Problems with Starting the Construction Machine

One of the most common breakdowns affecting construction machinery is starting problems.

This situation occurs particularly in winter, when after a frosty night, the operator has difficulty starting the engine. The issue may seem trivial at first glance. However, sometimes a more serious malfunction is at play, which only a specialized service can resolve.

How to avoid starting problems with construction machinery in winter?

Before the winter season, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the machine that will be operated in low temperatures. Starting problems in winter are most often the result of negligence on the part of the operator or equipment owner, so it is necessary to replace the fuel filter before winter arrives.

It is also worthwhile to clean the fuel strainer in the tank and check the correctness of battery charging and the operation of the starter.

Another service task is to assess the condition of glow plugs or flame heaters and the manual fuel pump.

In winter, it is definitely worth refueling with winter diesel oil, which contains additives that lower the temperature at which the fuel is usable. A good practice is also to refuel to the brim, which prevents the accumulation of water vapor on the tank walls.

When starting the engine in winter, remember to turn off all power consumers, such as the radio, ventilation with heating, or lighting.

When the machine does not start, but the cold is not to blame

If starting problems occur outside the winter season, the most likely source of the problem will be the fuel system.

In that case, it is worth checking whether the pump delivers fuel, whether the fuel reaches the injectors, whether the fuel filter is not clogged, whether the fuel system is not air-locked, and also whether there is a sufficient amount of fuel in the tank.

Additionally, it is necessary to check the operation of the glow plugs and the ignition system.

We check the voltage on the battery and all the electrical components responsible for starting the engine, with particular attention to the ignition coil, shutdown coil, or shutdown cables – these elements may have changed their position.

As a standard procedure, we also check the condition of the air filter and replace it preventively.

If all these measures do not yield results, then there is no choice – you must contact a specialized service with diagnostic equipment to determine the source of the ignition problem.

Sometimes, the malfunction can be fixed on the construction site, but usually, it is necessary to transport the machine to the workshop.

The duration of the downtime depends solely on the professionalism of the service and whether it has access to all the necessary spare parts.