AD3-152 Perkins, hard starting

Dale39

Member
Getting to know my first AD3-152, in a 250MF. It has 4500hrs and from my first observations it looks like its going to need some assistance to start below 0C, it starts really hard in the cold. I have a Ford 2910 with 2.9L 3 cyl diesel that will start in the cold down to -20C without a problem, turn the key and it starts.I do always try to plug them in before using in winter, as I don't like to start an engine cold, or use starting fluid, but I am just wondering if this is normal for these 152's. Other Perkins I have are AD4-248 in a 275 with 1800 original hours, and AT6-354 in an 1135 with 2800 original hours. This 152 starts much harder than these other 2 I have.
 
Once you get it started how does it run? When is the last time you replaced the filter(s)? Could be several possibilities..
 
It has a block heater, no pre-heat or glow plugs. It runs perfectly fine, does smoke a fair bit though. I just purchased it last week, have all the service records for it, oil change and filter was replaced in September approx 30 hours ago. Can I add glow plugs easily?
 
Look on the side of the intake manifold where the air hose attaches to it. Is there a screw in unit that looks like of like a temp sensor? Should have a small metal line attached to it if it still exists. That would be the flame heater that perkins came with, assuming you have it at all.
 
Will check when I get home from work. Lets say that it doesn't have that option, can it be added? Is there a port there ready for it? Its an MF 250 Serial 625283
 
My MF-240 has what's called a Thermo-Start feature. Hold the key ON, but not quite to START, for 30 seconds to 1 minute. That lets in some fuel and ignites it, so when you hit START you inject some hot air into the manifold, with fuel, and it starts right up. You might try that, you might have the Thermo-Start feature. Let it heat up for a minute or more.
 
I am very surprised your tractor does not have thermo start system or heater plug as it is known in uk it is possible that heater plug is not working does the engine smoke a lot which if it does could be caused by failed heater plug which is leaking
are battery and ground connections good
in UK the perkins AD3-152 is famous for been a very good cold weather starter
 
I would offer a guess that the biggest issue here is the 4500 hours. It "could" be that the engine is getting tired/worn and will struggle to start when cold. I have a MF 245 with the 152D with over 4800 hours and it doesn't start cold nearly as easy as my Dad's 245 with less than 1700 hours. Neither have thermo-start. Do you know if the injectors, injection pump, or engine have been rebuilt? A compression test would help diagnose the issue. A complete overhaul may be in your future:-(
Good luck with it!
 
I'm thinking MF#1 is correct, its probably getting tired. Can you tell me if this is the plug where the thermostart heater plug would be installed? Battery and connections are good, it cranks like a champion.
45004.jpg
 
That's the lift pump/supply pump.. it pulls fuel from the tank & pushes it to the injection pump inlet.
Have you tried to adjust the injection pump timing?
IF its a CAV DPA pump, theres a timing line on the pump mounting flange and 1 on the block.
There is an arrow on the nameplate of the inj. pump..
Loosen the nuts on the pump & rotate the pump about the width of the timing line OPPOSITE the direction of the arrow and tighten the nuts back up and see if that helps.. it'll probably get rid of your smoke too..
 
Just a thought you might try. If you can remove that plug, you might learn something. Size, depth, thread size, etc. As I recall, you can go on ebay and buy thermo-start injector plugs for not too much money. You might see if it will fit. Then the hard part might be piping it up and running the electrical. But you might try.
 
If he has any bone yards "close" by it might be better to wander through it. Find a setup so he can see all the parts and how they are setup etc. I imagine he could pick up the whole setup fairly cheap from a yard.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top