MF 35 3 cyl 20-30 turns to start

I had a Massey 35 3 cyl (1960/62?) for 25 years - always started after a few engine turns (till liner pulled! :( ). Just bought same model 1961 ("restored" condition) Serial Number SNM235026.

This tractor apparently needs "heat" to start (never did with my first tractor) but even after 30 secs heat (the plug is warm) and 20+ turns it struggles to start and the battery is taking a real caning. I get clouds of white diesel vapour - and I mean CLOUDS - and just before the battery gives up it starts with a burst of black smoke and then everything is normal. When warm it starts ok. When running it is smokeless.

Can any kind person suggest where all this diesel vapour is coming from and why the engine should be so reluctant to start?

I turn the key left to the heat position and then right to start. I also noticed that it is possible to turn the key left of the heat position and this also turns the engine. Does it matter which way its turned?

At the moment I daren't go too far away from a battery charger!

Thanks for that - its a very useful piece of information - as a tractor novice (despite having a MF35 for 25 years - thats how good they are) I have been turning the key clockwise after turning it to the heat position. I dont know if that is the reason for the bad starting but I'll try anticlockwise tomorrow. I need to solve this - the amount of white diesel smoke coming from the exhaust is so incredible I have to stop because I can only hold my breath for so long!

When the tractor is cold remove the fuel pipe, you will loose about an egg cup of fuel. Remove the thermostart. After the engine has run normally the coiled element in the thermostart will be blackish but it should be dry. Any evidence of wetness means that the thermostart has failed.

Irrespective of the engine condition I would be a little concerned and think that there are other problems, compression and fuel injection being the main two. You mention that the cranking speed is OK at the start, please check the thermostart first.
Regards

DavidP

If I understand you correctly I should:

1. Take the tractor for a run
2. Switch the engine off and let it get cold
3. Remove the thermostat
4. If its wet - a problem - new thermostat.

5. If its dry - I've got another problem!

The tractor is a full restoration job (not mine)with only 100 hrs on the clock so I hope its not compression problems.

Its dark now - I'll do your test tomorrow.

Many thanks.

I thank you again - work has just stopped me getting at this problem but I will post a reply with the results when I've done the tests. One impression I got was that the problem is much worse if the engine is not set to idle before starting - but I can't confirm this yet.

I did trawl the YT posts and found a mention that the resistance between across the plug (wire connection and earth) should be about 2-5 ohms. I measured mine and its about 25. I have a CD manual and tried to find out what a heater plug is - a bit complicated - but I did see that it had a valve and I suppose any valve can leak!
I also noticed the plug manufacturer is specified as a CAV. There are no markings on my plug.

Barry

I rang the guy who sold me the tractor he said the heater plug was new and a waste of time checking - he said just give it more heat - say 40/60 secs.

When I do this (which I never imagined would be necessary) the tractor starts first time.

Its a real joy to have another of these wonderful tractors.

Thanks for all your comments.