Kubota cold start

[wmonroe]

I needed to use my parents old B8200 yesterday and took a cold start video. It was a little slow to start and I was just about to stop cranking it and reheat the glow plugs when it fired. It has been a good tractor and is going on 5000 hours.

http://youtu.be/szFH3j8V8XU

 

[2458n]

I find that once it starts, if you get back on the glowplugs it smooths the idle out a good bit faster. My Kubota is a old L245DT. It has been a real good investment.

 

[wmonroe]

I find that once it starts, if you get back on the glowplugs it smooths the idle out a good bit faster. My Kubota is a old L245DT. It has been a real good investment.

I forgot about doing that, it's been a while since I've ran this tractor and I'm used to mine which doesn't have that ability. This old B is the reason I considered Kubota so strongly, it has required next to no maintenance over the years.

 

[GManBart]

It warmed up here so I haven't been able to get a video of a really cold start, but I did take one of my Massey starting in the high 20s (F). It's gotten cold again, so I might be able to try another video when it's down around 0*F.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7vWO99Zf7Q&feature=em-upload_owner

 

[Dave M7040]

In very cold weather, with the block heater plugged in, the glow plug sensor will lock out the glow plugs as it senses a warm engine.
However, starting, in these circumstances can be rough and worrisome.
The trick is to put the shuttle shift lever in forward and turn the key to the start position.
You will hear a relay click on. I count to 10, put the shuttle back into the neutral position and start the engine.
Makes an amazing difference.
Dave M7040

 

[Tx Jim]

Dave M7040
When you refer to putting shuttle shift lever in forward then turn key to start so as to hear relay click are you referring to your M7040? If so what does this accomplish? Does this over-ride the thermostat on the glow plug controller?
Thanks,Jim

 

[Dave M7040]

Jim
How this came up was I was at the dealer on a reasonably cold day and noticed the staff moving around a large number of tractors for snow removal. These are machines that could have been sitting for months. The mechanic said they used to have problems getting all machines started in spite of using the glow plugs as allowed by the tractors electronics until the service rep told them how to get another cycle out of the glow plugs which was the shuttle shift in forward and turning the key to start. The electronics wont give you a second round of glow plugs even if you wanted them. Without this trick, when you turn the key to on, if the tractor is cold enough to need the glow plugs, a symbol lights up on the dash and you just leave the key in the on position until the symbol goes out and then turn the key to start. If the tractor does not start you are screwed. I am certain the system re sets itself after a while but I don't know how long.
When using this trick, the dash symbol does not light up and all you hear is a relay click once when you hold the key in the start position.
I count to 10 holding the key in start to not overheat the glow plugs as this seems to be how long they stay on under the controller in the coldest conditions.
When you return the shuttle shift to neutral and turn the key to start there is no doubt that the glow plugs have heated up.
This is a long answer to your question. Yes it overrides the thermostat and other limiting features on the glow plug controller.
Dave M7040

 

[davesl708]

Sounds like they need to get ride of the glow plug controllers.

 

[Tx Jim]

Dave M7040
Thanks for the reply & info even though I hope I never need to over-ride the GP operation down here in Texas.
Jim

 

[Jay4200]

Sounds like they need to get ride of the glow plug controllers.

I bypassed the controller on my L4200 and replaced it with a big button on the dash. I'd post a vid of my tractor starting at 0F, but you'd all get jealous.