Glow plugs...Have I been using them?

[CompactTractorFan]

John, if I remember correctly, past the first red light is a yellow light bulb icon, I think. I'm not gonna go out and check, but that's the way I remember it. That little Sweet Spot of the second light, is where the glow plugs are allowed to do their thing. I might reach down beside my easy chair and pull out my manual to double check my memory, but then again, maybe not. It's about time for my afternoon nap.

That's how it is on the BX.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Both my Kubotas (B26 and RTV900) have the first click on the key switch that energizes the system, second click energizes the glow plugs and lights up the little filament looking indicator and third energizes the starter motor. It really isnt a detent after the first one that turns on the electrical system just a position. The key switch has the same little icons on it as the dash panel to indicate what position the key is in, I suppose that is so you can tell even if the bulbs go out in the dash.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Both my Kubotas (B26 and RTV900) have the first click on the key switch that energizes the system, second click energizes the glow plugs and lights up the little filament looking indicator and third energizes the starter motor. It really isnt a detent after the first one that turns on the electrical system just a position. The key switch has the same little icons on it as the dash panel to indicate what position the key is in, I suppose that is so you can tell even if the bulbs go out in the dash.

\\

OK, I've now checked my currently owned 4 Kubotas. All are the same. The B2620 and the 2 F3080s and the RTV1140. Put the key in, turn one position and red light comes on and the key will stay in this poition if you let go of it, turn key further to the right and a 2nd red light comes on and if you let go of the key it will not stay in this position but will go back to the one red light on position. Hold key in second position which has 2 red lights on for about 5 seconds and then turn key to the right which engages the starter and doing this makes mine all start immediately. Same thing Gary says. I will now be a glow plug user when it's cold or haven't started my Kubotas in awhile. Guess I'm not to old to learn something I thought I already knew.

 

[rrrkkk]

on my New Holland you turn the key backwards the glow plug symbol will light on the dashboard, when it goes off (5 to 8 seconds) then it will star on the first crank.

 

[azbinder]

When the key is turned to the first, or RUN position, the "red" oil pressure light comes on. The second position, or first spring loaded position is the glow plug ON position, and the "amber" indicator light comes on. The third position, or second spring loaded position is the START position. Once the engine starts and the key is allowed to return the first or RUN position, both the "RED" and "AMBER" lights go out. All three of your Kubota's are started in the same way. The Grand L tractors uses a timer on the glow plugs that shuts of after a few seconds, but the BX, B, RTV, and F series all must be manually pre heated by holding the key in the first spring loaded position.
Depending on how cold it is depends on how long it is necessary to hold it on. As a general rule, I advise my customers to hold the key and count to about 10. You may need to hold it longer if it is still needs to be spun more than three or four times before it starts.
Hope this helps.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

GARY FOWLER
Both my Kubotas (B26 and RTV900) have the first click on the key switch that energizes the system, second click energizes the glow plugs and lights up the little filament looking indicator and third energizes the starter motor. It really isnt a detent after the first one that turns on the electrical system just a position. The key switch has the same little icons on it as the dash panel to indicate what position the key is in, I suppose that is so you can tell even if the bulbs go out in the dash.

\\

OK, I've now checked my currently owned 4 Kubotas. All are the same. The B2620 and the 2 F3080s and the RTV1140. Put the key in, turn one position and red light comes on and the key will stay in this poition if you let go of it, turn key further to the right and a 2nd red light comes on and if you let go of the key it will not stay in this position but will go back to the one red light on position. Hold key in second position which has 2 red lights on for about 5 seconds and then turn key to the right which engages the starter and doing this makes mine all start immediately. Same thing Gary says. I will now be a glow plug user when it's cold or haven't started my Kubotas in awhile. Guess I'm not to old to learn something I thought I already knew.

When the key is turned to the first, or RUN position, the "red" oil pressure light comes on. The second position, or first spring loaded position is the glow plug ON position, and the "amber" indicator light comes on. The third position, or second spring loaded position is the START position. Once the engine starts and the key is allowed to return the first or RUN position, both the "RED" and "AMBER" lights go out. All three of your Kubota's are started in the same way. The Grand L tractors uses a timer on the glow plugs that shuts of after a few seconds, but the BX, B, RTV, and F series all must be manually pre heated by holding the key in the first spring loaded position.
Depending on how cold it is depends on how long it is necessary to hold it on. As a general rule, I advise my customers to hold the key and count to about 10. You may need to hold it longer if it is still needs to be spun more than three or four times before it starts.
Hope this helps.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: It seems three of us have agreed on Kubota BX, B, F and RTV glow plug use and starting procedure without having to use the owners manual, don't know what it says and now don't care. We have a consensus of owners, sellers and users from actual experience from several states. Look for the second red (Amber for the color blind:laughing light, hold it for a few seconds and then proceed to lift off, uh start!:cool2:
I don't think any new or unknowing TBN viewer will find a more definate input of solid information concerning a topic thread on the TBN forum than this.:laughing: :drink: :cool2:

 

[Bluegill2]

Neither of my two Kubotas crank that way. Both have to have the key turned to the left (counter clockwise) and held for glow plug, then right (clockwise) to crank. I rarely use the glow plugs...

 

[lreops]

Neither of my two Kubotas crank that way. Both have to have the key turned to the left (counter clockwise) and held for glow plug, then right (clockwise) to crank. I rarely use the glow plugs...

Ditto to what he said, my turns to the left also, all except that I usually always have to use mine. Haven't decided yet whether that's a problem within itself.

Ron

 

[kuboman]

The older Kubotas use the left turn on the key. New models use the second position to the left for the GP.

 

[Bluegill2]

The older Kubotas use the left turn on the key. New models use the second position to the left for the GP.

My brand new L3800 uses the left turn on the key.