Duke Blue Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 Well, I've done it! I found a 1964 B-Model Mack. Bought it....had it towed home because I didn't trust it for the 50 mile trip...flushed the fuel system....got it cranked without a lot of trouble. Now I've tagged it and driven it about a hundred miles.....tickled to death!! Now I need some advise, I can't get it to cold start without about a teaspoon of starter fluid. I've tried the primer...it doesn't help. It runs great after its' started, it just won't crank when cold. The engine spins as if there is no fuel to light the wick......do I need to rebuild the primer pump? If so, a recommemdation of where I can find a rebuild kit, or a remanufactured primer pump, would be much appreciated. JDB Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24868-cold-starting-my-b61/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumperAndSon Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 I really have no idea. But until you figure someting out, buy some silicone-based starting fluid so you don't tear up the engine.Ben Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24868-cold-starting-my-b61/#findComment-117153 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 Do you hold the throttle down when cranking? It won't start at idle until it's warmed up. Depending on how cold, I hold mine maybe 1/4-1/2 throttle to get it cough and start. Don't let it wind up hard, as I think that's bad especially if you don't have oil pressure yet. After it starts, I hold it high enough to get it warm up all cylinders and then let it idle. Usually about 5 seconds or so.The primer is only to get fuel up to pump, like if you run it dry(umm, well, ya, I know ths from experience). Only once though. Rob is far more experienced at running trucks out of fuel on a more regular basis LOL!!! He is getting A LOT better now at keeping tanks filled up. Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24868-cold-starting-my-b61/#findComment-117157 Share on other sites More sharing options...
220cummins Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 Old mack engines need either to get started in the cold. Either isn't going to harm the insides. Even on oil bath style air cleaners there was a bung on the top of the cleaner for an "ether kit" a couple shots of either will get it running. just not to much to "either lock" it. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24868-cold-starting-my-b61/#findComment-117166 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 I must have the one and only 673 that will start on it's OWN with no help even at 18* outside. Ya, it's not instantaneous, but with a few attempts on the starter, it will cough and start on it's own. Guess I'm lucky. I've heard people that have diesel pickups that won't do that?? Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24868-cold-starting-my-b61/#findComment-117167 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duke Blue Posted May 1, 2012 Author Share Posted May 1, 2012 I appreciate the input from you fellows, The silicone starter fluid seems like a good idea...I'll get some right away. I have tried the 1/4 to 1/2 throttle start...it doesn't help. I work for a major trucking company, when I first started years ago, we had air starters...mechanics used ether all the time to crank units that had been sitting for a while. I can start my Mack and drive it 20 miles or so...let it park for a couple of hours, and it will need a squirt to crank. All it takes is about a teaspoon...2 or 3 turns of the engine and she fires right up...I don't think there could be too much wrong....I just can't accept that I would have to ether a motor after sitting a couple of hours. Thanks for your help....when I figure it out I'll let ya'll know.....JDB Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24868-cold-starting-my-b61/#findComment-117168 Share on other sites More sharing options...
fxfymn Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 You might try a shot of oil based WD-40 in place of the ether to see if it helps. If it starts with a shot of oil my bet is something is allowing the fuel to drain back out of the filters or the fuel pump. Quote Money, sex, and fire; everybody thinks everyone else is getting more than they are! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24868-cold-starting-my-b61/#findComment-117171 Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOB DINGSDALE Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 Duke Blue:try spinning over for about 1/2 to 1 minute with stop in out position to let cylinders warm air up in cylinder air.let sit a minute then try it with stop in.might have to do this a couple of times but it works rather than either.Bob D Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24868-cold-starting-my-b61/#findComment-117172 Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOB DINGSDALE Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 Reading your reply to us it sounds like you have weak injectors.there not holding there pressure.i would start by taking them out and having them pressure checked at any diesel shop.they should hold there pressure esspesialy the ones out of B models.Bob D Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24868-cold-starting-my-b61/#findComment-117175 Share on other sites More sharing options...
220cummins Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 Yes you shouldn't need either for starting and stopping after it sits for a couple hours. The fuel should be warmed up enough by then to not hesitate. I could be the pump or injector(s). How does your throttle stop cable look? Any Kinks? Is it in the run position and work properly? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24868-cold-starting-my-b61/#findComment-117197 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamied625 Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 it might be a hose with a small hose in it my dads b-63 had a pin hole in one fuel line so if it sat it wouldnt start again replaced the lines and now its good always starts Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24868-cold-starting-my-b61/#findComment-117205 Share on other sites More sharing options...
b67tom Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 I agree with the possible leak in the fuel line somewere. My B can sit all winter and start with no problems. I've used a shop rag and a blow gun and put a few pounds of air in the fuel tanks to force fuel out the lines to find leaks before. Just don't put over 5 pounds in the. Tank or it could rupture. Tom Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24868-cold-starting-my-b61/#findComment-117208 Share on other sites More sharing options...
e9500v8 Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Take the primer pump out and right under it is a plastic seat could be wooden . When you get primer out see if it is in pieces if not take it out and inspect it !! There is one in both holes one under primer pump and one under nut beside primer pump check both of them ! Let me know what you find bet that is your problem!! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24868-cold-starting-my-b61/#findComment-117276 Share on other sites More sharing options...
e9500v8 Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 It also could be the overflow valve I will explain where it is after you check the seats in transfer pump Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24868-cold-starting-my-b61/#findComment-117422 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duke Blue Posted May 23, 2012 Author Share Posted May 23, 2012 Well, thank goodness, I've found the problem. First of all, I have rebuilt the supply pump. Every time I used the primer, it would leak fuel. I figured that it had to be taking in air at the same time. But that did not cure the starting problem. After that, I took into consideraion that the fuel tanks were not of Mack origin...(they are freightliner tanks)...with the help of a couple of good mechanics at my place of work we came to the conclusion that my Mack needed a check ball installed between the tank and the primary filter to assist in holding pressure. So far, I've let it sit for 48 hours and she started after a few revolutions!! Thanks for everybodys' input...I'll post a pic as soon as I figure put how...I'm not much of a computer guru.... Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24868-cold-starting-my-b61/#findComment-120661 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Well, thank goodness, I've found the problem. First of all, I have rebuilt the supply pump. Every time I used the primer, it would leak fuel. I figured that it had to be taking in air at the same time. But that did not cure the starting problem. After that, I took into consideraion that the fuel tanks were not of Mack origin...(they are freightliner tanks)...with the help of a couple of good mechanics at my place of work we came to the conclusion that my Mack needed a check ball installed between the tank and the primary filter to assist in holding pressure. So far, I've let it sit for 48 hours and she started after a few revolutions!! Thanks for everybodys' input...I'll post a pic as soon as I figure put how...I'm not much of a computer guru....The line check in your transfer pump is not working.Rob Quote Plodding along with no job nor practical application for my existence, but still trying to fix what's broke. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24868-cold-starting-my-b61/#findComment-120662 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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