Discussion:
No Start When Cold

I am having trouble with our Forklift not wanting to start when cold. It hasnt even got real cold here at night 20* of a low if that. Forklift is propane powered and will start if a heater is ran on the block for 15 minutes or so.

What is wrong? or is the best solution a coolant heater with circulation pump or storing it inside somehow
  • Posted 23 Nov 2016 01:01
  • By JoshP
  • joined 23 Nov'16 - 8 messages
  • Virginia, United States
Showing items 1 - 16 of 16 results.
One of the biggest problems with the newer fuel systems. If you have tar in the vaporizer then you most likely have through the whole fuel system. It really is not a bad design for the fuel system but mostly due to cheap LP fuel being used. If you do not specify what type of LP fuel you are most likely getting what they commonly call farm grade which has a lot of impurities in it and is fine if you are using it for your grill or something like that but not good for the newer fuel systems.
  • Posted 16 Dec 2016 13:19
  • By Partsguy5
  • joined 13 Jun'12 - 409 messages
  • California, United States
The vaporizer had a ton of tar in it. Im taking over for a mechanic that has retired and I have no documentation of it being drained

i also have a fuel filter on order for it too
  • Posted 16 Dec 2016 06:37
  • Modified 16 Dec 2016 06:40 by poster
  • By JoshP
  • joined 23 Nov'16 - 8 messages
  • Virginia, United States
Komatsu or Nissan part number is 16310-FT860 for the vaporizer. You will be further ahead buying a new unit and they are available in the aftermarket made by the same supplier as the OEM. With the technology built into trucks now days if you start messing with the fuel system or adding extra components, instead of fixing it correctly, it can create other issues. As I was always taught fix it right the first time otherwise you will spend 5 times the amount down the road.
  • Posted 2 Dec 2016 07:06
  • By Partsguy5
  • joined 13 Jun'12 - 409 messages
  • California, United States
That'll only be a temporary fix. It will, at some point, become unusable as the regulator becomes more clogged with tar. Forklifts aren't cheap to maintain, you'd better get used to spending money keeping it operational. Keep in mind that evertime you modify the lift in the hopes of saving money, the more liability you take on yourself, IMHO.
  • Posted 2 Dec 2016 06:59
  • By bbforks
  • joined 1 Mar'12 - 1,437 messages
  • Pennsylvania, United States
bbforks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
Customers love technology- until they have to pay to fix it!
sounds like itll be cheaper to just splice in a coolant block heater circulating pump
  • Posted 2 Dec 2016 06:46
  • By JoshP
  • joined 23 Nov'16 - 8 messages
  • Virginia, United States
Sorry, a cold start issue is usually a regulator issue. Filters, spark plugs etc have their own sets of symptoms which generally aren't cold start issues.
  • Posted 2 Dec 2016 01:16
  • By bbforks
  • joined 1 Mar'12 - 1,437 messages
  • Pennsylvania, United States
bbforks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
Customers love technology- until they have to pay to fix it!
Sorry, a cold start issue is usually a regulator issue. Filters, spark plugs etc have their own sets of symptoms which generally aren't cold start issues.
  • Posted 2 Dec 2016 00:56
  • By bbforks
  • joined 1 Mar'12 - 1,437 messages
  • Pennsylvania, United States
bbforks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
Customers love technology- until they have to pay to fix it!
So im at replacing the metering device for a cold start No filters or anything easy relatively cheap to fix for the Cold start?
  • Posted 2 Dec 2016 00:46
  • By JoshP
  • joined 23 Nov'16 - 8 messages
  • Virginia, United States
The regulator is usually beside the battery. It'll have coolant hosing as well as LP hosing attached to it. I would recommend you replace this with a new one from the dealer as they are precise metering devices which will be difficult for you to rebuild aa you have no experience with these. Be ready- these are expensive.

Also- make sure your LP supplier is selling you grade HD-5 propane as these regulators are sensitive to contaminants & tar buildup.
  • Posted 2 Dec 2016 00:35
  • Modified 2 Dec 2016 00:39 by poster
  • By bbforks
  • joined 1 Mar'12 - 1,437 messages
  • Pennsylvania, United States
bbforks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
Customers love technology- until they have to pay to fix it!
I do not know Im new to propane equipment Ill have to look
  • Posted 2 Dec 2016 00:14
  • By JoshP
  • joined 23 Nov'16 - 8 messages
  • Virginia, United States
This truck has either the Nissan K21 or K25 engine so it will have pretty much the same fuel system that everyone else uses for this engine.
  • Posted 1 Dec 2016 09:48
  • By Partsguy5
  • joined 13 Jun'12 - 409 messages
  • California, United States
How is the fuel delivered to the injectors? Does it come directly from the fuel lockoff?
  • Posted 1 Dec 2016 08:42
  • By BREWSKI
  • joined 10 Jan'12 - 1,699 messages
  • Nebraska, United States
Its a fuel injected nissan Where is the regulator to clean up?
  • Posted 1 Dec 2016 07:17
  • By JoshP
  • joined 23 Nov'16 - 8 messages
  • Virginia, United States
He is referring to the fuel regulator, mixer/carburetor and or the fuel lockoff. These can get gummed up with tar from the fuel and cause problems when cold.
  • Posted 1 Dec 2016 05:54
  • By BREWSKI
  • joined 10 Jan'12 - 1,699 messages
  • Nebraska, United States
What needs serviced?
  • Posted 1 Dec 2016 05:40
  • By JoshP
  • joined 23 Nov'16 - 8 messages
  • Virginia, United States
Sounds like your propane system needs service.
  • Posted 23 Nov 2016 01:36
  • By bbforks
  • joined 1 Mar'12 - 1,437 messages
  • Pennsylvania, United States
bbforks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
Customers love technology- until they have to pay to fix it!

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