Glow plug info for newbie

Millwood · Oct 2, 2012

This is my first tractor. It's brand new. It's a Kubota B3300SU. I've read the owner/operators manual 3 times, cover to cover. Then I went on a Kubota Tractor website and got completely different information from an experienced Kubota mechanic. Winter is coming and I anticipate moving lots of snow. So now I'm confused.

The operators manual says to engage the glow plug as follows: Over 32 degrees/2-3 seconds. 23-32 degrees/5 seconds. 5-32degrees/10 seconds.

Kubota Tractor mechanic says to engage glow plug a full 60 seconds when temps get around 32 degrees. WHAT??!!

I understand compression ignition engines. I want to pre-heat the initial fuel to the cylinders, but 60 seconds seems excessive, or is it? I don't want to fry the glow plug out! I have magnetic crankcase oil heaters/ battery tenders I use, and all equipment is stored inside an unheated barn.

So what does the experienced Kubota community think?

Don87 · Oct 2, 2012

You probably won't need any more than 10 seconds to get it started. But you posted your question in the wrong forum.

Would have been better served here: Kubota Owning/Operating

Millwood · Oct 2, 2012

OOps. Sorry, my bad! Thanks!

CNC Dan · Oct 2, 2012

If it won't start, use more glow plug time, till it does start.

wvmark73 · Oct 23, 2012

You get a feel for it. Mine will start on 15-20 seconds until it gets down to 0. Parked inside vs outside also makes a difference.

bandit67 · Oct 25, 2012

When it's real cold out (I store my tractor in an unheated, uninsulated shed), I may go close to 20 seconds, but typically until the fuel gauge makes its way all the way to the full mark (when the tank is full) is enough.

You'll get a feel for how long with some experience based on white smoke or not. If it's cranking and sputtering white smoke, it'll need more GP time to start easier.

The mechanic you heard from apparently has never started a small Kubota diesel engine in the cold, or most other diesel engines for that matter. Even my old 7.3L Powerstroke didn't need a full 60 seconds to get a clean start in very cold temps.