Help Please for Kubota ZD331LP

[geoffburnham]

Hello and thanks for taking the time to read my post. I have a Kubota ZD331LP that I bought used about two years ago. Right after I bought it, I had problems starting it. I would hear the click when I turned on the ignition but then nothing... I would have to sit there and keep turning the key back on and off. I knew the key was working as I could see the gauges function and hear some clicking from the engine compartment but nothing would happen. Then it would magically start... the guy I bought it from, came down and I recall his zip tying a relay to keep the connection tight and that appeared to solve the problem until it started it again recently. Now I am back to where I was before but I can't find that relay. I suspect it is the same problem but am trying to avoid the cost of having them come and pick it up and bring it to their shop about 20 miles away only to find out it was a relay that took two minutes to swap out. Would really appreciate it if anyone has any suggestions as to where to look or how to further trouble shoot... this is a diesel engine but I do let the glow plugs warm up so I know that isn't it... Thank you!!!

 

[RjCorazza]

I went through this with my zd331 and 326. I ended up wiring up a 12v starter relay that basically provides 12v that the key switch provides directly to the solenoid (12v start switch wire activates a relay, which in turn provides 12v to the solenoid).
This is not my picture, but someone was kind enough to post it several years ago : (disregard... Picture won't upload) Search starter solenoid relay kit, or something similar...

I also installed a heat shield for the starter made for a zd1511, and it bolted right up (holes were there on the 331, not on the 326).
All that said, the 331 has started doing the same thing after 600 hours, so my next project is to replace the ignition switch. In addition to the occasional no start clicking, I am blowing the fuse I added to protect the add-on relay if I leave the key in the start position for too long. I suspect the switched 12v wire is providing low voltage, high current that is blowing the fuse.
Good luck.