Cold Weather and Diesel Engine

[MatthewT]

I have an early 70s MF175 and I can't get it to start if the temp is below about 55 degrees. Is this normal? I thought a block heater was needed only when temps were a good bit colder than that . . . If this is normal, I guess that installing a block heater is the next step. If so, if anyone knows a heater model that works with my tractor, let me know. Thanks.

 

[Dieseltech]

The Perkins A4.236 uses a 3/4 inch pipe thread block heater on the block starter side. First make sure you have a GOOD starter and the correct size battery for starting. Lots of fellows go cheap on battery size for diesel use instead of getting the largest that will fit. Diesels don't start well at all if cranked over slow..

 

[Phil Tibbetts]

Did the 175 have the manifold heater in it?

 

[Dieseltech]

US market 100 series did not have the intake heater thermostart like the 35, 50, 65, 85, and Super 90 models did.

 

[John G. Williams]

Being an older tractor the compression could be less than ideal. The two common starting problems when a diesel engine is cold are lack of proper compression and low cranking amps from the battery. Cranking amps diminish a little as the battery gets colder. Up here minus 15 or colder is the norm for winter so block heaters are mandatory.

 

[Tony in Mass.]

(quoted from post at 02:16:05 11/23/17) I have an early 70s MF175 and I can't get it to start if the temp is below about 55 degrees. Is this normal? I thought a block heater was needed only when temps were a good bit colder than that . . . If this is normal, I guess that installing a block heater is the next step. If so, if anyone knows a heater model that works with my tractor, let me know. Thanks.

I don't even try to start my Cummings in 110 unless the glow plug lite goes out first. Doesn't this engine come with glow plugs? Do your glow plugs work? And are you going thru the procedure correctly?

 

[MatthewT]

Thanks. Battery is brand new and I plug it into a trickle charger. Starts great when it's warm out. Do you know how I'd check the compression?

 

[MatthewT]

To my knowledge there are no glow plugs. And I think the procedure is right because it starts fine over about 55 degrees.

 

[Inno]

Without glow plugs sometimes you have to resort to alternate methods...

 

[Dieseltech]

Diesel compression is checked with special adapters and gauge to handle the higher pressures diesels have. Some diesels can be checked through the glow plug holes too if the adapters are available. Yours has no glow plugs.

 

[Jerry/MT]

Is your battery spinning the engine over quickly? Are your valves set properly? Dou you have good compression pressure? o you have adequate fuel flow AND airflow. Check the fuel and air filters.
Don"t use starting fluid. You can damage the piston and/or rings.

 

[Tony in Mass.]

I like Inno's idea the best. I buy it by the pallet...

 

[Nick m]

No. Not normal. Mine will start down into the 20's. Only has 300hrs on a new engine though.