I've had a L245DT in the shop for about a month getting it into shape for use by it's owner on a tree farm.
It was in pretty rough shape when we got it.
The usual's....rebuild a front knuckle, replace the radiator, weld up the left rear axle outer plate (for some reason it's always been the left), new hoses, filters fluids, adjustments, add oil and water temp gauges, convert from down spout to upright exhaust, rewire it, new custom lights, adjust the valves.....new front tires.....you know.....the usual's.
Well.....the compression release cable had long ago quit having the ability to move within it's sleeve, and was non-functional.
Never use it, don't need it, remove it, and leave the knob in the dash for aesthetics.
Try and start the tractor:
Lots of smoke....almost starting, but just not enough "kick" in the compression.
Go through everything AGAIN.....a week's worth of going through again's....ugh....
This morning....I say's to myself: "Self....there's smoke, so there's fuel. The smoke is kinda grey....triple check again the glow plugs. There good.
Fuel synchronization (pull fuel lines......it's good....)"
Well....hey.....wait a minute.....what's this little lever doing all the way down on the front of the valve cover......
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ARGGGGGHHHHHHH...........................
Yup............compression release this whole week has been my nemesis!!!