Blind?

[MrFixit]

After reading about the compression release I can't remember seeing one on my KAMA 354C.

I think my engine manual also says something about activating an electrical device temporarily before starting. I think they mean Glow Plugs. I can't remember seeing any switches (or wiring) for Glow Plugs either.

I'm learning to adjust to life without hearing, but darn I hope I'm not going blind also!

Tim

 

[RonMar]

The glow plug power should be a function of the ignition switch. IE: 4 position switch, Off, On, glow plug and start. The key positions for glow and start are spring loaded back to the on position. If you turn the key switch a little bit past the on position, you should see the AMP gauge on the dash peg toward the negative as the glow plugs pull around 30 amps of current. As the glow plugs warm, they pull less current so the meter should start to move back toward center after a few seconds. When I engage plugs, I start to count and am usually back to around 15-20 amps by 20 seconds, which is about as much as you should use the plugs during a start(running them too long burns them out).

 

[dogfarm]

Tim

My KAMA 554 has an electric pre-heater in the intake manifold. It doesn't have glow plugs. Turning the switch counterclockwise from the off position energizes the pre-heater. I usually give it 20 seconds or so before I crank the engine.

Don't know of the 354 is similar.

Steve

 

[JohnS]

I am sure a Kama 354 knowledgeble person will speak up, but if you are real curious, just look around the injectors for any heavy wire terminated to something in the head. Don't be surprised if you don't find any. Many engines don't have them. Direct Injected engines don't??? or was that Indirect, Not sure. Given your earlier comments on how easy it starts, I wouldn't worry about it, in any case.

 

[billbill1]

My 284LE doesn't have a cable to it either, it does have the mechanism on the valve cover however. I have no idea why it doesn't come on every glow plug diesel, I wish mine had it.

 

[kidney]

Tim, My 2004 ts354c does not have compression release or glow plugs. It is pre EPA. I think your have a Y485 engine. It is direct injection. I think the manual information about the glow plugs is for the Y385 engine in the TS254C.
My tractor starts great but I did add a lower radiator heater for those below freezing days here in NY. With you being in Fla. I wouldn't bother. If your battery is good and fuel clean you will be fine.

 

[JohnS]

Bill,

I was only refering to glow plugs on his particular engine.

For a Jinma Y380/Y385, it should have glowplugs. It is my understanding that the shuttle-shift version has disconnected the compression release, but the lever is still on the valve cover.

 

[bluechip]

Tim, if your tractor is a "pre epa" engine it has no compression release and no glow plugs. your key will be sort of a t shape. this is a direct injection engine and is very good starting overall. the new EPA approved engine has compression release and glow plugs and appears to be a 4 cylinder version of the Y385 engine, which is not direct injection but swirl chamber head. this engine is a little harder to start when cold and needs these features. Your tractor probably only has two pull knobs down below the dash, one for the hood and one to kill the tractor. the new ones have 3 knobs, the third being compresion releif.

 

[MrFixit]

I can see!

Thanks Chip for the the detailed information on my model. It must be a Pre EPE as there is only 2 knobs on dash. Previous examination with my "suspect" vision could not find a mechanism to activate valves or wiring for glow plugs.

It was built in Oct 05 (according to plate on tractor, not engine) and I was always wondering if it was the EPA version or not. Reading previous post from last august I thought I found something saying the Y485 engine is now approved for EPA. But my memory is as suspicious as my eyes!

Due to simplicity and ease of starting I'm content with the non EPA version. But for envirnmental reasons I would prefer the EPA version if it's cleaner running.

Tim

 

[3RRL]

Chip,
I attaching a couple of pictures for you identify what engine my KM554 has. I hope these engine labels will tell you.
Specifically:
1) Is it direct injection?
2) Is is "swirl chamber head"?
3) Does it have glow plugs?
4) Does it have compression release?

I would appreciate your response addressing these 4 questions.

I'll post another picture of the dash panel to show only 2 knobs, not 3.