B275 Poor Starting

1. The glow plug switch didn't work. Couldn't find the right switch from IH or any where else, so I put a starter switch on the dash. Found that the wiring from the switch to the glow plugs was bad. Replaced the wiring with heavy duty gauge wire. Glow plugs work.

2. The battery wires were bad. That made the starter go slower than normal. Replaced the wires and the starter spins correctly...fast.

3. Battery wasn't getting the proper charge. Got an alternator instead of the generator.

Push the glow plug button for 30 seconds, hit the starter switch and 3-4 cranks later, she starts right up with a huge puff of smoke, smokes for about a minute and clears up when it gets warmer.

These old tractors are fun sometimes, frustrating like a good crossword puzzle. Have fun and let us know how it comes out.

It doesn't have to be cold cold for these birds to have problems starting. You are right, though, the IH diesels are some cold natured old girls. Without glow plugs, you'd never get one started in the winter short of towing it or keeping it in the kitchen.

Here in Texas, it was 100 degrees the other day and I figured that I wouldn't have to hit the glow plug switch. After 10 20 seconds of grinding, nothing.

Hit the glow plugs for 30 and boom, away we went. In winter, when it gets into the 30's I have to push the button for up to a minute.

That takes a good battery, fully charged.

It doesn't have to be cold cold for these birds to have problems starting. You are right, though, the IH diesels are some cold natured old girls. Without glow plugs, you'd never get one started in the winter.

Here in Texas, it was 100 degrees the other day and I figured that I wouldn't have to hit the glow plug switch. After 10 20 seconds of grinding, nothing.

Hit the glow plugs for 30 and boom, away we went. In winter, when it gets into the 30's I have to push the button for up to a minute.

That takes a good battery, fully charged.

JB