Glow plug indicator not heating up - why?

[orange1]

I have a Kubota B7200. The glow plug indicator has always heated up within 15 secs. or so and the tractor would start right up. Today, the glow plug indicator would not heat up even after waiting 1 minute and the tractor wouldn't start. Finally it started. I shut it down and let it sit and tried it again. Still, the glow plug indicator did not heat up. Why is this happening?

 

[hhw]

Sounds like your preheat isn't completing its cycle. Can you troubleshoot via OM or net?

 

[PineRidge]

Orange1 I realize that you are a new member but you should refrain from asking for the same information in more than one forum. You posted the same question in buying/pricing/comparisons. It confuses some members, and believe me we are already confused enough as it is. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Welcome to the TBN site.

 

[proudcanadian]

When a glow plug on my Iseki goes, the indicator will not glow. Remove a plug and apply 12 v to it, if it heats up, try the next one. Chances are that one will not glow and therefore the "circuit" to the indicator is incomplete. Have used this method twice with good results. Remember to ground the threads of the plug and then apply the 12v directly to the end post. Hope this helps.

 

[MMM]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( 12 v to it, if it )</font>

Make sure you have a 12v glow plug. Some are 6v and use a drop resistor. You'll end up with more bad plugs than you started with. Got the T-shirt.

 

[PineRidge]

And keep your fingers away from the hot end of the glow plug. Don't know which end is hot? Put power to it and you'll find out real quick.

 

[Morgan1952]

Well, I don't have a kubota but I'm sure the system is similar. Can you hear the timer complete it's cycle (click)? If you can't it may just be the timer relay.

 

[tncruzin]

I have an Iseki that starts but the indicator does not work either. Will a 3 cylinder start if only one glow plug is bad? If it's just a completed circuit issue can you not check it with a continuity tester? Does anyone know a source for reasonably priced glow plugs? I've heard some of the horror stories about their costs.

Thanks in advance for your input guys.

 

[Wayne_Freeman]

Glo Plugs should not cost more then $10 in my opinion. The best way to test one is to read the current draw in each plug which typically would be approximately 5-10 amps DC and will decrease as the plug heats up. The second way to test is to remove the plug and jumper 12volts (usually) and watch it glo (not feel it). They are shaped much like a spark plug. If one plug is bad in your tractor it will still start but you will be pleasantly surprised at the difference when they are all working. Here in the south we don't need them very much except for this WINTER. This morning on the coast of South Carolina my purple martins are hunkered down and it is cold!

 

[arkydog]

I have a B6200 and you might want to check to make sure you have voltage to the indicator on the dash. Never been into mine but it should be wired in parellel with the glow plugs when you turn the key to the left. If you have a test light, put tape or tubing around end of probe and stick it on the indicator through the hole making sure not to short out coil on sides.

If not , you might have to get into dash to check further.

This is all asuming the after you turn the key to the left for 20 seconds and try to start that it starts.

arkydog

 

[PineRidge]

I purchased a spare for my last rig at 9 bucks. Never needed it in the 5+ years that I had that tractor and I passed it on to the new owner. Here in Northeast Ohio glow plugs get used quite often during winter months.

 

[RalphVa]

I'd think it's a lot easier to use a test light on each glow plug rather than removing glow plugs. Test first with test light to see if juice is getting to each one. Once you get to one that isn't getting juice, remove and test the one upwire from it (assuming yours are in series from descriptions by others).

I did this on my new JD because it doesn't have a test light (2 swats with a wet noodle to JD). I wanted to know how the ignition switch is set up. Found out. In fact, my test light clip is still there. I just tied it around something and left it there in case I want to check it sometime. Think newer glow plugs, like on my JD and 1983 Benz, are in parallel. From description by others, sounds like your Kubota glow plugs are in series like the old Benzes (prior to 1976) were.

Ralph

 

[tncruzin]

I'm still looking for the best place to buy glow plugs for a 1980 Model Iseki TL-1900. Can anyone help?

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blueclass=small">( I'm still looking for the best place to buy glow plugs for a 1980 Model Iseki TL-1900. Can anyone help? )</font>
Probably best to post your own thread in the Iseki forum further down the main index as sometimes those guys don't always check here, and your question is in an otherwise titled thread.
There are some good people in there that know Iseki parts suppliers.
Also, check here: Southern Global Tractor

 

[arkydog]

Did you ever get you glow plug problem fixed? If not, I can check my b6200 circuit to see how it actually works. Let me know.

arkydog

 

[tncruzin]

Well I'm not certain that I have a glow plug problem. I know when it's cold (30-40) it's a little difficult to crank. I was just wondering if one plug might be bad. Also my indicator is receiving current but it doesn't "glow" to indicate the plugs are warm.