CK25 cold (hard) starting below 55?

[Greenecho]

I'm sure this problem becomes more popular as winter approaches. Out here on the west coast, it isn't winter quite yet. Here's the question/problem.

CK25 with 90 hours. Hard to start when temp drops slightly below 55 degrees. One GP cycle (8 seconds) doesn't work. It usually takes four cycles (32 seconds) before the engine will turn-over and start. Anything less and it's unburned fuel coming from the exhaust. Battery is new, good connections and the engine turns over well. Once started it runs fine.

Checked the voltage at the glow plugs and it's 11-12vdc for the 8 second cycle. That looks good.

If it's difficult to start between 50-55 degrees - I'm sure it's going to be a pain at 30.


Any recomendations?

Thanks

 

[bearhawk]

Last winter I found a trick with my CK20.

Turn Key to pre-heat, when light clicks off, crank engine.

After the engine starts to fire, just release the key slightly and the glow plugs will light. Keep the engine running with the plugs lit until there is enough heat to keep it going.

Throttle should be slightly under 1/2 until it runs smooth, then drop to 1400 or so for the warm up.

Cheers

 

[depratt_equip]

I would verify that all glow plugs are working properly.

 

[TBDonnelly]

Have you checked the fuel filter?

Try soaking the fuel filter in Kerosene and (lightly) blowing it out with compressed air.

My thought is.....there could be a wax build up on the fuel filter, enough to slow the flow of fuel at start up.

Don

 

[DieselPower]

I would test the glow plug system for faulty plugs and replace as needed.

I don't think I would worry about the fuel gelling at 55 degree's, definately not cold engough to solidify wax particles in diesel fuel.

It wouldn't hurt to check the fuel filter though. If it's full of black slime you will need to treat your fuel with a bactericide to kill any microbial growth in the system.

 

[Highbeam]

Something isn't right. Where is the throttle set when you are cranking? Mine easily starts at 30 after being trailered for 50 miles so it is cold. In our relatively moderate climate there should be no issues starting a Kioti. Our diesel is always number 2.

I start with the throttle set to low idle until the oil pressure light goes off and then raise the RPMs to 1250 for warm up. I've always gotten just a single puff of black smoke at startup and I always use a single full glow plug cycle.

I assume you are using 15w-40 oil? The fuel filter should still be nice and clean at 90 hours.

 

[Greenecho]

Interesting suggestions...

I've checked the fuel filter (nice & clean). Seem to be getting ample fuel (blue smoke from the exhaust when cranking). Runs like normal once started.

I usually start the tractor with the throttle in the low position. I've tried various throttle positions - no difference.

Oil/filter is what the dealer recommended (changed at 50 hours).

I suspect glow plugs - but all three (bad) at 90 hours?? I checked the voltage at each GP - looks good.

Any suggestions on which type of glow plugs these are? If I have to take them out to test them, might as well replace them with new ones. Can't be that expensive.

 

[mrutkaus]

Some lack of compression somewhere, is there a device that lowers compresson for starting?

Have you added something to take out any water in the fuel?

CK30 starts without glow plugs at 55...not bad at 20F with single glow plug run.

I would think you could test resistance of glow plugs using ohmmeter when installed.

MIke

 

[BTI]

Make sure all of the engine shut down equipment is returning to the start position.
Sometimes the cable will hang up and not allow it to return to the start position
If the solenoid doesn't return to the start position it will start hard.

BTI

 

[chelydra]

Good info here, as usual.

I'm curious about starting RPM. I was advised years ago that automobile engines should be held at 1200~1500 RPM until warm. Higher would risk under-lube from viscous oil, and lower would risk under-lube from low oil flow.

This CK20 is the first diesel I've owned, and I'd like to to outlive me. I currently start and warm it up at about 1200 RPM; half-throttle seems fast.

Other thoughts?

Thanks-

Chelydra

 

[Donnyj]

I never even touch the throttle on mine. Let the light go out and the engine cranks over 1 or 2 times and fires right up. Starts very easy in my opinion.

 

[Willl]

Voltage testing at the glowplugs is fine, but you really need to check amp draw at each plug individually.

 

[MikeD74T]

You should be checking your fuel, fuel filter, air filter, glow plugs. My DK45S starts reliable at -30F.
"Cold" in New Hampshire starts at 0F.

 

[NY_kioti_sales]

I would check glow plugs, maybe even the pre heater controller. Have you tried to manuelly engage the glow plugs with the key? It is just before the starter kicks in, there isn't any detent on the manuel engagement position.

 

[Greenecho]

I think I've discovered some, if not the entire problem. It seems the GPs are not always getting the voltage (applied) on cold starts. I traced it back to a 12volt relay which is controlled by the timer module.

Either the the timer module is not turning on the relay, or the relay itself is not supplying the voltage every time. Since this relay is also the same type I had problems with turning on the fuel pump (no voltage output), it's reasonable to expect the same issue (bad contacts).

My dealer says he's seen problems with these relays that are used for several functions on the tractor. I'll replace it and report back.

When I supplied 12vdc direct (~8 seconds via the battery) it fired right up.

The tractor itself has been absolutely solid - but the electronics controlling it (relays especially) leaves something to be desired.

 

[Highbeam]

"turning on the fuel pump"

We have electric fuel pumps? Oh... maybe you mean the fuel cut solenoid on the injection pump. I thought maybe there was a lift pump that I hadn't seen.

 

[Greenecho]

Opppsss.. My mistake. Yes.. the relay that supplies voltage to turn on/off the fuel cutoff solenoid.