How hard should a diesel super 88 start?

How hard is a super 88 diesel to start when it is in good shape? At 30 degrees? 75 degrees? Do they have a manifold warmer like the newer Olivers? Thanks,
Josh
 
Need more details. Yes it has a heater, next how much white smoke do you see when you try to start it? If you work it for several hours and go eat lunch how does it start then. The design of the head was changed a little bit to improve starting so next question what year is the tractor/ Do you have a block heater. Your turn for answers?
 
I have not looked at it yet, it is for sale. I was wondering what a good one should start like, so I know what it should be like when I see it. It has green wheels, so 1955 or 56. Thanks,
Josh
 
Never knew of one that was an easy starter. I grew up on Super 88s and there was always a can of ether in the toolbox. My 880 will start without preheating above 50 degrees. It will start down to 0 with preheater, but below 30 I would recommend to plug it in. Never use ether and the manifold heater together. A faster starter motor would sure help. ADB
 
If its a fairly tight engine with the valves set correctly, it should fire fairly quick above 50 degrees. 20-40 degrees I run the pre-heater twice, 45 seconds each. If it has a good battery you should be able to get it going, although it won't like it a whole lot. Honestly though, anything 30 or below I always plug in the coolant heater to save wear & tear.
 
I have a 1956 and the more I use it, the better she starts. If she sits around for a while , I use a sniff of either from May until Sept because I live in Ontario. She will start right away after I shut her off if she sits awhile. As mentioned , you need a good battery 1000 amps with lots of cranking power to spin them fast. You will not regret buying a Super 88 . they are great tractors and fun to drive . I have several tractors and bought my 88 about 4 years ago and maybe put 6 hours on her at the pulls , she is still all stock .
 

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