Ford tractor starting


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Old 09-16-20, 05:38 AM
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Ford tractor starting

My 1988 Model 1920 Ford tractor has always started just as soon as I turn the key. Lately its taking 5-10 seconds grinding the starter for it to start. What could cause this change?

4 cyl Yanmar engine (I think), diesel, 1100 total hours. Only recent maintenance is fuel filter maintenance, battery in top condition. Fuel is less than 2 months old.
 
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Old 09-16-20, 05:48 AM
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Does it have glow plugs or an intake manifold heater? Do the starting instructions specifically say to not use ether?
 
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Old 09-16-20, 07:30 AM
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The ignition switch has a heat setting for cold weather. I have never used that feature. Use of ether is prohibited.
 
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Old 09-16-20, 09:04 AM
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Usually extended cranking time on a diesel is air in the fuel system or bad glow plugs. If you never use the glow plugs to start, it's probably not that, probably air in the system. Check around the filter to be sure everything is snug and there is no place for air to enter. Look for damp fittings, areas with dust collected around them where fuel may have been weeping.
 
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Old 09-16-20, 09:48 AM
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OK, thanks, I might try to bleed the fuel lines again. Its very easy on this machine.
 
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Old 09-16-20, 10:34 AM
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Your probably going to spill some fuel bleeding. When done it's a good idea to clean up the engine area. My neighbors' tractor caught fire. It wasn't the engine itself but the diesel soaked dust on the engine that caught fire. A bit of an expensive way to learn to keep things sorta clean.
 
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Old 09-16-20, 04:59 PM
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Thanks Pilot, your comment does raise a question for me. Usually I bleed the fuel line while cranking the tractor to remove air until the engine starts and then close the orafice. Since the tractor will run now, should I electrically disable it so it will not start while doing the bleed process?
 
 

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