Was pretty psyched when the old Ford started this morning

but it didn't run for long. Drained the 5 gallons still in the tank and set aside for the mowing season...now off to NAPA and to see the diesel man. At least its a pretty day.

 

I have some on the shelf in the garage but it is a little late though. The only thing that is going to remedy that fuel is some heat for an extended period and nothing is going to fix that filter. I live in the country but am only half a mile from the city line so trips to town are not a big deal. Yet another argument for one machine though

 

All is well that ends well. Fresh fuel and filter got her running again. But, it ran for 3 hours before the hydraulics would move? I usually don't have it parked where it was exposed to the wind in the winter. At most, it takes half an hour to get it warm enough to move the hydraulics. Does anyone else experience this when it is super cold and/or windy?

 

I'm lucky as I keep mine in a heated garage. What you can do is wrap the bottom with a tarp and slide a trouble light under there, Suprising how just the heat of the light in that enclosed area with keep things loose. Not only will she start easier, but the hyd pump will not have to work as hard to get the oil moving.

 

I might be able to do that but we live on an exposed ridge with peak annual winds in January. Thinking I might need to find something that fits in the garage for these occasions.

 

Thought about a block heater...?

 

My sub compact 25 hp 4wd diesel keeps my one acre lot with 3600 sq ft of driveway clean and green. Fits in one bay of a two car garage.

 

A block heater is definitely on the table as this machine owes me absolutely nothing and does everything I ask it to. Once I am done with all the work around the house, I might be able to move to a smaller machine but right now I'd just destroy it. The Ford takes a lot of abuse as evidenced by last week's repair work

 

For a block heater, are we talking about something like this?

http://www.yesterdaystractors.com/MBH1153_Magnetic-Block-Heater_24582.htm

 

Found the OEM heater that goes in one of the freeze plugs...should have spent that 25 bucks a long time ago. Thanks GS

 

I have owned approximately 60 tractors, dozers, loaders, etc. in my life and a block heater is essential for getting a diesel going on cold mornings. Ether is hard on heads, the only diesel tractor I ever had that would start easily was a Cockshutt 560.

 

It will be interesting to see if it helps the hydraulic fluid problem. It is a 400W heater but it seems like it would boil the oil in the motor before it warmed the hydraulic fluid reservoir?

 

All the block heater is doing is keeping the coolant warm and circulating, hence a warm block. Will make some difference on the hydralics to what degree depends how far away the oil tank is. #1 on what Guido said. The way we start heavy equipment that is left out in the bush is that we have hoses on quick diconnects on the cooling systems of our trucks. when we get to a piece of equipment that has been sitting out in extreme cold, we hook up the quick disconnects from the truck to a corresponding set on the unit. Let the truck run for about 20-30 minutes and BINGO, away it goes.

 

I do not know what model Ford you have, but I suspect the hydraulic reservoir is under the seat. A fire or torch under the rear axle might help, but the block heater will be of little assistance.

 

Mine aren't slow, they do nothing until some point at which they work at normal speed. Any recommendation on the low-visc?

 

So maybe the solution is to aim the heat gun through the fill into the reservoir with the tractor running when I have the problem? I have a bunch of little leaks that should be taken care of before I spring for the spendy fluid