245 hard to start in cool whether

[Robert J Hampton Sr.]

My 245 deisel is harder to start when the temp is in lower 30's. Starts rifgt up in summerbut in winter acts as though it is flooded and white or gray smoke. any suggestions what the problem is. I have clean the tank and put fresh fuel, filter, and air filter on.

 

[MF#1]

Previous question- Diesel engine is the 152 C.I. Perkins, one of the most bullet-proof diesels out there. Hard staring? Usually means too much blow-by(rings worn) or needs a valve job, could be an injector pump going bad. I've started one since 1978, usually will go at 25 degrees F or warmer; colder and I plug it in. A good starter with a good battery and cables- shhould be no problem.

 

[Masseynut(Australia)]

I would agree with MF#1. Whitish smoke is unburnt fuel. Have a compression test done. Check all cylinders "dry" first off, then re-test after oiling the cylinders. Any difference of 50lbs or more would indicate some sort of compression problem. If it checks out OK, I'd have the injectors tested.
Evan.

 

[Robert J Hampton Sr.]

Ok. I have looked around and some say check compression with injectors in and some say remove which is it? thanks

 

[George Rausch]

I have a 1997 MF240, similar engine, and it has only 650 hours on it. I believe it is in good condition. It has the thermostart method, where you hold the switch over for a while to vaporize fuel. The point is, if you vaporize for 30 or 60 seconds, it will start when cold, but it sure doesn't like it. Smokes bad, coughs out lots of white smoke, coughs and misses, and it lopes along for a while, but it finally usually gets going. I always thought it was the nature of the beast.

 

[Robert J Hampton Sr.]

maybe so. I could not ask for mine to start any better in the warm months and runs just fine.

 

[samn40]

Over heating these thermostart heaters is not good,as it burns up the oxygen in the manifold and the diesel engine needs oxygen to run smoothly. On our tractors in Britain we are told to heat for 15-20 seconds before starting then if engine does not fire heat again for 15 seconds. One thing I know about these diesels is they need real hard work or they will glaze the liners and become difficult to start. Starting fluid will also speed up the glazing. Our motto is be kind to your petrol engines and work the cobwebs out of the diesels. Nothing sounds better than the 3 cylinder Perkins running at full throttle all day and just about putting out a bit of black smoke. Nothing, that is, other than the 6 cylinder 6/354, now that really sings!
Sam

 

[MF#1]

Folks, I have never seen a 245 with thermostart here in the U.S. Yes on the 240, it's a much later model. I "think" the last 245 was made in 1981?
Robert, you need to pull the injector to test the compression, yes, it will be a pain:-(

 

[Robert J Hampton Sr.]

what should be an acceptable number on compression for my 245??

 

[MF#1]

Instead of a specific number I would compare each one to the others, less than 20% difference would be a start, less than 10% would be acceptable but anything less than around 100 psi would probably indicate trouble. Your numbers may vary based on wear, hours on engine, maintenance, etc. If the numbers increase significantly after adding oil to the cylinders then you do have a problem. FWIW, my 245 diesel has over 4400 hours without any engine work and it starts fine down to about 25 degrees F.