Why Does the Takeuchi TL140 Start Then Stall in Cold Weather

[MikePhua]

The Takeuchi TL140 and Its Compact Track Loader Legacy
The Takeuchi TL140 is a mid-sized compact track loader introduced in the early 2000s by Takeuchi Manufacturing, a Japanese company known for pioneering the compact excavator and track loader market. With an operating weight of approximately 8,600 lbs and powered by a 81 hp four-cylinder diesel engine, the TL140 was designed for grading, lifting, and material handling in confined spaces. Its rugged undercarriage, pilot-controlled hydraulics, and high-flow auxiliary circuit made it popular among landscapers, utility contractors, and rental fleets.
Takeuchi has sold thousands of TL140 units globally, and many remain in active service. However, as these machines age, cold-start behavior becomes a common concern—especially when the engine fires briefly and then stalls.
Terminology Annotation

• Glow Plug: A heating element in diesel engines that warms the combustion chamber for cold starts.
  
• Fuel Cut Solenoid: An electrically actuated valve that allows or blocks fuel flow to the injection pump.
  
• Lift Pump: A low-pressure pump that delivers fuel from the tank to the injection system.
  
• Idle Control Valve: A component that regulates engine speed during startup and low-load conditions.
  

Typical Cold Start Failure Pattern
Owners report that the TL140 cranks normally, fires for a few seconds, and then quits. This behavior is most pronounced in cold weather or after extended storage. The engine may restart after multiple attempts or remain unresponsive until ambient temperatures rise.
Common symptoms include:

• Engine starts and dies within 3–5 seconds
  
• Glow plug indicator light may not illuminate
  
• Fuel filter housing appears dry or partially filled
  
• Audible click from fuel solenoid but no sustained fuel delivery
  
• White smoke during cranking, indicating unburned fuel
  

In one Vermont snow removal operation, a TL140 failed to stay running during a January morning start. The operator discovered that the fuel cut solenoid was receiving intermittent voltage due to a corroded relay. After cleaning the contacts and replacing the relay, the machine started and ran normally.
Root Causes and Diagnostic Strategy
Cold-start stalling is typically caused by one or more of the following:

• Insufficient fuel delivery due to clogged filters or weak lift pump
  
• Glow plug failure or control circuit malfunction
  
• Fuel cut solenoid not staying energized after startup
  
• Air intrusion into the fuel system from cracked lines or loose fittings
  
• Idle control valve sticking due to carbon buildup or low voltage
  

Diagnostic steps include:

• Verify glow plug operation by checking resistance and voltage during preheat
  
• Inspect fuel filter and water separator for contamination or ice
  
• Test lift pump output pressure (should exceed 5 psi at idle)
  
• Check voltage at fuel cut solenoid during cranking and after start
  
• Inspect fuel lines for air bubbles or leaks using clear tubing
  

If the machine starts and dies consistently, suspect that the fuel solenoid is losing power after the key returns from the start position. This may be caused by a faulty ignition switch or relay.
Solutions and Preventive Measures
Once the root cause is identified, corrective actions may include:

• Replacing fuel filter and bleeding the system to remove air
  
• Installing a new fuel cut solenoid or bypassing it temporarily for testing
  
• Cleaning or replacing glow plugs and verifying preheat timer function
  
• Upgrading lift pump to an electric unit with consistent output
  
• Cleaning idle control valve and throttle body with diesel-safe solvent
  

Preventive strategies for cold climates:

• Use winter-grade diesel fuel with anti-gel additives
  
• Install block heater or glow plug timer override
  
• Keep battery fully charged and test voltage drop during cranking
  
• Store machine indoors or under insulated cover when possible
  

In one Canadian fleet, retrofitting TL140 units with electric lift pumps and upgraded glow plug timers reduced cold-start failures by 80% across the season.
Operator Tips and Cold Weather Protocol

• Cycle glow plugs twice before cranking in sub-zero temperatures
  
• Hold key in start position for a full 5 seconds after engine fires
  
• Avoid rapid throttle input during startup
  
• Let engine idle for 3–5 minutes before engaging hydraulics
  
• Monitor fuel filter bowl for water or ice crystals
  

In one municipal yard, operators were trained to perform a cold-start checklist each morning. This reduced no-start incidents and improved machine uptime during winter operations.
Final Thoughts
The Takeuchi TL140 is a reliable workhorse, but cold-start stalling is a solvable issue rooted in fuel delivery and ignition timing. With methodical diagnostics and a few upgrades, the machine can perform consistently even in harsh conditions. Whether clearing snow, grading frozen soil, or loading winter debris, the TL140 proves its worth when properly maintained.
In diesel iron, warmth is power. And when the glow plugs fire and the fuel flows, the job begins.