Does a jcb 3c2 have a glow plug and if so where is it?

Martin, May 2009

how can i get drawings for the starter pliot jcb 3 M2.

me, November 2011

Hello again
Just remembered, JCB sometimes fitted a device known as "Start Pilot". If you have this set up there should be a "glass" bowl or tube on the dash panel, with a "T" priming handle adjacent. The tube or bowl was filled from a pressurised container rather like filling a cigarette lighter. Cold starting was then done by cranking the engine while pumping gently on the priming handle. I have no idea where or if refills can be obtained, always assuming the system is intact.
For parts, you could try Lee Gregory, web site "Digger Doctor".

Mr. Toad, May 2009

Hello Martin
Rangey V8? Been there, done that, twice! Can't beat a conventional mechanical injection oiler though.
When you turn the ign. first position should put on oil and gen. lights. Turning further against spring pressure, but before pulling in the starter, should energise the thermostart. Check that power is reaching it. Check that the plug is heating up by removing the air intake hose to the manifold - it takes a couple of seconds to warm up - and you will likely see some oil fumes if it working. You should have a fuel feed to the thermostart from the spill pipe, usually
on top of the fuel filter. If everything is there, you need to allow about 20 seconds then turn the key to crank the engine. Fuel from the spill pipe then flows through onto the hot element and vaporises, and is drawn into the engine which then starts(hopefully!)
You need to have the throttle open while starting.
Hope this is of help, if you have any more questions, you are welcome to ask! Can't promise an answer though.

Ps. you do have a thermostart plug fitted, do you?

Mr. Toad, May 2009

thanks for that mr toad you no more than holt jcb who tried telling me it had both a glow plug and thermo start. If you are clued up with the leyland engine can i pick your brains. Ive just bought an old 3cmk2 to help my parents out on there small stables but ive just burnt out a new starter cause i think the key switch was knackered so ive replaced that and got a new starter and the company that supplied the starter said make sure the glow plugs working. As it doesnt have one what starts the engine. As you can see im not very good with diesel engines give me a range V8 anyday. Thanks
Martin

martin, May 2009

The glow plug, actually a "Thermostart" is located
centrally in the inlet manifold, below the pipe from
the air cleaner, on the Leyland engine.

Mr. Toad, May 2009