mf65 diesel 12v fuel heater

tluchterhandt · May 2, 2015

In the manual I downloaded it mentions that there is a 3 way ignition switch which in 2 positions controls a 12v heater at the intake (I guess the intake). I found this today when I had the hood off. Anyone know if this is it? Or what is it?

Dieseltech · May 2, 2015

It's called thermostart, for cold weather starting. On my TO-35 with the Standard 23C engine it works best at 15 seconds heat, then turn to heat-start position.

tluchterhandt · May 2, 2015

(quoted from post at 03:03:53 05/03/15) It's called thermostart, for cold weather starting. On my TO-35 with the Standard 23C engine it works best at 15 seconds heat, then turn to heat-start position.

Thanks! Now I need to figure out if it's operational and what lug to wire it to on the ign switch.

Dieseltech · May 2, 2015

Just make sure there is fuel at the line, loosten the fitting and see if it drips a bit. The thermostart unit will be ruined if there is no fuel, the coils will overheat..

Our Farmer · May 3, 2015

Yeah, I'd throw an ohnmeter on it and see if the coils were open. If you have
resistance, It's prolly good.If you have an ammeter to throw in line, amp draw should
be around 16-18 amps.

Depending on which way you turn the key, the thermostart is energized. The motor will
crank either direction, to be sure fuel is being pumped to the unit. Use your VOM to
determine the correct post.

tluchterhandt · May 3, 2015

Thanks for the help with this.

FGP · May 4, 2015

If you have the original starter switch on the tractor, there are three position plus the neutral return position on it. If you turn the switch to the left it only operates the starter. If you turn it one position to the right it operators the manifold heater only. Turning it to the next position to the right operates the heater and the starter at the same time. This allows you to start the tractor while the manifold heater stays on.

From the back of the switch once you determine which terminal is the battery terminal, it should be relatively easy to determine which terminal the heater wire connects to by using a continuity test light. Connect the test light clip to the battery terminal and then turn and hold the key to the right one position. Probe the other terminals on the back of the switch with the tester to see which one lights the light. Connect the heater wire to this terminal.

tluchterhandt · May 5, 2015

The ignition switch has straight up and down and one turn to left, and turn to the right engages starter, then spring back to run. It must not be the original switch.

Our Farmer · May 5, 2015

This is the same switch I have. Turning the key left activates the thermostart and
cranks the motor simultaneously. Even on single-digit days, the motor has to crank no
more than 10 seconds to start. If the coils are in good shape, the system works well.

mf65 diesel 12v fuel heater

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