L 3800 Stalling

[ColdRider]

Today and also the last time I started my Tractor it needed about 20 min. of direct heat from a space heater to even fire. It was about+5 in the garage and a bit colder last time. Battery would roll it over well but no fire. Fuel was not gelled,has additive and a fresh filter. After it started while letting it warm up, it clicked and stalled. Fired right back up ran a minute or so and clicked again and stalled. Did this 4-5 times before it was warmed up. While plowing it cut out and restarted when backing up a couple of times.

Any ideas? First problem I've had with this tractor.

 

[NoSoMo]

Sounds like you're not heating the glow plugs long enough before trying to start. Just started one up @ 9 degrees F using 15 seconds worth of glow plug heating. (rotate key backwards and hold)

As far as shutting off, sounds like your seat switch is freezing up. Moisture gets into the switch and it causes it to show a driver-off-seat condition killing the machine. Use a heat gun or hair dryer to heat the black box with white lever attached (under driver seat). Sometimes a couple taps with a pocket knife or similar object works as well.

 

[KennyV]

First thing to check is if the fuel cutoff is shutting it down...

 

[NoSoMo]

If neither one of my solutions work, perhaps you have some type of short in your ignition switch. If you turn backwards do you get the glow plug light illumination on the dash? Also, when you move the key to start, it will also turn on the glow plugs. However, do not start the machine by simply turning to start. You must pre-heat unless it's a rather warm day. I always use 3 seconds unless it's 40 or below. 5s @ 32+, 10s @ 25+, and 15+s of preheat if it's below 25 degrees F. Some machines need over a minute of pre-heat. The 3800 doesn't though.

If 15s of preheat doesn't work, try 20 seconds, and so on. Also, take a look at your battery terminals JIC. Do you follow the maintenance in the book???? You have a 2yr warranty from time of purchase. If you have to pre-heat for a minute or longer, it may be time to get the dealer involved if you're under warranty.

My hour meter is about to turn over 300.0

 

[Bluegill2]

Seat (maybe) or HST peddle (likely) safety switch is your problem.

 

[ColdRider]

Thanks for the replies guys. It has never failed to start before, this is my third winter. It is making a clicking sound much like the loader is settling a bit. Loader was on the ground. Sharp snapping click and I could hear it over the engine noise while idling about 1200rpm. Shuts right down after the noise. Did this 4-5 times while waiting for it to warm up. I was off the seat and puttering about.
The seat switch is working as it should. So is the hst pedal which is a bit stiff with the cold. I need to fiddle with it to get in to neutral but it works.
Where is the fuel cutoff located?
I have done all the service as scheduled.
When it cuts out while moving, it is as if I got out of the seat and sat right back down. Just a short no run and run again. No smoke, no pause. Always in reverse. I'm baffled.

 

[ColdRider]

The glow plug indicator lights up and I have tried different times for them. Never held it for a full minute but at least 45 sec. Nothing until I warmed up with the space heater. I had a block heater on my last Kubota and am getting one for this machine. It's often 0 or less and the snow needs to be cleared so the wife can get to work.:thumbsup:

 

[Bluegill2]

I still say it is likely a safety switch. Real Cold temps make things act up. Cutting off after running might rule out the HST switch, so I'd bypass the seat switch and see how it acts.

 

[Bluegill2]

Sharp snapping click and I could hear it over the engine noise while idling about 1200rpm. Shuts right down after the noise. Did this 4-5 times while waiting for it to warm up.

The 'click' is the fuel shut on/off. Your ignition switch & seat switch shut if off.

 

[murphy1244]

Jump seat switch.

 

[ColdRider]

I started it up to plow. +5 and it started with 15 sec. glow and a single roll over. No stalling no problems at all. Perhaps it has healed itself! More likely it wants to be run everyday.