[AT] Yellow Farmall now cold starting

[Gene Dotson]

    Ralph;

    I use 2, 12 volt batteries on all 3 of my diesels. The Case 700 has a 
conventional cable setup with +to +then to starter soleniod and - to -and 
grounded on transmission case. It uses group 24F batteries. On the Case 900 
and the IH 660 I run a seperate cable from each battery + terminal to 
starter solenoid terminal, Then I ground each battery seperately to 
transmission housing. I use group 31 batteries in both of them. Cables are 
1-0 gauge. All of these tractors originally had 2, 6 volt batteries in 
series and with the 12 volt batteries in parallel all tractors crank much 
faster and batteries last longer. Yes, all tractors have external tank 
heaters. 1000 watt on the 700 and 1500 watt on the 900 and 660. I have had 
the same can of ether for over 30 years and still not empty. All tractors 
are parked in a barn and plenty of electrical outlets.

                            Gene



>>
> 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.
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