L6060 Hard Starting In Cold Weather

[Hilbilly]

Ever since I got the L6060 I've noticed it was hard starting in cold weather, even after the block heater has been plugged in all night. Last year I called the dealer and told him of the issue and he said to use a multi meter and test across the plug terminals to see if there was resistance and there was. So this winter the same old problem again. This time I plugged in the block heater and put my finger on the part of the heater that sticks out of the block. It was so hot it almost burnt my fingers. However it is still hard to start. I then took a temperature reading of the engine coolant, using the intellipanel, and it indicated the coolant was 26*C before I started the engine. This morning at -26*C the tractor was hard to start and even stalled after the first attempt. The second attempt was successful but both times the glow plugs were on for a very long time before I started the engine. Then it took forever for the cab heater to start producing heat and it took a very long time before the engine temp gauge moved. The engine runs rough for a while and eventually settles down but this is so different from all the other diesel engines I have owned and still own. They all start very easy after being plugged in and it does not take long for them to produce heat. Something seems wrong with this setup.

Any ideas?

 

[seville009]

Did you buy it new from the dealer?

if you did, have him put a new one in, or whatever it takes to fix the problem. Shouldn't have a warranty issue since you told him about it a year ago.

 

[5030]

Are you pre heating the glo plugs or just cranking it? You need to pre heat the glo plugs for a few seconds prior to cranking it. I pre heat mine at least 10 seconds when cold.

 

[Hilbilly]

The glow plug symbol shows up on the intellipanel when the key is turned on and when the symbol turns off, the plugs are hot. So yes they are being preheated. My guess it is around 10 seconds or so before the symbol turns off. Then I start the tractor. This is after the block heater has been plugged in all night.

How long does your tractor take to before the engine temp gauge starts to move? Do you get cab heat fairly soon after starting, if the block heater has been plugged in?

 

[Hilbilly]

Did you buy it new from the dealer?

if you did, have him put a new one in, or whatever it takes to fix the problem. Shouldn't have a warranty issue since you told him about it a year ago.

Yes I got it new. Does what i am describing sound normal to you?

 

[amhicks21]

I plow snow in mine and it gets left at the back of a customers parking lot unplugged all winter for the past 5 years. Even -20c or colder it has always fired right up with one glow plug cycle aside from 2 unrelated failures. Is it turning over properly? It may start hard if the starter or battery are weak. Also, it does take a significant amount of time for mine to start building heat. I basically have to start plowing while the cab is still cold just to get it to warm up.

 

[seville009]

Yes I got it new. Does what i am describing sound normal to you?

it does not sound normal.

i use a skidsteer for snow removal; if I plug in the block heater, it will start easier and I will have cab heat much quicker. Also - I don't think you need to have it plugged in all night - a few hours before using it should work just fine.

 

[newbury]

What are you running for engine oil?
0W?
5W?
??

 

[CalG]

Ever since I got the L6060 I've noticed it was hard starting in cold weather, even after the block heater has been plugged in all night. Last year I called the dealer and told him of the issue and he said to use a multi meter and test across the plug terminals to see if there was resistance and there was. So this winter the same old problem again. This time I plugged in the block heater and put my finger on the part of the heater that sticks out of the block. It was so hot it almost burnt my fingers. However it is still hard to start. I then took a temperature reading of the engine coolant, using the intellipanel, and it indicated the coolant was 26*C before I started the engine. This morning at -26*C the tractor was hard to start and even stalled after the first attempt. The second attempt was successful but both times the glow plugs were on for a very long time before I started the engine. Then it took forever for the cab heater to start producing heat and it took a very long time before the engine temp gauge moved. The engine runs rough for a while and eventually settles down but this is so different from all the other diesel engines I have owned and still own. They all start very easy after being plugged in and it does not take long for them to produce heat. Something seems wrong with this setup.

Any ideas?

If the engine is fitted with a block heater, perhaps the heat output (wattage) is not enough to do the job.

It was not that many years ago that tank type engine heaters with circulators were "a thing". If cabin heat is wanted pronto, I would fit a tank heater.

https://www.tractorpartsasap.com/tractor-accessories/heaters/external-tank-heater.html

 

[Hilbilly]

it does not sound normal.

i use a skidsteer for snow removal; if I plug in the block heater, it will start easier and I will have cab heat much quicker. Also - I don't think you need to have it plugged in all night - a few hours before using it should work just fine.

I realize only a few hours are required but I want to use it in the morning and would like to have it ready when I get up. I believe the extra time does not add to an easier start. Just costs a bit more for electricity. Which I don't mind for the extra convenience.

What are you running for engine oil?
0W?
5W?
??

I just checked and I am using Kubota 10W30 semi synthetic oil.

After my original post I went out and started my diesel pick up truck. It too took a while to get cab heat but a lot faster than the tractor and it also took a long time before the engine temp gauge moved. I ran down to my SIL's and he just got a new Kubota SSV65 skidsteer that he was trying to start. He did not have it plugged in and he had some issues trying to start it. So he plugged it in for about 20 minutes and had a propane heater running close to the engine compartment for about 20 minutes. It then started and ran smoothly almost immediately.

Maybe my issue is more to do with the engine oil. I will call the dealer tommorrow and ask what oil is my SIL's new skidsteer.