What does your tractor start like in cold weather?

[shadman]

Nice to see some different brands, gives us Kubota guys something to compare with.

I've heard the "glow plugs while running"approach before, and I think it's a good one. If the engine is missing, what can it hurt? I don't have that option without modifying things, my glow plug switch is actually also the ignition switch, you turn the switch back past the "stop" position to turn the glow plugs on. As for an auto-cycle glow plug system, I have mixed feelings on that. My manual says to use longer glow plug cycles in colder temps, which makes sense. I'll check later today to see what is recommended for times and temperatures.

Sean

I think you can cycle the glow plugs while the engine is running Sean. I have an L 3400 and I just turn the key clockwise to the glow plug setting. Just don't turn it so far as to engage the starter motor. It gives the engine a bit more heat and stops the rough running quickly. Give it a try!

 

[Piston]

After watching the videos I'd be willing to bet that the hard starters have some dead glow plugs.

I've often wondered if my glow plugs are working. When I start it in 40 degrees or more, it still cranks for a good couple seconds before starting up. Recently, I left it for about a month, and came back to a foot of snow on it, I tried starting it in 22 degree weather and it cranked for a while, didn't start, then cranked, didn't start, and did that a couple more times until the battery died.

Although, now that I"m thinking about it, after I hooked up the battery booster it cranked real good, and started without much of an issue. Sounds to me like I just need a new battery :laughing:

However, how would I check to see if the glow plugs are in fact working?

 

[Chilly807]

Just because the engine will start with glow plugs in freezing weather. It doesn't mean that ore-heating with a block heater isn't a good idea.
There seems to be the mind set out there not to use a block heater unless the engine won't start without it.
The same people that worry about engine life, running at reduced rpms etc. Yet they are the same ones who run engines with cold cylinder walls and thick lube oil.

I'd agree with you 100%. That's why I mentioned in my initial post that I don't like starting a cold engine any more than I have to, particularly a diesel. Mine is in a heated garage at roughly 40* F, yet I try to give it some block heater time before I start it if I have the opportunity. I plan to have it a long time, so the less wear and tear the better.

I think you can cycle the glow plugs while the engine is running Sean. I have an L 3400 and I just turn the key clockwise to the glow plug setting. Just don't turn it so far as to engage the starter motor. It gives the engine a bit more heat and stops the rough running quickly. Give it a try!

Hmm, you must have a different key switch than I do. For me to get to the glow plug portion of the switch I have to go counter clockwise past the "stop" position, and the engine will die.. I think.. The next time I have it running I'll try moving quickly past that position and see if it actually does stop when the glow plugs are engaged.

However, how would I check to see if the glow plugs are in fact working?

There should be power at the glow plug connector when they are engaged, also you can disconnect one to see what it has for resistance, it should be neither shorted nor open. Finally, you can remove them and test in open air to see if they're getting hot. Usually if they test good for resistance and are getting power they're working. With mine I'd know right away, it's a lot harder to start without them. In truly cold weather I doubt I'd get it going, in fact.

Sean

 

[shadman]

Sean. As I turn the key to engage the starter there is a spot that will energize the glow plugs just before you crank the engine. There is no stop at this position but the indicator light for the glow will come on. That is were you have to turn and hold the key when you want extra heat from the glow plugs when the engine is running. I also have the option of turning the key counter clockwise and energizing the glow plugs. I can't imagine yours being different. Mine is a 2007 model. Serial 69369. Let me know what you find.

 

[Chilly807]

I'm going to have a look right now, as a matter of fact.. Thanks! Mine's an 09, serial is 85xxx something I think..

Sean

PS, if it says anything about this in the manual I'm going to feel pretty dumb.. me who always advocates "read the manual first"

 

[jefwyn]

Just started my Mahindra 3616 at 1 degree and it started right up. No block heater, but is kept in an unheated building. So far, I am very pleased with this tractor.

 

[Chilly807]

Okay.. I feel better now, nothing in the manual and mine does the same thing... mighty close to the starter engagement point though! I think it's intended for the glow plugs to be on while cranking as well.

Sean

 

[shadman]

I think you're right. The dealer showed me when I asked about cold weather starting. I bought the tractor 2 years ago used. But the dealer (Larkin in Stouffville) treated my as if it was a new tractor. Mind you it only has 130 hours on it when I made the purchase. It certainly helps the stumbling encountered when you first have the engine running.

 

[devildog1]

It was -5 below zero here in upstate N.Y this morning and we received about 12" of snow from the "monster Storm" that dominated the news and closed down our interstate from Albany to new York City. Went out into un-heated barn and cycled the glow plugs once on Grand L3540, it fired right up and ran smooth as can be, as I blew out my driveway & neighbors. I do have a block heater and battery Tender but did not use block heater this AM. This is my third Kubota and a swear everyone always started with the ease, mater of fact I believe they are some of the best starting machines I have. I have read how some are having starting issues and I'm scratching my head in wonder. All I have done, and do is follow operators manual for scheduled maintenance and do what it says, with no short cuts, it seems to work for me, and I hope it works or you, go figure.
DevilDog

 

[DeereMann]

Exactly why I jumped on a pre-Tier IV leftover 2012 model. I wish EPA would leave these little engines alone!

I got a second video of the L3400, this time at 10* F, which is about -12* C. I used the glow plugs for 10 seconds this time, got one puff of smoke on initial start, then some water vapour at about the 45 second mark as the exhaust heated up.

Kubota L3400 cold start @ 10* F (-12* C) - YouTube

I think with later injection timing a lot of the heat of compression has gone from the cylinder by the time the fuel gets there, so you get incomplete combustion and missing until the cylinder heats up.

Sean