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Fordson Tractors Discussion Forum

Fordson Major cold weather starting problem

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Jim Mackay

12-19-2007 03:48:38

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I can get my fm diesel to start if the temp is above -10C. Excessive smoking and won't rev up. Could it be bad fuel? What else should I check.

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kenneth armour

12-24-2007 11:27:22

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Re: Fordson Major cold weather starting problem in reply to Jim Mackay, 12-19-2007 03:48:38

Jim:

To be on the safe side I took my bottom hose off the tractor and into NAPA to ensure I got the right size heater. (I think it is 2") The sales assistant was very helpful and was very interested in the tractor when I explained what the hose was of off and what I was looking for. Try to get one of the older guys and not some young kid, who has no idea what you are talking about.
Good Luck.

Kenneth Armour

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kenneth armour

12-23-2007 17:27:24

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Re: Fordson Major cold weather starting problem in reply to Jim Mackay, 12-19-2007 03:48:38

I Live in Nova Scotia Canada and have a 1963 Super major. Got a bottom rad hose heater from NAPA, the one that fits into the Hose, you cut the hose and fit it in. Plug in for About 2 hours before I have to use it and even if -20 never had a problem starting.

Much less hassle than trying to install a block heater

Kenneth Armour

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Jim Mackay

12-24-2007 04:20:06

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Re: Fordson Major cold weather starting problem in reply to kenneth armour, 12-23-2007 17:27:24

Thanks, I thought of that too. The outside diameter of the hose seems to 2" Is that right?
What size do I look for in the heater coupling?
Jim

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El Toro

12-31-2007 13:52:35

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Re: Fordson Major cold weather starting problem in reply to Jim Mackay, 12-24-2007 04:20:06

You need the inside diameter of the hose so your
coolant heater will fit inside the hose. You may be able to a heater like this if you can plumb it so it only heats the engine coolant and bypasses the radiator. Hal
PS; I have used those heaters installed in the lower hose on my cars and truck. Makes a big difference in starting especially on diesels.

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morningwood

12-20-2007 18:15:48

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Re: Fordson Major cold weather starting problem in reply to Jim Mackay, 12-19-2007 03:48:38

Jim,

I had a hard ( 3 or 4 cranks vs 1 ) time starting my FPM when it was 40F out. It is off of a new overhaul so the motor has great compression. These engines don't have glow plugs or grid heaters so cold weather starting is going to be a little slow. If you are going to running it alot in the winter you might wanna change the oil out to diesel grade 10w30 vs 15w40 as it might help with the slow cranking. Personally if it were me and I was using it alot during the winter I would get a inline radiatior heater. They sell them on this site for majors. You could also get a magnetic heater but I have heard they are not very good.

Thanks,

Scott

Ytmag Search Link Search for Heater

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fordson64t

12-19-2007 16:32:28

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Re: Fordson Major cold weather starting problem in reply to Jim Mackay, 12-19-2007 03:48:38

It could be your fuel is jelling and stopping up the filter.You might add some #1 diesel to it. That is pretty cold temp. for #2 fuel.

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tiresntracks

12-19-2007 08:43:50

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Re: Fordson Major cold weather starting problem in reply to Jim Mackay, 12-19-2007 03:48:38

You might try changing the fuel filter. One of mine did the same thing when the filter was plugged. Maybe you have water in the aircleaner that is freezing and blocking the airflow. That happens to a lot of our equipment here in the winter.

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Jim Mackay

12-20-2007 14:24:02

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Re: Fordson Major cold weather starting problem in reply to tiresntracks, 12-19-2007 08:43:50

Thanks again. Cleaned fuel filter and the breather. Works very well. I suspect I should just change all the fluids.

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Jim Mackay

12-19-2007 09:03:32

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Re: Fordson Major cold weather starting problem in reply to tiresntracks, 12-19-2007 08:43:50

Thanks, Hydraulics worked a bit but won't now. I suspect that the oil there is pretty thick. How does one check the level.

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tiresntracks

12-19-2007 14:36:01

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Re: Fordson Major cold weather starting problem in reply to Jim Mackay, 12-19-2007 09:03:32

The hydraulics use oil from the differential. You check it with the dipstick by the clutch pedal. It uses the same oil that you use in the engine. You fill it through the big plug behind the seat.(The fill plug closest to the dipstick is for the transmission.) The PTO has to be in gear for the hydraulics to work.

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Jim Mackay

12-21-2007 05:26:41

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Re: Fordson Major cold weather starting problem in reply to tiresntracks, 12-19-2007 14:36:01

I've check and check and there isn't a dipstick by the clutch. There is a plug there with a high and low mark. I understand this to be for the tranny.

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Bendee

12-24-2007 00:01:11

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Re: Fordson Major cold weather starting problem in reply to Jim Mackay, 12-21-2007 05:26:41

This applies to my 1956 and may be of help.The dipstick hole [where indicated by "tiresntracks"] is on the same plane as the housing where gear stick is bolted. If you remove the nearest bolt you may be able to insert something of length to get a reading. My oil is level at 9 and one quarter inches [imperial]from the top of the housing.Add for the gearstick housing which is close to one half inch, and you may be in the right paddock.Seems strange it's not there as it is a raised cast circle.

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Jim Mackay

12-24-2007 04:28:40

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Re: Fordson Major cold weather starting problem in reply to Bendee, 12-24-2007 00:01:11

Sorry, Upon futher investigation, I find out that my fordson is probably a super major d. Serial # starts with 08C. That would make some difference in stuff.

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Bendee

12-25-2007 17:07:14

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Re: Fordson Major cold weather starting problem in reply to Jim Mackay, 12-24-2007 04:28:40

08c is 1963 model.same place,same dipstick,same housing on FMD and Super.Note indentation on edge which curls towards centre of housing. above on flat [yes,incorrect not raised]should be hole.No reason why you can't drill one,be brave.
dipstick 11 half inches long.[High] 9 threequarter
[low] half inch lower.Vacuum cleaner with restricted end would pick up residue.might be plugged up but you must wonder why,could have been a friday afternoon job back then.
Obviously you have found the engine number,it should have a suffix.alphabetically starting at "A" in January will give month of manufacture.These figures are from dipstick,ignore previous figures as they were to oil level,it may have been slightly overfilled.

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tiresntracks

12-24-2007 10:56:14

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Re: Fordson Major cold weather starting problem in reply to Jim Mackay, 12-24-2007 04:28:40

I think the dipstick is in the same place on a Super, but I won't swear to it, since I don't have one here to look at. Somebody that's reading this probably has one and can tell you for sure. Bendee has a good idea about sticking a rod down the gearshift bolt hole. Your tractor should start fine below -10C if it has good batteries, good compression, and the timing is set right. Mine do. A block heater isn't a bad idea, though. The engine is already warm when you start it, which causes less wear on it.

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tiresntracks

12-22-2007 00:40:53

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Re: Fordson Major cold weather starting problem in reply to Jim Mackay, 12-21-2007 05:26:41

This is the only picture I could find on my computer. If you need a better one, let me know and I'll take another picture.

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