MF 165 cold start question

[bugaloo]

Does the MF 165 with the perkins 203 diesel have a preheat switch, I don"t mean the plug in block heater...I hear people with diesels turn thier key one position and that activates the preheater for easier cold starts..I turn my key over one position and leave it their for 10 to 15 seconds and doesn"t seem to do anything helping it start..have to plug my block heater in for 20 minutes

 

[Dieseltech]

The dealership I worked at 165 diesels never had the thermostart like the 65 diesels had. Not sure about oversees models though. 175 and 180 models never had it on the ones we sold either. Starter switch key was either off or turned right to crank. 65 was left to preheat, then left more for heat-start.

 

[samn40]

Although my photo is of a British built 65 you can see the preheater/thermostart (with the fuel pipe and wire leading to it) at the front of the manifold. Our British built 165s were the same.
Sam

 

[FBH44]

If you have the thermostart, you sort-of have to learn how to use it. Mine I have to hold the key over far enough, but just before it starts the starter, and have to hold it there as long as it takes to vaporize fuel. It takes me 30 seconds usually, sometimes longer. It depends on how cold it is. It works best if you hold the key over to vaporize fuel, longer than you think necessary.

 

[Tony in Mass.]

This story is part of my lack of interest in any diesel.
Years ago my father had a Peugeot 504 diesel. He was on the job with a workmate, that guy just wanted to do the rounds and clock out..... Every stop my father turned the key half on and waited.... and waited... then start the car. The other fellow said 'this car stinks for this job, and I wouldn't want to be a bank robber and need this for a getaway car'.....

 

[Dieseltech]

Aw come on Tony, give us oil burner lovers a break. Bet you would like the Perkins diesels if you had some. Do admit the 203 is not my favorite as it has no balancer, and shakes more without it. 236 or 248 are both much smoother.

 

[bugaloo]

I found the manual for the 3165 and it doesn't mention any preheater, it just says to use ether or install a ether shooter gadget which is only available from your MF dealer...I don't like using the stuff, the engine tends to get hooked on it like a heroin addict...guess I'll just stick with the block heater