Simple diesel question

[Guzrik]

I have this very nice tractor for 25 years now.

20 years ago I rebuildt it and noticed there was a little crack in the filter bowl.
I think it is sweating a tiny amount of diesel through it.
Normally it starts and runs well, but when it is below 5 degrees it only does 2 combustions and then stalls.
After 10 or so attempts it runs at low revs for a minute and then starts to behave normal.
Could it be air entering in the bowl through the crack, causing this?
Or can anyone think of another cause for this?

 

[Barking Mat]

Yes.

But, if it's strictly temperature related, does it have glowplugs ?

Air in diesel, poor starting and white smoke.

Have you a photo of glass bowl assembly ?

Have you changed the joints in it ?

 

[Guzrik]

Yes.

But, if it's strictly temperature related, does it have glowplugs ?

Air in diesel, poor starting and white smoke.

Have you a photo of glass bowl assembly ?

Have you changed the joints in it ?

Yes two normal glowpugs, but it starts up normal just stalls after two revs, and then starts again for two revs.
Glow plugs are operated by the ignition key and you can see the oil and gen ligth dim a little so they do draw some current.
It has done so since I have it, but normally I don't use it in winter, so never put much effort in it.

I only have the above photo now, filter is in the center between the fuelhose, it is all standard and I am sure I replaced the filter back then, but now it migth be easier to just replace the whole thing.

 

[Barking Mat]

How old are those pipes is the next question.

 

[barracuda816]

Agree with above comments, well worth changing the fuel hose and installing a new bowl ideally with a water separator. Also, if you a running it on road diesel are you using some you bought in the summer? I believe there are summer and winter grades, so if you use summer diesel when it gets cold it could be waxing.

 

[carbonarc]

Is it possible to use "Easy Start" spray to get the engine to run for longer? The issue of summer grade diesel has been covered. Perhaps condensation has occurred with a partially filled fuel tank and water is in fuel system.

 

[addjunkie]

I agree with changing the pipes and filter assembly, but not convinced by the winter summer fuel thing. My tractor and digger get cherry, low use especially in winter, as long as the battery is good and heater plugs working they fire up no issue.

 

[Melvyn Best]

While you are changing the fuel hose it might be a good idea to fit proper fuel hose clips rather than the jubilee type fitted

 

[bletchmonster]

Sometimes a couple of pumps on the lift pump before starting makes all the difference.

 

[Shedendman]

Your're only starting to fix it after 20 years?
Why not take it off and fit a new one for eg

DIESEL TRACTOR GENERATOR TRUCK Glass Fuel Sediment glass Bowl Assembly l-r | eBay

BOB BECK FUEL INJECTION LTD.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Turbo]

I don't think there is summer and winter diesel any more, it's all the same now with ethanol added.

 

[m_c]

That's a basic gravity fed pump, so air ingress isn't likely to be a problem.

Does it still cut out if you set it at full throttle?

 

[barracuda816]

I don't think there is summer and winter diesel any more, it's all the same now with ethanol added.

Not sure. Maybe it depends on which additive blending company the fuel goes through?

Winter Blend vs Summer Blend Diesel

Information on diesel's seasonal requirements that differ for both summer & winter usage. Crown Oil explains what you need to know. Learn more

www.crownoil.co.uk

 

[barracuda816]

Is the problem new, as in has it just started exhibiting these symptoms this winter?

 

[Turbo]

Another problem could be the diesel bug in your tank.

 

[sako243]

I agree with changing the pipes and filter assembly, but not convinced by the winter summer fuel thing. My tractor and digger get cherry, low use especially in winter, as long as the battery is good and heater plugs working they fire up no issue.

I have had it before. We had issues with Dad's tractor on the farm and also my Series 3 when it ran on red. They'd filled the tank in the summer and when it was very cold and the fan kicked in on the Series it cooled the fuel filter enough for the diesel to jellify. They now fill up in the winter or ask for the additive to be included. Not an issue if you use or change it regularly as forecourts swap over in the lead up to winter but we were buying in bulk and not using rapidly.

I only remember it happening twice in three years.

 

[brightspark]

I have had it before. We had issues with Dad's tractor on the farm and also my Series 3 when it ran on red. They'd filled the tank in the summer and when it was very cold and the fan kicked in on the Series it cooled the fuel filter enough for the diesel to jellify. They now fill up in the winter or ask for the additive to be included. Not an issue if you use or change it regularly as forecourts swap over in the lead up to winter but we were buying in bulk and not using rapidly.

I only remember it happening twice in three years.

a bit of petrol in the diesel stops waxing in winter

 

[Migmac]

Our diesel used to go all waxy when I lived in Eskdalemuir, had to get well below zero for it to happen. I think now summer / winter fuel is all the same. If I’m doing put a bit of petrol in the tank too

 

[Guzrik]

That's a basic gravity fed pump, so air ingress isn't likely to be a problem.

Does it still cut out if you set it at full throttle?

Never realized this, throttle position does not seem to matter.
Also glowing, in between attempts doesn't seem to matter much.
Is there a way to test the plugs without taking them out?

My father once had problems with summer diesel in a car 45 years ago, since then I never heard of it.
Also 5 degrees shouldn't be a problem for summer diesel, and if then it shouldn't start again few seconds later?

I've had this isue for many years (maybe twenty) but since I hardly use it when cold it was never high on the priority list.

Dieselbug as in bacteria? But then not only when below 5 degrees?

Was hoping someone would reqocnize the symptoms and have a simple fix.

 

[dobbslc]

Try a bit of clean new diesel in a container connected directly to the engine to bypass the old filter and pipes.
That filter looks minging on the outside, what's it like inside?