lx 665 won't start

[bsteague]

We have an old lx665 that in the past few winters on colder days I have used a "torpedo heater" to warm up before it would start. I assumed the glowplugs and heat plate were bad, but it started. The starter recently went out and after replacing the starter the machine won't start. My mechanic says "all but one glow plugs are bad and the heater pan isn't working and that's the problem". I argue that even with bad glowplugs and heaterpan, if I warm the motor with the torpedo heater it should still start, regardless. What else could be the problem? Any suggestions, ideas, conmments----HELP!! Thanks, Bryan.

 

[Tazza]

Listen to your mechanic. Without glow plugs, the engine will be hard to start, especially if it has a few hours up. The less compression it gets with use, the harder it will be to start.
There are a few diesels out there that no matter what, need a quick glow to get them fired up. I know my older machines need it, when the engine is hot, it's not needed but even on a warm day, it needs it to get started.
When cranking, does it puff a heap of white smoke? if so, that means there isn't enough heat being generated to get it to ignite.

 

[cornykid]

Listen to your mechanic. Without glow plugs, the engine will be hard to start, especially if it has a few hours up. The less compression it gets with use, the harder it will be to start.
There are a few diesels out there that no matter what, need a quick glow to get them fired up. I know my older machines need it, when the engine is hot, it's not needed but even on a warm day, it needs it to get started.
When cranking, does it puff a heap of white smoke? if so, that means there isn't enough heat being generated to get it to ignite.

I found NGK glow plugs at rock auto for $8.02 a piece. Part number 7464. Word of advice, also replace the relay for the glow plugs. Mine was sticking and burnt out my new glow plugs.