Sorry for the novice question. What's the best way to cold start your BJ74? Are you supposed to pump the gas a couple times? I choke it, of course, and let the plugs heat up. It still takes several cranks. Is there something I SHOULD NOT be doing? Thanks in advance fellas...
BJ74 Cold start help
- Thread starter reelmower
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If it has the 13BT engine, it does not have glow plugs. Instead it has an air intake heating system that needs to warm up.
Mine does not have a choke. It does have a twist knob which looks like a choke but is actually the manual idle setting.
Mine does not have a choke. It does have a twist knob which looks like a choke but is actually the manual idle setting.
- Thread starter
- #3
It does have the 13bt. Thanks for the info. How long does it need to warm up?
If the ambient temp is cold enough the screen will heat for a few seconds. The pre-heat indicator will illuminate while the screen heats. It has to be pretty cold for the pre-heat to activate. If it does light up briefly you can cycle the key again to give it another cycle. Pumping the accelerator pedal does absolutely nothing for you. You do need to open the accelerator somewhat in order to get the engine to catch. You will have to play with it a bit to see how much it wants.
My experience is the engine will not start or idle cold unless it has some throttle applied. As it warms up you can back the fast idle down.
I let it idle long enough for the oil pressure to come up and for the alternator to come back online. Usually about 90 seconds.
My experience is the engine will not start or idle cold unless it has some throttle applied. As it warms up you can back the fast idle down.
I let it idle long enough for the oil pressure to come up and for the alternator to come back online. Usually about 90 seconds.
As Dan said, the pre-heater has a timer on it. You can't alter it as far as I know.
Cycle-time is temperature-dependent. The colder it is the longer is stays on. But as I mentioned above it had to be pretty damn cold for it to come on in the first place.
I actually support the Pump the Gas a few times approcah... by which I mean, squirt a few shots of ether into the air box, then, yes, that will definately help!
Cycle time of the Glow Screen is triggered at temps @ 3C, and cycle time increases to maximum at arounf -15C, I believe. Your 13B-T will be extremely difficult to start at 4C!
Us long time Canadian BJ74 owners never leave home without a fresh can of ether in the glove box, a set of jumper cables in the back, and all my buddies who daily drive 24V Land Cuisers on speed dial so I can call them for a boost! The motor league is absolutely no help.
I have now installed a Webasto in my daily driver BJ74, and that solves many of the cold starting problems.
Cycle time of the Glow Screen is triggered at temps @ 3C, and cycle time increases to maximum at arounf -15C, I believe. Your 13B-T will be extremely difficult to start at 4C!
Us long time Canadian BJ74 owners never leave home without a fresh can of ether in the glove box, a set of jumper cables in the back, and all my buddies who daily drive 24V Land Cuisers on speed dial so I can call them for a boost! The motor league is absolutely no help.
I have now installed a Webasto in my daily driver BJ74, and that solves many of the cold starting problems.
I have plug-in pre-heating with a lower rad hose heater and a battery blanket over the injectors on my 13B-T, and a timer on the outlet to warm the engine when it's cold. Here in the North, plug-ins are readily available wherever there's electricity.
This may be useful:
13BT pre-heater light
If you use the hand throttle to set the engine to about 1400 RPM before you shut it down for the day, then cold starting will be easier.
This may be useful:
13BT pre-heater light
If you use the hand throttle to set the engine to about 1400 RPM before you shut it down for the day, then cold starting will be easier.
- Thread starter
- #9
Great info Mann! Thanks so much. My pre-heat light never worked. Turns out I just might not be getting cold enough.
- Thread starter
- #10
Great info, thanks! Was the Webasto hard to install?
Ive had to cold start my BJ74 after sitting for day(s) at temps as cold as-30c and not plugged in. I have never used ether or needed a boost. Do the timer manual over ride switch and let it run 2 full cycles at temps below -15c. Another simple option is to unplug the temp sensor at the thermostat housing. Pre heat will come on full cycle everytime or until you turn the key farther and engage the starter.
A year ago October I installed a Webasto and couldnt imagine living without it now.
Webasto Install BJ74 13BT
A year ago October I installed a Webasto and couldnt imagine living without it now.
Webasto Install BJ74 13BT
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