BX 2230 Glow plugs and dash light

columbian · May 4, 2019

This spring, the first time I tried to start my BX, the glow plug light on the dash wouldn't light, but it started. It got worse over a couple of weeks, and now the light doesn't light, and it won't start.

I wore down the battery twice, and would rather not do it again. A neighbor suggested there might be an ignition problem.

Closest dealer is an hour away and is three weeks out, anyway.

She's been a true beast for 12 years -- everything from mowing (4 acres +/-), to tilling, to grading and hauling brush.

Anyone got any suggestions or advice on how to address this?

Dave M7040 · May 5, 2019

columbian said:
This spring, the first time I tried to start my BX, the glow plug light on the dash wouldn't light, but it started. It got worse over a couple of weeks, and now the light doesn't light, and it won't start.

I wore down the battery twice, and would rather not do it again. A neighbor suggested there might be an ignition problem.

Closest dealer is an hour away and is three weeks out, anyway.

She's been a true beast for 12 years -- everything from mowing (4 acres +/-), to tilling, to grading and hauling brush.

Anyone got any suggestions or advice on how to address this?

Does your Kuota have an indicator on the dash, not a glowing wire one like the old days, but a symbol?

You need a simple test light to find out if power is reaching the glow plugs. About $10 at auto parts stores or on Amazon.
You connect the alligator clip to the battery negative and then use the sharp end to touch the GP terminal when you turn key to preheat.

If there is power reaching the GP's then the possibility exists one or more GP's are blown.

If there is no power reaching the GP's, then you need to use the test light and probe terminal 19 when you turn to preheat.

If there is no power on terminal 19 then switch is suspect. Check fuses before condemning switch.

Dave M7040

columbian · May 5, 2019

Dave M7040 said:
Does your Kuota have an indicator on the dash, not a glowing wire one like the old days, but a symbol?

You need a simple test light to find out if power is reaching the glow plugs. About $10 at auto parts stores or on Amazon.
You connect the alligator clip to the battery negative and then use the sharp end to touch the GP terminal when you turn key to preheat.

If there is power reaching the GP's then the possibility exists one or more GP's are blown.

If there is no power reaching the GP's, then you need to use the test light and probe terminal 19 when you turn to preheat.

If there is no power on terminal 19 then switch is suspect. Check fuses before condemning switch.

Dave M7040

Dave--That all sounds like great advice. Where is Terminal 19? I have the Owners manual, but I don't think there are schematics, or anything showing terminals. This tractor has an orange light on the dash with a symbol of a coiled wire on it. When it does start, it runs the same as it always has. Wouldn't it run rougher or have less power if one of the GPs were out? I checked all the fuses in the fuse box I found under the dash, and they were all good. Is there any way to know which fuse handles the GP circuit? Thanks for your help.
Tim

Dave M7040 · May 5, 2019

columbian said:
Dave--That all sounds like great advice. Where is Terminal 19? I have the Owners manual, but I don't think there are schematics, or anything showing terminals. This tractor has an orange light on the dash with a symbol of a coiled wire on it. When it does start, it runs the same as it always has. Wouldn't it run rougher or have less power if one of the GPs were out? I checked all the fuses in the fuse box I found under the dash, and they were all good. Is there any way to know which fuse handles the GP circuit? Thanks for your help.
Tim

Tim
The GP circuit itself has no fuses. The dash symbol... does it light up or stay dead. Do other dash lights like the battery charge light work?
Terminal 19 is on the ignition switch. It is the terminal which sends power to the Glow Plugs.

From what I see looking at similar models to yours, the indicator on the dash is grounded through the GP's.

The engine, once started, has no need for the GP's

Because of how this matter started after storage, you should be checking for mouse or other rodent damaged wiring.

Also buy the test light and do the checks suggested.

Dave M7040

columbian · May 5, 2019

Dave M7040 said:
Tim
The GP circuit itself has no fuses. The dash symbol... does it light up or stay dead. Do other dash lights like the battery charge light work?
Terminal 19 is on the ignition switch. It is the terminal which sends power to the Glow Plugs.

From what I see looking at similar models to yours, the indicator on the dash is grounded through the GP's.

The engine, once started, has no need for the GP's

Because of how this matter started after storage, you should be checking for mouse or other rodent damaged wiring.

Also buy the test light and do the checks suggested.

Dave M7040

Dave: I'm getting the test light today. Yes, the other dash lights work just right. It's only the GP light that doesn't work. Also checking the wiring. So far it all looks good.
Also thank you for the info on diesels. I didn't know that they don't have anything but compression to ignite the fuel.

columbian · May 5, 2019

By the way, When I first started having this problem, i saw a single, white, 4"-long piece of wire coming out of a wiring harness and one end just hanging in the air. There was a blade connector plugged onto the engine block that the wire was clearly supposed to connect to. I bought a new connector, crimped it onto the wire and plugged in onto the block, and the engine started up. (See attached picture) That worked for a couple of weeks, until yesterday, when the tractor wouldn't start. I don't underestand how either of those thing would make sense. I'm going to re-check that right now.

Thanks again.

Tim