Tell Me What You Think (picture)

Hi All,

Maybe I'm just paranoid.

Or, maybe I am feeling guilty 'cause I haven't yet spent enough money on this tired old tractor..... .naw, that sure as heck ain't it!

It is 54 degrees here this morning, the tractor has been running for about 4 minutes. It will fog smoke like this until I put a load to it, then the exhaust clears right up; completely clear. Also, if I just wait until the temp comes up on the gauge a little ways, it will then clear up too.

It starts instantly; doesn't spin over twice and it is running. It uses no oil that I can detect and it pulls like a monster. It pulls so strong in fact, that I thought maybe it had been turned up, but I guess that is not the case after talking to some of you guys.

The tractor shows just a tad over 7000 hours and I've had to do a LOT of repairs; I mean a lot of repairs. My billfold is getting worn out from my yanking it out of my pocket all the time!

But, my "Red Mech" says that this engine has already been gone thru and that there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.

One day I told him that I was toying with the idea of having him do a complete out of frame overhaul on it--just to know that I had a new engine. He told me, "Fine, I'll do it, but I guarantee you it will smoke just like it is doing now until it gets hot; it is the nature of the 310."

Now guys, this thing reminds me of those old worn out diesel tractors that the grain elevators use to run their augers during harvest time. You drive by 'em and you can just tell that they are shot and are on their last leg.

Would you please tell me what you fellas think of this smoke?

Thanks,

Allan

I don't think the smoke is excessive but I would check to be sure you have a good working thermostat in the engine to warm it up good. Many people think cooler is better but all engines are designed to run at a certain coolant temperature.

If it clears up after it runs a bit I don't see any problem

Tommy

That looks purely normal, in fact I wish mine smoked that little for the first few minutes. Actually I think that is the same color smoke that mine puts out while it is warming up.

Now I know what you are talking about, the guys with the wore out diesels are blowing white smoke and it doesn't quit. I liked to have choked to death the other day following a truck blowing white smoke. Couldn't get around him.

I will say that if this tractor was idled alot, there may be a layer of carbon on the piston head and in the combustion chambers that is insulating the chamber and causing the cool startup temps. I know my B414 had this problem because I took the injectors out. There was a heavy layer of carbon all over the combustion chamber. Rebuilt injectors and 5or 6 hours of heavy mowing at a time has done a lot to take care of that problem.

Anyway, and seriously, I don't think that you have anything to worry about. Unless you start it in a barn with the door closed. Ha.

Joe the UFO Man

Had my sale Oct.2002; I thought the tractors and van went cheap. Oh well.

1939 Farmall M $850. Good tires and good engine. Farmall 706 ger.diesel. $3200. Good tractor Farmall 300. $1175. Good engine,clutch and TA. Needed brakes and hydraulic work. Tin lousy. 1952 Ferguson 30 with Dearborn loader. Good cond. $1500.

Be careful. steve

You should come to Canada when it's -20F and watch them fill the entire area with smoke, hardly see someone standing 20' away from you.

LOL! Yeah, you are probably right about that.

Remember when I was argueing with you when you made the statement that anyone who bought a tractor sight unseen had rocks in his head?

I'm think I'm just looking for ways to prove you were correct!! LOL

Even tho I really didn't pay a lot for it, I could tell from looking at the thing before I unloaded it off the semi that I had taken one heck of a beatin' on the old brute.

Maybe I'm looking for ways to capture the coveted MCIDR award(Most Costs Incurred During Restore).

The radiator cap seems to be okay tho. :>)

Thanks Pard,

Allan

Diesels were made to pull, not idle...

Yeah, I know I'm being overly picky and no, the neighbors don't say anything.

This is just one of those things that is nagging me is all. Kinda like an itch I can't reach.

If you guys say it is okay, I'll take your word for it and try my darndest to ignore it.

I've just never been around one of these Germans before and am a little taken aback by the smoke & their slobber when cold.

I've always owned American diesels; they would smoke a bit when started (like the second picture) but then that was the end of it--in two minutes they were clean. The only smoke I'd ever see out of 'em was a little black once in awhile when they bumped up against that governor.

Thanks for your help,

Allan

I took this picture immediately after I started it. I think this is normal and then it should clean up from this.

But, then the tractor starts smoking more--not less.

Thanks

If your tractor starts and runs good and doesnt use oil then leave it alone. I had a 706 german deisel and never had engine problems with it. Anyway, they are expensive to overhaul and some mechanics dont like to work on them.

steve

Did yours do this smoking thing too?

This one just runs great; sounds just like those 360 do. Kind of a more "diesel" sound than the 282s do.

You quoted my mechanic to the word: "If it starts and runs good, leave it alone."

Bet it is getting hot down there by now, huh?

Allan

Ya, supposed to get to 101 today and close to that tomorrow. If I could find my sale bill I would post what mine sold for. Had 7400 hrs and wore out rear tires.

steve