U17 won't, start unless plugged in for 10 min

[JeffreyG]

My U17 will absolutely will not start unless plugged in for 10 minutes or so. it gives off white smoke out the exhaust pipe and I can smell fuel when cold. After plugging in the block heater it starts just perfect. Ive got less than 100 hrs on her. and its off warranty. I spoke with the dealer and he says to bring it for service of course but right now I'm 500 or so miles away from the nearest dealer. Any suggestions what I can do out here in the middle of no where?

 

[85Hokie]

Jeff,
Welcome to the forum - quick question, are you glowing the plugs for a good bit before starting?

 

[GreensvilleJay]

what's 'plugged in for 10 minutes'??
A battery charger ??

The more info the better we can help !

 

[fried1765]

what's 'plugged in for 10 minutes'??
A battery charger ??

The more info the better we can help !

I would think, he is obviously talking about a block heater!
Especially since it is still April, and he lives in Alberta.
Probably is a lot colder in Alberta each morning, than it is near you in Southern Ontario.

 

[JeffreyG]

Yes, the block heater, the engine turns over nicely after the glow plug preheat cycle but won't start. once warm with the block heat, it starts perfectly.

 

[85Hokie]

Yes, the block heater, the engine turns over nicely after the glow plug preheat cycle but won't start. once warm with the block heat, it starts perfectly.

I would look at testing those glow plugs, they should heat the chamber far quicker than the block heater

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

The glow plugs are not heating.

 

[JeffreyG]

The glow plugs are not heating.

 

[JeffreyG]

Yes, the block heater, the engine turns over nicely after the glow plug preheat cycle but won't start. once warm with the block heat, it starts perfectly.

After checking for glow plug preheat i discovered that a mouse had made a nest underneath the the electrical control panel and had chewed the two wires completely that connect the glow plugs to the control relay. Easy fix by splicing and soldering in new wires.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Throw some moth balls in a sock in there before you close it up.