2002 LK 3054 potential starting issue

nolan3387 · Apr 9, 2019

I recently purchased a 2002 LK3054 With 550 hours on it. The previous owner had it for about 7 or so years and hardly used it. He bought it from a co-worker who had it for about 10 years that lightly used it.
Anyway, when it sits for awhile (week or more) it is a little harder to start on the first try unless I warm the glow plugs for 45-60 seconds. If I turn the key for the glow plugs for 45-60 seconds, it will fire up normal. If I turn the key for 30 seconds or less, it will really struggle to start on the first try. I keep the tractor in my garage, so even when it is winter out, the garage is at least 40 degrees. I thought maybe it was the lower temp in the winter, but now that it is nice out and the garage is 50-60 degrees, it does the same thing. Last night when I got home from work it was 70 degrees out and I turned the key to warm the plugs for about 10 seconds, and the tractor barely started on the first try.
I was wondering if this was normal, or if there is possibly something that I can replace or fix that would help. I used to have a 99 F250 7.3L so I am familiar with glow plugs, injectors, relays, ect. when you are having trouble with cold starts.
I was wondering if the starter is worn and doesn't have the power to fire it? Battery? Oil change? injectors? relay? glow plugs?
My dad used to have a Kubota 4700 and we never had to use the glow plug warmer and it would fire up everytime without fault no matter the temp or how long it sat. Anyway, any help would be appreciated!

Thank you

Patches · Apr 9, 2019

I own an '04, bought new, and have the same issue. I installed a lower coolant hose heater and use it religiously during the winter months; heat for an hour before cranking and it starts immediately. Tractor is stored in an unheated garage and if I attempt to start it without the heater it will start but sounds like it's hurting itself. Get used to preheating with the glow plugs; you'll learn how long to preheat according to the temperature, and open the throttle to about one third to one half throttle. It helps

m1garand762 · Apr 12, 2019

My lk does the same thing. I found if I give a slow count to 15 in cold weather and 10 above 40 it will start. My dealership said that's how they always were

nolan3387 · Apr 12, 2019

Thank you for the replies, I feel alot better now. The tractor was always stored inside and well kept, so I had a hard time thinking something was worn our needed to be replaced with only 550 hours on it.

Thanks again!

AWSubie · Apr 12, 2019

U may also want to take the battery to an auto parts store and have it load tested to see if it is in good health. Unlike gasoline engines, diesel engines are particular about the rpms they need to ignite the fuel air mixture. The faster the engine turns while starting, the quicker the mixture heats up leading to combustion. The starting rotation of the engine being reduced by as little as 20 rpm (or 200 rpm at the starter pinion) can cause a hard start for a diesel engine.

JoelD · Apr 18, 2019

I believe that if you read manual it will tell you to always use glow plugs? I’ve never even tried to start without them even in summer. I use every time I start and she’s started below zero without issue.

Oaktree · Apr 18, 2019

JoelD said:
I believe that if you read manual it will tell you to always use glow plugs? I致e never even tried to start without them even in summer. I use every time I start and she痴 started below zero without issue.

Mine's OK without them in the summer, but anything below 50 or so they're pretty much a must. As others have noted, it's just the nature of the beast.

Keep planning to put in a block heater, but never seem to get around to it, just been using the 100W droplight under the hood method in the winter.
A few years ago I picked up one of those magnetic pan heaters, only to find out that the pan isn't steel. :duh:

Highgear · Apr 18, 2019

45-60 sec. seams way to long to run the glow plugs . I have a 2004 CK 30 and the GP work off a timer - turn the key on - watch the GP light - after 10 sec. light goes out - turn key to start and it's running . I can only think of a few times ( -0 ) I cycled it twice . I don't know how your cycling for that long ? Maybe that's what damaged the Glow Plugs ?