Hard starting Kukje (Branson 4220, Century C42, Zetor C42L

[UpLateAgain]

You didn't say where you got yours.

Actually, I replaced the GPs as a matter of rote. They had been in the tractor for several years, so when it began the hard-starting, I just figured a new set was probably due in any event. I got the plugs from "Reliable Aftermarket Parts inc" on eBay. $23.18 each. HK1517A4 Pre-Heat Glow Plug For Branson 291 351 472 522 522I 522R | eBay. Even though they didn't list the 4220 specifically, I found several other references that said the 4220 used that plug number.

 

[Dave M7040]

Actually, I replaced the GPs as a matter of rote. They had been in the tractor for several years, so when it began the hard-starting, I just figured a new set was probably due in any event. I got the plugs from "Reliable Aftermarket Parts inc" on eBay. $23.18 each. HK1517A4 Pre-Heat Glow Plug For Branson 291 351 472 522 522I 522R | eBay. Even though they didn't list the 4220 specifically, I found several other references that said the 4220 used that plug number.

Very likely there was nothing wrong with the GP's themselves. Most last decades not years.

Now you have new GP's but with the same problem unfixed.

Dave M7040

 

[UpLateAgain]

I am seeing many people who replace or do wiring on their GP circuit, make serious mistakes.

Some glow plugs are wired in series and some in parallel. It makes a tremendous difference.


Dave M7040

These GPs are wired in parallel. They have a single metal strip that connects all four with a hot lead going to the strip. I didn't mess with the circuit..... just replaced the plugs themselves and re-attached the strip.

In any event, I have found the bogeyman. The GP circuit relay has gone bad. It's a simple four prong 70 Amp on/off relay.... that has stopped relaying. I ordered a replacement from Amazon ($16.53 plus tax), which will be here Wednesday. In the meantime I bought a relay at Autozone that fits, but is only 40 Amps instead of 70. Since the timer only activates the relay for 12 seconds, I figured it might sustain itself for a couple of days 'til the heavier-duty relay arrives. At worst it would burn out and I'd be out $7.44. It popped right in, the GPs got current for the requisite amount of time, and it didn't overheat. Tractor fired right up. I'll replace it with the 70 amp relay when it arrives.

 

[UpLateAgain]

My take too. Glow plugs not illuminating. Next time you go to start, take a volt meter and check to see if they are getting voltage when the glow plug warning light is on in the instrument panel. Check back with your findings and will go from there.

Found the bogeyman. The GP circuit relay has gone bad. Got one ordered, but it won't be here 'til Wednesday. In the meantime, I put in a universal 40 Amp (RL44) from Autozone ($7.44) relay, that seems to be working fine. I'll pop the 70 amp relay in when it arrives Wednesday, but in the meantime, the tractor is popping right over and the relay doesn't seem to be overheating.... probably due mostly to the short period it's active (about 12 seconds).

So thank you each and all. I'm pretty sure this nut is cracked!

 

[UpLateAgain]

Is there a way I can indicate in the forum listing that this issue has been solved?

 

[Kentuckyfarmer]

I am seeing many people who replace or do wiring on their GP circuit, make serious mistakes.

Some glow plugs are wired in series and some in parallel. It makes a tremendous difference.

Do you have a wiring diagram in your owners' manual which you could post?

If you are going to do your own troubleshooting you need a few inexpensive tools.

A test light

A multimeter

An infrared temperature measuring gun for less than $20 on Amazon

Amazon.com: Etekcity Lasergrip 774 Non-contact Digital Laser Infrared Thermometer Temperature Gun -58℉~ 716℉ (-5�℃ ~ 38�℃), Yellow and Black: Kitchen & Dining

Post some pictures of your glow plugs on the engine along with their wiring.

White smoke means un-burned fuel.

If you can easily do so, disconnect the air filter assembly from the intake manifold. Direct the hot air from an electric heat gun into the manifold as you crank the engine. A hair dryer will also work although not as well.

If the manifold is metal, even a propane torch can warm the intake air and help starting. Watch this youtube video to allay any concerns with the torch.

This youtube video is just to show you how engines were started before Glow Plugs became common . I am not suggesting you change your tractor but rather realized how much heat is necessary to get things firing.

The correct term is Thermostart also known as a flame heater.

HOW THE FLAME HEATER WORKS ON A PERKINS DIESEL - YouTube


Do NOT test your GP's by connecting them to 12 volts. Sudden death of the GP can be the result.

Dave M7040

Branson tractors are in parallel. I haven't seen any tractors that had a series circuit. But I haven't seen them all either. Only diesel I ever seen in series was a German Mercedes. I like the idea of hot air in the intake like a grid heater instead of glow plugs myself.

 

[UpLateAgain]

I like the idea of hot air in the intake like a grid heater instead of glow plugs myself.

I used a hair dryer a couple of winters ago to start the tractor when it was more than 10 below and I couldn't get it to fire even though it had both block and pan heaters. Popped right over. All the air ducting from the filter is plastic. I think I'm going to see if I can fashion some kind of inlet where it will be easy to insert the business end of the hair dryer without having to half disassemble the ducting.

 

[Dave M7040]

Branson tractors are in parallel. I haven't seen any tractors that had a series circuit. But I haven't seen them all either. Only diesel I ever seen in series was a German Mercedes. I like the idea of hot air in the intake like a grid heater instead of glow plugs myself.

Here are example of when series or parallel GP wiring has been used by Kubota. There are others but these are the ones readily at hand.

Dave M7040

 

[Kentuckyfarmer]

Thanks for the info. I'm going to try and throw some hot air in the intake and see if that helps with the starting. I know I'm getting current to the plugs but the spitting and sputtering when it starts shouldn't be. Wish my problem was as easy as yours. Maybe it could be one or two plugs bad. Will find out though. Thanks again.

 

[Kentuckyfarmer]

Here are example of when series or parallel GP wiring has been used by Kubota. There are others but these are the ones readily at hand.

Dave M7040

Never to old to learn something. I don't like the idea of them being in series. One goes bad the whole bunch don't work. I thought it was weird seeing them in series in the car but guess its more common than I thought. I really do like the grid heater like on my truck better than glow plugs.