M7040 glowplugs

[jcummins]

I bought a used 2007 Kubota M7040 3 months ago....like it a lot. It is the 2nd M7040 I've had. The first one, a 2008 model I bought new in Texas.

I have a unheated but insulated barn I keep the tractor in. With this cold weather, finding the tractor turning over cold really slow. I hooked another battery in series, it did help, but I don't really think this is a bad battery issue. The 08 I never experienced that...but being in Texas then, never got this cold either.

Glowplugs...on this model I've read they come on very briefly if at all. First...I wonder why so brief. Every other diesel I have, the glowplugs are on for awhile in the cold before start. I have yet to see the glowplugs come on. Temp in the barn is about 35, and have read they don't come on until it's 32. I do wonder why.

BUT...I wanted to check them, tried to locate, and I can't even find glowplugs on the motor. Anyone with M7040 have a picture of them? And...what's the opinion of a hose heater in the lower radiator hose. Thinking I may add, but want to figure out the glowplug issue first.

 

[Tx Jim]

GP's are parts key #100. Electrically besides ign switch there's a timer & relay that controls the GP's.

 

[jcummins]

That scheme shows why I couldn't see them. With the loader on....tough to view things on recesses on top of the motor. I doubt there is an actually issue with the plugs themselves, but in regard to how controlled...another matter.

I have a JD Gator, and I haven't timed it, but the glowplugs come on even in the summer, and in this temp....on for 6-10 secs. I have a Duramax, in this temp, they come on for quite a little bit. Tractor sitting right beside the Duramax in the barn...not even a blip.

BUT, having said that, is this a design issue, since I've read that others with the M7040 almost never see them come on, and if they do, better be quick looking cause they ain't on long. This seems completely foreign to the diesels I've used. Is it true they only come on if it gets to 32 degrees?....it's about 35 in the barn. If they are designed that way, can the timer/relay/controls be altered so they come on earlier? This tractor once warmed up in this temperature, starts with one turn of the motor, almost immed, so it seems glowplugs aiding in starting would be desirable.

 

[bigbull338]

today is the 1st day weve goten out of the 30s for highs in 8 or 9 days.we got up to 41,an my tractor cranks fine with the glow plugs.so you could a weak battery ot glow plugs or both.

 

[wmonroe]

Try testing the glow plugs to make sure they are good, if I remember right from another thread they should register about .6 ohms of resistance.

 

[the8080]

Maybe I"m missing something, but it looks like the manual in the other thread says the glow plugs only come on if you use the preheat position on the ignition. Manual says 2006. Don't know if 2007 is different.

 

[jcummins]

Maybe I"m missing something, but it looks like the manual in the other thread says the glow plugs only come on if you use the preheat position on the ignition. Manual says 2006. Don't know if 2007 is different.

I just come across that myself. Wasn't aware of a preheat position....haven't ever 'felt' any difference in the key from on to start. The only positions I was aware of is off/on/start. Not sure how I know to be sure the key is in the preheat position. Tomorrow I need to look closer at that.

 

[the8080]

Until someone comes up with the real answer, two things to try. 1. Some tractors had preheat at a spring loaded position backwards from ON. Turn key CCW. 2. The electrical diagram and write up in the manual makes it look like there is a nondetent position between ON and START that is preheat.

 

[Tx Jim]

I'll quote what my '11 M7040 OM states about cold weather starting. Turn key to "ON" position and leave it there until glow plug indicator on dash turns off. Proceed to start engine by turning key to start position
Glow plug indicator comes on when the key is turned to "ON" position and engine coolant temp.is below O degrees C(32 degrees F) and goes off automatically when preheat is completed.

 

[jcummins]

I'll quote what my '11 M7040 OM states about cold weather starting. Turn key to "ON" position and leave it there until glow plug indicator on dash turns off. Proceed to start engine by turning key to start position
Glow plug indicator comes on when the key is turned to "ON" position and engine coolant temp.is below O degrees C(32 degrees F) and goes off automatically when preheat is completed.

Yes Jim...I read that. This morning 5 degrees outside. My unheated barn is insulated and does a good job, but got to believe it was 32 or below in there. My not so good thermometer said 32, need to get a different one. The problem I have with that....I think the glowplugs should come on with temperatures 50 or below, if ever so briefly. I tried to turn the key ever so slowly this morning to put the switch into the glowplug cycle before the start....it did not blip. The tractor did start, but it turn over extremely slowly....rumph.....rumph......rumph...........rumph.....started. Every time I've checked the battery, it sits at 12.6 to 12.7 volts. I don't have a way of load testing the battery. It's a Duralast with a 06/11 sticker on the side, so 2 1/2 years old. After warmed up, a restart is immed, one turn over of the motor.

I see the glowplug fuse, but getting to it is another matter. Almost have to take the loader off. Not sure of my next action on this.