If the electrical system, starting engine and the diesel engine are all in good condition, and the precautions necessary for cold weather operation are taken, ordinary cold weather will not cause difficulty in starting or loss of efficiency.
Lubricants: As the starting atmospheric temperatures become lower, where warm housing facilities are not available, lubricants of lower viscosity should be used. See the topic, TYPE OF LUBRICANTS AND SAE GRADES TO USE.
Hydraulic System: In temperatures below freezing, extra precaution should be taken to insure adequate pump lubrication. Do not allow the engine to run over half engine speed until after five minutes when the oil in the hydraulic system is warm. In temperatures below 10°F. dilute the oil in the hydraulic system to insure free circulation. See the topic, DESCRIPTION OF LUBRICANTS.
Coolant: When the temperature is below freezing, sufficient anti-freeze solution should be used in the cooling system to prevent freezing. See the topic, COOLING SYSTEM.
The liquid in the cooling system may be warmed to make starting easier and quicker. When warming anti-freeze solutions, keep away from flames, some of these solutions may be flammable. Avoid getting the solution hot, and even a warm solution should be poured very slowly into a cold cooling system to prevent damage by sudden expansion.
Fuel: Fuel must be "free flowing" enough to flow readily through the fuel lines at the lowest temperature at which the tractor will be started and operated. For additional information on this subject, see the topic, FUELS.
Electrical Equipment: During cold weather, more attention should be given the condition of the battery. It should be tested frequently and charged as often as necessary to insure sufficient power for starting. All switches and connections in the electrical system should be inspected and kept in good condition to prevent losses through improper contacts. See the topic, BATTERY.
Starting The Starting Engine: If the tractor has been standing without shelter in extremely cold weather, the suggestions that follow will materially assist starting.
Crank the starting engine several revolutions with the RUN-START switch off, and the starting engine clutch disengaged. This will better distribute oil to the bearings and cylinder walls.
Sometimes moisture, or fuel which has not vaporized, collects on the starting engine spark plugs. They may be dried out by removing them and pouring gasoline over the electrodes. Ignite the gasoline and allow it to burn. Use caution.
Pouring a small amount of gasoline on the electrodes before they are replaced in the engine is more effective in promoting combustion than priming the cylinders with gasoline. A small amount of gasoline in the cylinders will remove the film of oil from the cylinder walls and interfere with compression.
Keep the engine speed low until the crankcase lubricating oil has a chance to warm up and better lubricate the engine.
Starting the Diesel Engine: It is very important to keep low viscosity crankcase lubricating oil up to the full mark on the gauges, in the diesel engine crankcase and starting engine crankcase to provide proper lubrication when starting. Refer to the topic, DESCRIPTION OF LUBRICANTS.
In cold weather, if the starter pinion clashes and will not engage with the ring gear, proceed as follows:
- 1. Stop the starting engine.
- 2. Engage the starter pinion and starting engine clutch. (It may be necessary to rotate the starter pinion by the use of the electric starter or hand crank.)
- 3. Disengage the starting engine clutch.
- 4. Restart the starting engine.
- 5. With the starting engine running at high idle speed, engage the starting engine clutch to start the diesel engine.