RK55HC - no glow plug indicator light?

[radios1]

That's not how our RK glow plugs work, at least not on the RK55. When you turn the key to the On position, the glow plugs activate. There is no cranking taking place until you turn the key past the On position. Hence, it's a mystery as to why you'd need to turn the key left to the glow plug position. It does the same thing as turning the key to the On position, with the exception that in the glow plug position, none of the other accessories will activate (radio, A/C, etc.).

it's done that way so you get maximum voltage to the glow plugs,, any unnecessary loads would reduce the voltage a bit, if you notice, even automobiles that run on gas do this, you are either starting the engine, or running accessories because you get more voltage with a reduced load..

 

[s219]

That's not how our RK glow plugs work, at least not on the RK55. When you turn the key to the On position, the glow plugs activate. There is no cranking taking place until you turn the key past the On position. Hence, it's a mystery as to why you'd need to turn the key left to the glow plug position. It does the same thing as turning the key to the On position, with the exception that in the glow plug position, none of the other accessories will activate (radio, A/C, etc.).

Isn't the "on" position where the key returns to when the engine is running, after you have started the engine ? The glow plugs would not be on the entire time the engine is running, so I don't think the key's "on" position equates to constant glow plug power. Every other tractor I have run with this type of key switch has you turn to the left to manually power glow plugs (and only glow plugs) for as long as the user wants or until a timer is reached, then you turn to the right to start. Anything to the right keeps the glow plugs heating only until the engine starts and runs, but you should not be using that key position beforehand to pre-heat (among other things, you would not want/need to have all the other circuits powered up and drawing from the battery too). For pre-heating with the glow plugs you should be turning the key to the left for the appropriate amount of time.

I doubt there is anything unique about this pertaining to the RK55 -- not only is this a common type of key switch across tractor makes, the RK55 itself is one of many variants/clones of a TYM.

 

[coastie15078]

I have a 24 also, and in the manual, it states to use the Glow Plug "All the time".....I have looked at other manuals for other tractors on line and on other tractors it specifies a certain temp before using Glow Plugs.....Is is bad to use the glow plugs all the time? I was told by an RK tech to use glow plugs even in the summer when first starting for the day, but once tractor has been running and you shut it down for a few hours you don't need to use glow plugs when restarting? Any good info on when to use glow plugs, so I dont wear them out before it's time.

 

[g8erh8er]

Every other tractor I have run with this type of key switch has you turn to the left to manually power glow plugs (and only glow plugs) for as long as the user wants or until a timer is reached, then you turn to the right to start. Anything to the right keeps the glow plugs heating only until the engine starts and runs, but you should not be using that key position beforehand to pre-heat (among other things, you would not want/need to have all the other circuits powered up and drawing from the battery too). For pre-heating with the glow plugs you should be turning the key to the left for the appropriate amount of time.

Straight from the RK owner's manual - See Number 8. Mentions nothing about turning key to the left.

STARTING THE ENGINE
Before starting the engine carry out the pre-operational checks as set out on page 31.
(1)Sit on the driver seat
(2)Apply the footbrake.
(3)Put the hydraulic lever in the down position.
(4) Push down the clutch to activate the safety-starting switch.
(5)Put the main gear lever in neutral
(6) Insert the ignition key and turn it on
(7)Ensure that the warning lights are working
(8) Operator need to turn key to the “ON” position. The glow circuit automatically activates.
Operator need to wait for glow light to turn off .As the lamp goes off turn the key to the start position to start the engine.
(9) Ensure that all the warning lights are off with the engine running.

 

[Tennsawdust]

It sounds like the ECU is managing the glow plug cycle like it did on the Sprinter van I used to drive. It would fire the glow plugs in the "on" position for a length of time based on temperature readings. Then you could start it.

 

[Soundguy]

i would still like for RK TRACTOR GUY to chime in and explain what goes on when you turn the key to the left from the off position. i turn mine to the left, if its quiet around you, you can hear something running but it sounds like an electric fuel pump. if its real cold out, i turn my key to the left and hold it for about 15 sec. then turn it to the right and wait like 5 sec then start it up. i dont know if this is right or not but its what i do.

Same here, if I turn the key left, no lamp.. But I do faintly here something running. Glow indicator comes on in the on position for a real short time prior to starting.

 

[BoneStock]

Turning key to the left will engage lights or any other 12 volt accessory thats engaged. Glow plugs are on a separate circuit and only work on key left, and not the key start position, where as lights and other accessories will work both ways.
My RK19 puts the image up on the dash for glow plugs, but never shuts off. I just hold the key over 15 seconds or so then start. Anyone else encounter this? Perhaps no auto shutoff?

 

[coastie15078]

On my 24, I turn the key to the left and release immediately, and if you notice on dash, the glow plug light will show. Once the glow plug lights goes out, I turn the key to the on position for a few seconds, and then turn the key to the start position.

 

[Soundguy]

i get no glow plug lamp on the dash other than when you hit on and all the lights test.

I hold it left prior to start.. I can hear 'something' running.. just not sure what.

 

[RalphVa]

Our VW TDI's glow plugs would work extremely fast. Started virtually like a gasoline engine.

Never had a glow plug light on the JD 4010. Just counted 4 to 6 seconds in cold weather and a couple seconds in warm weather and turned to start. I put a continuity light on a glow plug. They were getting juice in the "on" position.

Ralph