Kubota L175 Won't Start

[WranglerX]

If a proper parallel wired GP that meets electrical requirements and physical shape to fit head/combustion chamber be used to replace series wired GP's (wired correctly of course)....

Also think if series wired GP with ground on wrong place (per above picture) it would tend to blow any GP fuses or smoke any wiring because it would be direct short from 12V power to ground... And any glow plug indicator is going to go white hot and probably not survive....

Dale

 

[Dave M7040]

If a proper parallel wired GP that meets electrical requirements and physical shape to fit head/combustion chamber be used to replace series wired GP's (wired correctly of course)....

Also think if series wired GP with ground on wrong place (per above picture) it would tend to blow any GP fuses or smoke any wiring because it would be direct short from 12V power to ground... And any glow plug indicator is going to go white hot and probably not survive....

Dale

Dale

Please remember I am not trying to argue with you but rather share some stories of owners I helped with these older tractors.

I am a mechanical engineer for more than 40 years and would not consider re designing a glow plug system originally designed by Kubota engineers.
They will know facts about their engines that none of use will ever be aware of.

The series wired glow plugs have a large resistor in series with the plugs in addition to the more normal glow plug indicator.

This photo shows this unique resistor after I suggested the owner rebuild his using a dryer heating element repair kit + ceramic shoulder washers.

This additional resistor prevents the smoking and burning out of the glow plug indicator you suggest might happen.
There are no fuses nor fusible links in the GP circuit.

The owner of the L175 is fortunate because his GP's should be wired in parallel. My caution to him is that we need to be certain his are the correct GP's wired in the correct way.

Dave M7040

 

[WranglerX]

Dale

Please remember I am not trying to argue with you but rather share some stories of owners I helped with these older tractors.

I am a mechanical engineer for more than 40 years and would not consider re designing a glow plug system originally designed by Kubota engineers.
They will know facts about their engines that none of use will ever be aware of.

The series wired glow plugs have a large resistor in series with the plugs in addition to the more normal glow plug indicator.

This photo shows this unique resistor after I suggested the owner rebuild his using a dryer heating element repair kit + ceramic shoulder washers.

This additional resistor prevents the smoking and burning out of the glow plug indicator you suggest might happen.
There are no fuses nor fusible links in the GP circuit.

The owner of the L175 is fortunate because his GP's should be wired in parallel. My caution to him is that we need to be certain his are the correct GP's wired in the correct way.

Dave M7040

Do not believe you are arguing with me in anyway.... I ask because I want to learn..... I have been around engine all my life but diesel tractor's are new to me.... I guess I use poor text/language in asking questions and I may be misunderstood....

I respect your knowledge and comments, and I learn from you....

All I was doing was inquiring that could "series" style GP be replaced with "parallel" style GP if they fit engine "form factor" and someone it willing to do necessary wiring changes to make it work

With much respect for your knowledge and thank you for sharing....

Dale

 

[Dave M7040]

Do not believe you are arguing with me in anyway.... I ask because I want to learn..... I have been around engine all my life but diesel tractor's are new to me.... I guess I use poor text/language in asking questions and I may be misunderstood....

I respect your knowledge and comments, and I learn from you....

All I was doing was inquiring that could "series" style GP be replaced with "parallel" style GP if they fit engine "form factor" and someone it willing to do necessary wiring changes to make it work

With much respect for your knowledge and thank you for sharing....

Dale

Dale
Thank you for your remarks.

Please feel free to ask any questions of me and to challenge something I say which does not make sense.

I have learned a great deal on the forum and just want to pay it forward.

Dave M7040

 

[Redwagon96]

My L225DT will not operate glow plugs if the glow plug indicator coil is not working. Also, if your tractor has a compression relief it may help if you pull it out a little to relieve some compression. This will permit engine to spin faster. Move it back to full in position as engine begins to fire. If you pull it out to to far all compression will be lost and engine will not be able to compress and heat the intake air.

 

[buffumjr]

I have a Kubota L175 that won't start. It was hard cold starting when I bought it a few months ago and now it won't start at all. Can anyone point me to where I can find a manual for this tractor and help point me toward a diagnosis. This is the first diesel tractor I've owned.

What I know:
1. It has fuel.
2. A light on the instrument panel lights when I turn on the key. I'm guessing this is my glow plug light.
3. When I rotate the start switch to the right to engage the starter (after 30 seconds of holding to the left to heat the plugs) the light immediately goes out.
4. When I let off of the key for a few seconds the light comes back on.
5. As the engine is cranking it emits gray smoke, but I don't hear it firing.

I have not done any testing yet. I'm hoping to get outside tonight to test the glow plugs to see if they heat up.
Thanks for reading and for any help you might offer. I'll take it!

I had the same problem on my L175. I fixed it. Explore the ability of the battery to get current to the starter. Check the battery cables for corrosion. This was made in the 1970's after all. If corroded, replace. First try stating with the negative connected to the battery box, then try the iron frame, and finally, what I did, connect the negative directly to a bolt on the engine block. Mine now starts every time, and is a strong starter.

Easy stuff, and a cheap fix.

 

[fried1765]

Dale

Please remember I am not trying to argue with you but rather share some stories of owners I helped with these older tractors.

I am a mechanical engineer for more than 40 years and would not consider re designing a glow plug system originally designed by Kubota engineers.
They will know facts about their engines that none of use will ever be aware of.

The series wired glow plugs have a large resistor in series with the plugs in addition to the more normal glow plug indicator.

This photo shows this unique resistor after I suggested the owner rebuild his using a dryer heating element repair kit + ceramic shoulder washers.

This additional resistor prevents the smoking and burning out of the glow plug indicator you suggest might happen.
There are no fuses nor fusible links in the GP circuit.

The owner of the L175 is fortunate because his GP's should be wired in parallel. My caution to him is that we need to be certain his are the correct GP's wired in the correct way.

Dave M7040

There is SO MUCH expertise available here on TBN!
I am always learning something!
Thank you for you contributions!