my b3200 gave me the cold shoulder.

NH-Rob · Feb 16, 2011

Well it was around -15f this morning. I went out to use the tractor and it had warmed up to around 0f and I could not get my b3200 to come to life

. It sits in my open garage so it is not in direct wind contact. I do not have a block heater but I guess I will need to get one. I never had a no start issue with the b7510 I had before this so I am disipointed to say the least. Has anyone else had cold starting issues with there b3200? I did finally got it to start at 15f but it took a bit before it smoothed out and ran right. It worked just fine after warming up so I don't think it was a fuel problem.
Rob

kuboman · Feb 16, 2011

NH-Rob said:
Well it was around -15f this morning. I went out to use the tractor and it had warmed up to around 0f and I could not get my b3200 to come to life. It sits in my open garage so it is not in direct wind contact. I do not have a block heater but I guess I will need to get one. I never had a no start issue with the b7510 I had before this so I am disipointed to say the least. Has anyone else had cold starting issues with there b3200? I did finally got it to start at 15f but it took a bit before it smoothed out and ran right. It worked just fine after warming up so I don't think it was a fuel problem.
Rob

Minus 15*F is just plain cold. I would not even try to get any diesel I have to start without a block heater.:ashamed:

Ductape · Feb 16, 2011

I've never had a problem with my 3030, but honestly, at -15 I would put the torpedo heater on in the barn for awhile before I tried to start it. Coincidently, I just put the Kubota block heater in my 3030, and it couldn't be any easier. Shoulda done it a few years ago.

bp fick · Feb 16, 2011

Only had magnetic oil pan heaters last year with the BX. Oh, it'd start, but nasty, knocking.

On the B2320, with real block heater? Plug it in for an hour, glow for 6-8 seconds and it starts and runs like summer time.

Ductape said it. Block heater.

leonz · Feb 16, 2011

Hey Rob,

I feel for you, I fired up the new salamander

on sunday after the old one died afteer 17-18

years; 125,000 BTU, fuel gauge in the tank,

internal thermostat controlled, multiple fuels include;

number 1 and 2 diesel, number 1 and 2 fuel oil, AND JP8!!!!

sounds just like a 747 taking off VVVVRRRRROOOOOMMMM!.

Warm stuff 20 minutes later. :thumbsup:

irvingj · Feb 17, 2011

Hey, Rob-- after my recent experience, I'm really pushing for "check that ground strap"! I'm convinced that my sorta-hard starting issues with my 2310 for the last year were related to a partially-broken ground strap.

You might want to just take a peek at yours.... both glow plug and starter amps go through that thing, and if it's not in great shape it'll definitely affect starting.

I found I had to use my block heater --a lot!-- even when it was relatively warm.

But ductape's right-- a block heater's a real nice thing to have!

PS- We were lucky- only hit -5 here....

JOHNINMA · Feb 17, 2011

I still have my little faithful B5200 even though I recently bought a L3540 and when its real cold I use a portable jumper pack to help supplement the little battery Kubota has stuffed in that thing. I have found the added cranking amps from the jumper pack help get the glow plugs hotter and turn the engine over just that little bit faster than the stock battery alone to get my B5200 started.

Green Acres Homestead · Feb 17, 2011

I heard that if you turn the key to warm up the glow plugs twice before attempting to start it works better. Kinda makes sense that it would get hotter. This info came from a guy who operated alot of stuff. That is my tidbit

NH-Rob · Feb 17, 2011

Well I checked with the dealer this morning to see if any one else had cold start problems with the b3200 and he said that no one had. We chated about glo plug operation and I will try a new technique next time. He said to glow it for 30 sec and then turn engine just a couple revolutions then glo 30 secs more then try to start.
By the way the engine cranked over fine not real slow until I wore down the battery. I tried my booster pack to see if that was going to help but it did not. When It did start later I was using just the battery so I don't think it is a ground problem, but thanks for the imput.
Rob

Ductape · Feb 17, 2011

Just for the record, I installed a block heater...... maybe a week and a half ago. The hardest part was making my own funnel to drain the coolant into a clean container so i could re-use it. Aside from that it was about a twenty minute job. It was 40 - 45 dollars from the local dealer...... money well spent. If you need the 17mm allen socket, you are free to borrow mine if'n you ever get down around exit 20.

Just some food for thought.