Kubota B2150 hard to start.

[Scar0B2150]

I'm new to diesels over all, and now I have 2.
My 2150 seems to be harder to start recently. I first noticed it when it was cold out, and figured that was why.
But now that it is warm again(40-60°F) it is still starting hard.
By hard I mean long crank times. It has a manual glow plug system when I turn the key to the glow position, hold it there, count to 12, then crank. When I got the tractor it would fire up pretty quick.

But now it takes a very long time to fire off. Almost to the point I feel I have to let off the starter to prevent over heating the wires. Then she pops off and runs just like normal.
Holding it in glow plug position longer does not seem to make any difference.
It does not matter if the engine is cold or has been running for 2-3 hours and shut off for 5-10 minutes. It long cranks every time.
So me being new to diesels, Where would you all start to trouble shoot this?

BTW Its filled with new fresh fuel. Just in case that was the issue. No change. Engine oil is full.

 

[CoyPatton]

I would start by checking the voltage to the glow plugs. You may not have a full 12 volts to ur glow plugs and be normal operation. It sounds like the initial cranking generates heat then it starts.
More details about the tractor would help folks to give more accurate suggestions.
Some info would be age of machine, hours on machine.
Does it run ok once it starts?

 

[Alan W.]

I agree also with checking the glow plugs.
The 2150 I had would need glow plugs to start in 90 degree weather.

 

[Roadworthy]

Before you look for twelve volts on your glow plugs you should be aware that 10.5 volts is a common glow plug voltage. How the glow plugs are powered depends on your tractor and its age. I'd probably start by checking how clean and tight my battery terminals and cable connections were. Then I'd check the ground connection to the frame. THEN I'd address the glow plug issue. Note - if they fail in the open position you will have full voltage to the glow plugs but no heat. You can check glow plugs with an ohmmeter just be aware they are wired in parallel. You have to disconnect them to check individual glow plugs.

 

[Scar0B2150]

1993~94 B2150 HSD 4Wd
835+/- original hours.
This just started in the colder months late Sept~ Nov on, but seems to be getting worse. Bran new battery in May 2020. Was starting fine then. Battery terminals are clean and tight. Starter has a good rapid cranking.
Will check for glow plug voltage and also the ground to the engine.
Thanks for the pointers!

 

[Scar0B2150]

You guys are great!
You nailed it dead on the head. When I got this tractor I looked thru the manual and there are 3 fuses in this tractor. 1 fuseable link and 2 blade fuses.
One of the blade fuses is for the glow plugs. It is working. But, when the key is in the preheat (glow plug)position it was not getting any power. If I turn the key just a bit more, then it powers up with an audible click that sounds like a large relay of some kind. The key and fuse being the trigger for the relay I assume.
So, preheat position + a tad, count to 10, turn key to start and wa, wa, and it pops right off and runs great.
Seems like maybe the Ign switch contacts are a little corroded. But now I know the "key" to make it work.