Fit thermostart to '71 IH 454??

outdoors · Dec 26, 2011

Wondering if it would be realistic to fit a thermostart system to a Canadian spec IH 454 that didn't have it from new. My understanding is that the home market 454's had it and it would be a nice feature on cold mornings when not near a power source for a coolant heater.

The parts are listed on the CASE/IH site however would locating the parts on another tractor that is being parted out be the way to go if in need of everything?

Perhaps this is an exercise without a purpose however I dislike starting fluid and I had good experience with a similar system on an old Massey.

Thanks.

JimB2 · Dec 26, 2011

Hi, At first, I thought you were talking about
coolant thermostat but after re-reading your post
carefully, now I understand you are looking for
the glow plug type heater and fuel connection to
the intake manifold. My brother has 454D with
ether and 495D with the glow plug type in the
manifold both tractors have D-179 German Diesel
engines. We live in eastern Ontario and he claims
cold starting is about the same for both systems.
Have you tried WD-40 instead of ether? About a
year ago I was talking to a heavy equipment
mechanic and the company that he works for has
stopped using ether and switched to WD-40 as their
cold starting fluid.

JimB

495man · Dec 28, 2011

I can start the D179 in the 495 down to freezing without any assist.

The 495 does have factory ether injector as the cold start, just push a button on the bottom of the dash (near where the fuel lever shutoff is on a 454) but I only ever need that if it's cold AND the tractor isn't plugged in. A regular aerosol can just fits into the injector housing.

I would not worry about using SMALL amounts of ether as CIH uses it as factory start.

A D179 with a block heater will start like summer at minus 20C....too bad you can't be near a plug all the time.

outdoors · Dec 28, 2011

Thanks. I figured that you would see my post and provide some feedback.

Most of the time, plugging in a heater won't be an issue as it would be stored in a barn near with a plug in. Occasionally it may get left out for a night where power isn't handy and the thermostart seemed like a good idea and a little bit of insurance against freezing temps. Its not that I've never resorted to ether however growing up around Massey Fergusons with Perkins diesels has made me prefer other options.

I suppose that a circulating coolant heater could be installed and run off my little Honda generator if really needed.

On another note, I located an IH front weight bracket (Fawcett in Ont) and 2 (so far) small suitcase weights (Chowns in NB). I'm still looking for a few more weights to mount on her when I have a bush cutter or plough on the 3 point. It starts great but there is some blow-by coming from the breather pipe. Doesn't look like the valve cover has ever been off, or at least for a long time. Do you think that a valve adjustment is in order?

Thanks for your input.

495man · Dec 28, 2011

The coolant circulating type heater is the best, nice to plug that in and hear it whirring away knowing the tractor will start instantly when you turn the key.

A decent battery is probably the best thing...engine won't start if it won't turn over fast enough.

Wouldn't hurt to check the valves...a 454 is about 35 years old anyways and if the valves were never touched...

As far as front weights...don't have any on the 495 BUT have the "factory" grill guard and 2200 loader mounts on the tractor at all times (loader is off in the summer) I've never had the front end of the tractor come off the ground with anything I've hung off the back, 3 furrow plow, disk mower etc.

The 454 at Chown's has the solid nose weight on it:

http://www.chowntractorparts.com/ih454.htm

The 484 has the actual weight bracket and ether set up...

http://www.chowntractorparts.com/ih484.htm

outdoors · Dec 28, 2011

The optional solid front bumper is already on my 454 and the weight bracket bolts to that. Both are quite heavy on their own so it may not require much extra weight. I may have a bush/grill guard added to the weight bracket to protect the grill when mowing bushes.

The 454 at Chown's is all broken down into pieces with all bodywork previously sold. Wasn't much left to pick through. I would like to find a battery box cover as mine is pretty ratty. With a bit of care and some paint, I believe that it could be made to look much better than present.

My email is open. If you care to send me a message, I can forward you a picture of the old girl as she came to me.

Merry Christmas.

495man · Dec 28, 2011

Geez, Chown's should update their web page then...I'd hate to have been looking for sheet metal and found out it wasn't there...

You likely are fine with out the extra weight then if you have the solid bumper now.

I can't find your email on here, none listed on your profile and the PM system isn't working here for some reason.

outdoors · Dec 28, 2011

Message sent. Thanks

Fit thermostart to '71 IH 454??

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