MF 135 cold weather starting

[CaribooHarry]

My MF 135 diesel has a block heater and starts well in cold weather when it is plugged in, which is whenever it is within reach of an extension cord.

I understand that so 135s had a glow plug or similar heating device in the intake manifold.

I would appreciate information regarding such installation.
 

[Tony in Mass.]

Take a picture of the intake manifold Harry, and the other side of the head too. I 'believe' your Perkins 3 had a glow plug for each cylinder. If I wouldn't get picked on on here, I would tell you to get a spray can of starting fluid.... how's the weather up there?
 

[CaribooHarry]

The head and manifold have just been completely dis-assembled, cleaned, rebuilt and re-assembled - there are no glow plugs or fitting for individual glow plugs. There are two plugs (not glow plugs) in the intake manifold.

You've got to get more diesels, Tony, you'll learn to love them!
 

[Fergie Bach]

Yes in the UK a thermostart was fitted to the inlet manifold. Basically when the key was turned to the cold start position a small charge of diesel was ignited by a glowing coil of wire.Took about 15 seconds to catch fire. The key was then further turned to activate the starter after those 15 or 20 seconds and the hot air was drawn into the cylinders to aid starting. Fuel was contained in a small separate tank which was supplied by the leak off system and hence kept full.Gravity fed to the valve on the thermostart.Worked really rather well.
However a good 3 cylinder Perkins really didnt need it. The engine will fire almost immeadiatly even at temperatures as low as minus 6 or 8c without heat, perhaps even colder. It is the sign of a good tight engine. For those of us with worn machines well we are glad it was fitted for the first winter mornings" start. After that will start all day on the button.The engine is renowned for its cold starting performance and its power and economy.
 

[Fergie Bach]

PS No glow plugs in the cylinder head.
 

[Tony in Mass.]

Oh fergie, you are making me lose my appitite for supper. It is left over Chinese too.
Catch fire??? Is that how it works?cripes.
Minus 8C is a nice January day in the Canadian Rockies... or a chilly summer night.... so Harry got some big bits and pieces missing to make this right? They're easily converted to gasoline, so all is not lost...
And there's always a squirt of ether...
 

[samn40]

Tell Tony where to put his ether, a Perkins does not need it! and he
is now seeing heater plugs in his sleep.
Pic 1 ...is a British 135 manifold with the CAV heater plug inserted
pic 2.... is how it looks inside
pic 3 is an MF35 showing a similar set-up only with a different
shaped manifold. You can see the little resevoir at the back of the
tank and the pipe work, A heavy wire should run from the starter
switch to activate the coil heater. Sorry I have no 135s with the hood
removed to photograph.
Sam



 

[Fergie Bach]

But with the heater the engine will start at really low temps.

Have a look at these He doesn"t use the thermostart.:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_cJQppz_cI&feature=relmfu

Here"s the same guy It says minus 22 and he doesn"t use the thermostart as far as I can see.And he should have!! The red key thing is the battery isolator switch:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ayPjJfT0Hso

Here"s a 148- same engine, he does use the thermostart:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6wzE5uGjQk

Another 135 without using the thermostart minus 12!:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43JROhZC2PU
 

[DavidP, South Wales]

Tony, did I hear you say 'starting fluid?' Wash your mouth out with soap and water immediately!!!!!!

My compatriot 'Fergie Bach' is quite correct in saying that down to -6 degrees or so the heating device should be rarely needed. However to save the battery and excessive cold cranking the engine will benefit from the use of the starting device. Clearly your 'normal' temperatures are colder than ours but we have experienced many from -14 to -20 in recent years. For your extreme temperatures probably the block heater will be the best device. A thermostart whilst suitable for most UK and European climates will need a little assistance. In extreme climates you will still be initially turning a 'cold' engine. With a block heater at least there will be an increase in temperature to give it a helping hand.

Cariboo Harry, do you know Geoff Bretherton (JJ in BC) who lived near Hundred Mile House. Have you heard from him? He is recovering from a serious illness. I have written to him but not received a reply yet.

Cheers
DavidP
 

[CaribooHarry]

Thanks Sam! You gave me exactly what I was looking for.
 

[Tony in Mass.]

See Harry? I told you I would get picked on for mentioning ether. Here's the side views of MY Perkins. Have you ever seen such a beautiful lawnmower???



 

[CaribooHarry]

Looks good! Too bad about the yellow paint! Do I see power steering?
 

[Jerry/MT]

That"s why you never want to use starting fluid with a Thermostart unit. It"ll blow the intake manifold off!