M7040 glow plugs

jcummins · Jan 19, 2015

Back in Dec 2013, I started this thread on glow plugs on the M7040. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...98257-m7040-glowplugs.html?highlight=jcummins
long story short, I went to a lot of research as to why Kubota does not mange the glow plugs on this tractor the way ALL of my other diesel vehicles mange their glow plugs. They won't come on until around 32 degress whereas ALL other diesels including a Kubota ZD326 I have let you have the plugs on for a time, or they come on at a much much higher temp to aid in the starting.

In that thread many suggest to go to a lighter weight oil...which I did. Didn't do anything. Get a bigger battery, which I have not done. Well on another forum I found out there is a TRICK for lack of a better term to making them work, at least on shuttle shift. Put the shuttle shifter in the forward position, try to start the tractor, count to 10, holding it there, then start it normal....it is AMAZING to say the least how well this tractor starts when the glow plugs are utilized doing this trick. It is extremely disappointing in Kubota's absolutely lousy method of using the glow plugs on this tractor.

SO...all you M7040 users, do yourself a favor and try it.

wmonroe · Jan 19, 2015

Can you post a before and after video?

Oiltech · Jan 19, 2015

My M7060 glow plugs don't come on unless it s32 degrees. I haven't witnessed hard to crank either way but will try the method you speak of

jcummins · Jan 19, 2015

wmonroe said:
Can you post a before and after video?

Why? You don't believe me?

oosik · Jan 20, 2015

Huh - my glow plugs will come on at 32F or colder. Never had a moments problem starting the tractor the normal way. I see no reason for the glow plugs to come on at temps warmer than 32F.

moriboy · Jan 20, 2015

I have a 2012 M7040. We just had a spell of 20 deg weather. No problems starting whatsoever. In fact this was the first time I have ever seen the glow plugs come on.

jcummins · Jan 20, 2015

Well I do think the previous owner has undersized the battery on this M7040, and prehaps that is part of the issue, but take any diesel you have and start it....immediately without letting the glow plugs have time to do anything, and at a minimum that's my tractor. It's kept in an insulated barn and very sluggish to start around 40 and below...before that magical 32 degrees that Kubtoa has them programmed for is reached. But now, mute point since I have a work around.

wmonroe · Jan 20, 2015

jcummins said:
Why? You don't believe me?

Just curious really and I like cold start videos. No offense intended.

jcummins · Jan 20, 2015

wmonroe said:
Just curious really and I like cold start videos. No offense intended.

I consider trying. Even in retirement got a lot going on at the moment.

FatTire · Jan 20, 2015

I don't quite understand the trick for making your glow plugs come on. Are you cranking for 10 seconds, then quitting, and starting a 2nd time? On my tractor it is totally manual, and yes, say it was 20F overnight but warmed up to the mid 30's around lunch time, I'm definitely gonna hit the glow plugs before cranking, so I see why this frustrates you.