ck20s cold starting improvement campaign

[natem]

I received a letter from Kioti in july informing me of this. I am not sure if anyone else has gotten this letter. It says that they would like to make some mechanical and electrical improvements to the tractor, so that it will start better in cold weather. I have put it off all summer and fall and finally called the dealer the other day to let them know that I would be dropping it off to have these upgrades done, and they agreed.
They called me the next day and informed me that they had already done these improvements last january when i brought it back there and complained about the hard starts in the cold. I believe that they put a new glowplug relay in and replaced the fuel filter at that time.
I feel that I may be getting the ring around, so I would like to know from anyone that has had this done or dealers that have done it and find out what exactly they are replacing.
Thanks as always for the help.

 

[MichiganIron]

There are 3 different Cold Start Upgrades, depending on your tractor serial number:

Type I - Reworked Glow Plug sockets
Replace Glow Timer
Replace Glow Plugs

Type II - Replace Glow Timer
Replace Glow Plugs

Type III - Replace Glow Timer

Your dealer would know which type of upgrade is appropriate for your tractor based on the tractor serial number.

 

[ospreycove]

I had the same thing happen to me and it was no better after I had it done ... so my rule of thumb now is to turn the glow plug on 3 times before starting and really warm up the fuel and this works great. Just a word of warning if you are in a cold climate like I am ... There is a small cooling radiator in front of the radiator for the hydraulics in the summer time and in the winter if you start operating before fluid is warmed up, it maybe to thick to pass thru the rad and the pressure will cause you to blow a hole in it ... I learn that the hard way ... so take time to let your tractor warm up 5 to 10 minutes before operating.

 

[Bousez]

My dealer came home this friday to do the 50 hrs, and they also replaced the glow plugs relay . It definitely starts better now ! Still a bit difficult, but it's way much better than it was before.
The mechanic told me that if the light is off , it still warms up the plug for another 15 seconds . I wonder if this is true ?

 

[Northland]

Doesn't Kioti offer a block heater for the CK20 as of yet?

My Kubota starts great even in -25C but I have the block heater on for two hours before hand. I also use a Katz magnetic heater on the hydro reservoir and that helps get my machine operational much faster. Maybe you could use one of them on your engine block?

 

[chelydra]

Glow plug lifetime issue?

My CK20 is parked in an unheated garage. Never had any trouble starting, but even in the summer I usually have to cycle the plugs twice to get smooth running at high idle. (I am NOT going to rev a cold engine to get it going evenly, even though I've seen the dealer do that.) I usually cycle once, crank, and cycle again as soon as the engine catches. Rarely, a third cycle is needed.

Some time ago, I read here that glow plug re-cycling shortens life. Is that true? Still seems better to have to replace glow plugs early than to build up carbon or whatever in the cylinders.

Also, is it better to do it as above, or to cycle twice and then crank?

Thanks-

Swamp Yankee

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Yes, using the plugs for long intervals will burn them out. Typicaly go 15-20 seconds, start, then glow again if it does not kick off... that, or buy a Kubota that will start in cold weather... j/k could not resist that little jab

 

[Dodgeram]

Yes, using the plugs for long intervals will burn them out. Typicaly go 15-20 seconds, start, then glow again if it does not kick off... that, or buy a Kubota that will start in cold weather... j/k could not resist that little jab

But the question is...how many glow plugs can you buy with the $4K I saved over the 3030?
J/K, couldn't resist the haymaker

 

[WilliamBos]

But the question is...how many glow plugs can you buy with the $4K I saved over the 3030?
J/K, couldn't resist the haymaker

guess that depends on if you can install them yourself?