Snowcat Series - 0 Degree(F) Cold Start 1985 PistenBully PB130D

All I want for Christmas is a diesel fired hydronic heater. Until then, the ol' PB130 will need to stay plugged in during the cold spells. Skip to 4:20 if you want to see the Mercedes OM617-A finally fire up.

[silasratico]

Can you describe to me exactly what your procedure is from when you get in the cab to turning the key. I just got a pb160 and it just cranks and cranks. I can’t get it to fire. Wondering if I have a lever or switches in the wrong position

[ironjohn]

Engine block heater, plug it in. Starts much much easier...

[ymog]

That sounds exactly like mine in temps below 10 or 15F. Obviously your battery is good. Do you do throttle to the floor? That' what the manual says, but lately I set the hand potentiometer to a point that corresponds to about 1500 rpm and it cold starts better that way. Guess I should ask if your machine still has the hand throttle. Apparently many of them broke and were removed.

[peterh]

Check to see if the glow plugs are all good....