[AT] Yellow Farmall now cold starting

[Ralph Goff]

On 12/31/2010 2:42 PM, mpnc282 at juno.com wrote:
> On a related note, I have a question for those with diesel tractors. I have a MF 255 with a Perkins diesel. The previous owner told me it is cold blooded and needs to be plugged in below 40 degrees. I've yet to start it this winter, and was wondering how long I need to plug it in for. I'm sure all tractors are a little different, but a ballpark would be nice. Any thoughts? Thanks, Mike M
>
Mike, your 255 is probably a close relative of my old Super 90 Massey. 
Mine has the 300 cubic inch Perkins diesel. Its about 47 years old and 
who knows how many hours the previous owners put on before it came to 
this farm. Its been a very good engine. Originally these tractors had a 
dual battery (two six volts) starting system but a previous owner 
changed over to a single 12 volt battery. While it is usually adequate 
down to 40 degrees or so, it makes a big difference if I hook up the 
battery booster to give just a little extra cranking power. But it does 
simplify life to just go with a single battery so I have not changed it. 
If the weather is cool I will plug in the 1500 watt block heater 
(external circulating type) for 20 minutes or so and thats all it takes 
to start . In our cold Sask. winters I will give it a couple of hours 
(parked indoors) of heating before starting. It might need less but I 
figure a little extra heating will never harm the engine.
How much plug in time you need also  depends what capacity block heater 
you have. Obviously a 1500 watt will heat up much quicker than one half 
that size.
Of course all tractors vary. My brother's 1085 Massey, with a similar 
Perkins diesel has the dual batteries but still needs a shot of ether on 
cool mornings sometimes in fall. In winter we do not even consider 
starting one of these diesels without pre-heating with the coolant 
heater. Better for the engine, better for the operator.

Ralph in Sask.