L3240 Hard starting

[bwmarine]

Ok, this fall noticed it cranked longer than normal before starting... now that its cold it takes a lot more cranking before it fires. The glow plug light turns on... but thought to check power at the plugs. Found no power getting to the plugs. Thinking maybe relay? Got a parts breakdown from merricks and it shows 2 relays for the plugs which are buried behind dash. Called local dealer and talked to mechanic and he thinks relay but he said could be controller or temp sensor. Anyway, ordered relays as they had none in stock and going to try that first. Wondering why 2 relays? One for light and one for plugs? Anybody ran across the issue I am having?

 

[vrmnthntr]

Question. Does it turn over slower like the battery is weak or just crank longer to start?

My L3540 starts like a weak battery but the battery is OK. Just started this winter.

 

[bwmarine]

Spins over as like always, It stays in my shop at 50*

 

[Chilly807]

Too bad you can't check to see if there's power going to the relays.

Sean

 

[bwmarine]

That's what I was thinking... Have to pull dash apart to get to them. Think I will wait until I have the relays before I tear into it

 

[Oiltech]

2 relays are probably due to electrical load required to the glow plugs? One relay can only handle so much current

 

[Chilly807]

If you knew where the wires led from the relays, the other end would work too. Sounds like a wiring diagram is in order.

Sean

 

[bwmarine]

Wiring diagram would be nice... think in the very near future acquiring a service manual : /

 

[k0ua]

For what it is worth, I don't have a manual for the 40 series, but the previous series the 30 series, has only one relay for the Glow plugs. The coil of the relay is controlled (ground side) from the Intellipanel (micro-controller), and the relay coil is fed by a 7.5 amp fuse. The relay contacts are a 40 amp slow blow fuse that is behind the main 60 amp fuse off of the battery. I sure would check both of those fuses before I tore the dash down to dig out that Glow plug relay.. and why it would have to have 2 relays on a 40 series is beyond me. Could the mechanic be mistaken? Sorry I cannot be of more help.

James K0UA

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Yes, do check the connection and fuses by the battery first. Have only the 30 series manual also so not much more help from me.

David Kb7uns

 

[Dozernut]

Had a similar problem on my ZD 21. Went thru the glow plugs and relays and could not isolate the problem. Finally figured out it was the fuel stop solenoid, it would stop the fuel flow but wouldn't open up to allow the fuel to flow to run the engine. Might not be your problem but it was an easy fix once I figured out what was wrong.

 

[kcender]

I had the exact same problem with my previous L3240.Turned out to be a bad connection on the relay.Tightened up the connection and never had a problem with it again,it was fixed under warranty at my place so I was there when the mechanic worked on it.I think there were three relays under the dash but I could be wrong,only one was for the glow plugs.The dash comes off fairly easily so you may want to have a look,good luck.

 

[bwmarine]

Thanks for all the comments! I decided to go ahead and order the service manual before I dig in. I will let you know what fixes it once I get it figured out. I use the tractor mostly for moving boats around the shop and put appx 100 hours a season on it just moving boats around. The tractor gets started 1 to 2 dozen times during a day which I assume caused the early issues with the glow plug curcuit.

 

[Chilly807]

You won't regret buying the manual, they're a wealth of information.

Sean

 

[ishiboo]

I removed the relays on my L3650 and replaced them with regular automotive relays, at $4 a piece it seems like a much better option. Not sure if the new Kubotas use regular relays now.

Both the glow plug and starter relays crapped out on me.

 

[bwmarine]

I had the exact same problem with my previous L3240.Turned out to be a bad connection on the relay.Tightened up the connection and never had a problem with it again,it was fixed under warranty at my place so I was there when the mechanic worked on it.I think there were three relays under the dash but I could be wrong,only one was for the glow plugs.The dash comes off fairly easily so you may want to have a look,good luck.

Ok, this is exactly what was wrong with mine... dealer called said he had the relays so I went ahead and dug in { with manual } all fuses good so checked relay socket and relay... all was good. Could see darkness on one of the relay wire spades hmm stuck it back in turned key and had power. yeah! Each time I hit the key I could see a spark at the connection at the relay. Bent the spade that was dark for a better connection and no more sparks and I have glow plugs!!! Happy ;-)