Glowplugs in diesel tractors...

My question is why does the tractor start? They even say they are easier to start than their diesel trucks. The tractors crank right up while they wait on there trucks to quit dinging.

Thanks
Jeremy

Direct injected engines do start easier, and all bigger tractors are direct injection, small diesels like are in compact tractors are indirect injected.

To help direct injected engines start in very cold temps., they sometimes use a kit to squirt a small bit of ether into the intake manifold. Also a "single" glowplug is sometimes used in the intake manifold to heat a few drops of fuel to vaporize it. Another way, is to have a "heater grid" in the intake, so the engine sucks heated air in as it cranks. CJ

As far as starting goes, many old diesel engines had no starting aid. In warm weather, with lots of heat in the air, they started fairly easily. In cold weather, getting them started caused a lot of new cuss words to be invented. Later, things like ether squirted into the intake manifold (dangerous but effective) and intake air preheaters (think the heating element in a toaster) were used. Then came glow plugs.

Ask your relatives and I'm sure they will tell you that getting a diesel started, especially in cold weather, is dependent on four things:

1) The starting system must be perfect... batteries, cables, starter.

2) The injector pump and injectors must be perfect.

3) Injector pump timing must be right on the money.

4) You must be using the right fuel and it must be free of water.

I've learned that in a very cold climate, block heaters and synthetic oil are very helpful.

I was too young to pay attention to all that he went thru for starting other than what was talked about in latter years.

He turned on the fuel, ran the crank around one revolution to just before compression, then jerked on the 15" cresent over top center and the beast came alive every time.

From the sound of my PSD starting, theres no way it would start with one revolution crank even with ether and GP's and of course it requires high pressure oil to fire the injectors, the quick start down fall.

T_Bone

DIRECT INJECTION VERS INDERECT INJECTION

Many ways to start a cold diesel. Use elect plug up system.
Use onboard either injection system.
Use glow plugs.
Use intake air heating grids.

Many newer diesels in pickups are using a indirect injection system that allows for a air/fuel swirling area to pre mix the air/fuel. They do this because of stricter emissions on small trucks and it requires a glow plug to start it when cold. Today’s diesels have new technology that is getting away from glow plug use. Check out the new diesel cars especially in Europe.

- Pneumatic motor start - An air motor replaces the electric starter. A large air tank supplies the air motor. Provides a quick start by spinning the crankshaft much faster than an electric starter. Starting tank is recharged from the air brake compressor. A local truck fleet here has bunch of 'em - they have a unique (and startling..) "zip" sound when they're started. Also certain Alco diesel locomotives were started this way.

- Hydraulic starter - Works similar to the pneumatic starter only the motor is hydraulic and pressure is supplied by a N2/oil accumulator tank. Accumulator is recharged by a small hydraulic pump after the engine starts. Only offered on 2 stroke Detroit diesels as far as I know.

- Direct air start - Sequencing valves supply timed air pressure pulses to several cylinders to roll the crankshaft. Used only on very large diesels (ship propulsion, etc).

To the best of my knowledge none of the above require glow plugs, ether injection, etc. They depend on high crankng RPM to assure reliable starting.