognized him by his avatar.

I ended up using a wire with alligator clips on each end to jump the glow plugs. One to positive battery terminal the other connected to the glow plug bus bar. Worked great.

I'll probably end up wiring in a momentary switch to activate the glow plugs.