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It's -20 below and my M won't start

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Steve L

12-08-2007 13:06:05




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I spent all morning trying to pull it out of the snowbank with the neighbor's tractor, because I couldn't get it started. Well, we didn't have enough muscle to get the job done, so we decided we would hotwire it and jump it off the 12 volt on the pickup-6 volt was dead. I had a Knipco heating up the pan while we were doing the hotwire job, but even on 12 volt the starter would just barely turn the engine over. I even took all the plugs out to get the holes lubed up good - it got better, but still didn't turn over well at all. Just wondering if a starter can be partially functional? I guess I thought that they either worked or didn't. It looks like this is possibly the original starter from 1949. Any thoughts, folks? I have 10w-30 oil in it, but again it is 20 below. Too much to ask of the old girl perhaps.

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Steve L.

12-10-2007 06:12:45




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 Re: It's -20 below and my M won't start in reply to Steve L, 12-08-2007 13:06:05  
Thanks for all the replies gents. I went and got the neighbor's Case Magnum- that had enough muscle to pull it out of the snowbank. I wonder if he'll notice if I don't bring it back? I'm in the process of installing that tank heater. I'll let you know how it goes. As for the comment about staying inside, I had to get the kid to school- it's a cold ride to town at -20F. LOL Have a good day!

Redneck

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Brownie450

12-09-2007 06:54:31




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 Re: It's -20 below and my M won't start in reply to Steve L, 12-08-2007 13:06:05  
The neighbor always said to take the battery & the oil bath air cleaner cup full of oil in the house at night to keep them warm. Lots of work, but probably helped on cold days. Sounds like you may have worn/ dry starter bushings &/ or worn/ stuck brushes in the starter. If the 6volt battery is dead, the 12volt jump will be only half effective because the 6volt will be the same as a short circuit in the system. Our SMTA always starts well at below zero temps.

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Charles E. McNelly III

12-08-2007 21:45:04




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 Re: It's -20 below and my M won't start in reply to Steve L, 12-08-2007 13:06:05  
Well Steve, you could move to South Texas where at 11:40pm at night it"s still 74 degrees. Charles



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Wardner

12-08-2007 23:17:45




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 Re: It's -20 below and my M won't start in reply to Charles E. McNelly III, 12-08-2007 21:45:04  
It's about the same temperature in my shop in the northeast. Can't imagine doing electrical work at minus 20 or even plus 20. That sounds like gloveless work.



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Hoss in Maine

12-08-2007 16:16:30




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 Re: It's -20 below and my M won't start in reply to Steve L, 12-08-2007 13:06:05  
or you could stay in the house. later Hoss



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georgeky

12-08-2007 13:14:49




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 Re: It's -20 below and my M won't start in reply to Steve L, 12-08-2007 13:06:05  
Starters will drag after years of use. Likely the brushes and or bushings are worn out in the starter. You may have better luck putting the 12 volt battery directly to the starter instead of trying to jump it off jumper cables. They tend to loose a lot of amps in the process. The 20 below should not stop it from starting if everything is in order. I have started mine many times at those temps. In fact when it gets that cold here the M's and C's are about the only things that go. I don't even try to start the diesels when it is that cold.

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460anger

12-08-2007 13:13:42




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 Re: It's -20 below and my M won't start in reply to Steve L, 12-08-2007 13:06:05  
Hold the clutch in while you are trying to start it that way your not trying to turn the heavy oil in the rear end.



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Steve L

12-08-2007 13:27:36




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 Re: It's -20 below and my M won't start in reply to 460anger, 12-08-2007 13:13:42  
I agree on the cold weather part- that is why I am so puzzled by this scenario. It popped off numerous times last year under similar circumstances. My outlaws converted there's to 12 volt and they say that it spins to beat heck- I was expecting the same result hooking it to 12v on the pickup. I think I will try to hook the battery direct instead of using the cables. I picked up a tank heater to try help her along a little bit. Can anyone tell me the general area to look for the frost plugs on the block or any other tips on this installation?

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georgeky

12-08-2007 16:48:33




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 Re: It's -20 below and my M won't start in reply to Steve L, 12-08-2007 13:27:36  
No where on a M to install that block heater. Don't need it anyhow. I think you need to fix your starter. Or install better cables. They may not be pulling enough current to operate the starter.



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SEMNTractor

12-08-2007 18:04:39




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 Re: It's -20 below and my M won't start in reply to georgeky, 12-08-2007 16:48:33  
YES THERE IS!! Use the block drain behind the carb. and return on right wide of head. Shows it in any book.



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georgeky

12-08-2007 18:26:17




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 Re: It's -20 below and my M won't start in reply to SEMNTractor, 12-08-2007 18:04:39  
Never thought of that. That sounds like a tank heater. I never had a problem starting any of mine and didn't need one.



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John M

12-08-2007 16:10:54




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 Re: It's -20 below and my M won't start in reply to Steve L, 12-08-2007 13:27:36  
Unless you want to fry the charging system I wouldnt do that.



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RustyFarmall

12-08-2007 14:45:45




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 Re: It's -20 below and my M won't start in reply to Steve L, 12-08-2007 13:27:36  
I think the block heater needs to be connected at the block drain plug on the left side of the engine, and then a tee fitting should be installed in the temperature sender fitting, and the other heater hose connected to that. This will heat and circulate the coolant in the engine only. It will not warm the radiator. The connection at the drain plug will be the "inlet" for the heater. The sending unit connection will be the "outlet".

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El Toro

12-10-2007 06:10:40




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 Re: It's -20 below and my M won't start in reply to RustyFarmall, 12-08-2007 14:45:45  
Hi Rusty, Is that the same hookup for a Farmall C so you can bypass the radiator? Hal

third party imageheight=480



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El Toro

12-10-2007 06:09:24




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 Re: It's -20 below and my M won't start in reply to RustyFarmall, 12-08-2007 14:45:45  
Hi Rusty, Is that the same hookup for a Farmall C so you can bypass the radiator? Hal

third party imageheight=480



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terryjd

12-09-2007 00:44:44




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 Re: It's -20 below and my M won't start in reply to RustyFarmall, 12-08-2007 14:45:45  
I remember that there is a block heater in my dads M. Is in the side of the block but not sure where now. Only had to plug it in when -20 or better but that was just so it started eaiser. No use starting it cold when you don't have to.



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Iowa47M

12-08-2007 21:34:19




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 Re: It's -20 below and my M won't start in reply to RustyFarmall, 12-08-2007 14:45:45  
I got a magnetic heater at the parts store and just stuck it to the Oil pan. Worked Great.



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