CK20S Cold Weather Start Procedure

[JoelD]

I would not worry about them fixing by removing head

Kicking the crud out if your starter is not a good option

Joel

 

[lunbrjck]

Howdy I also have a 2008 ck20s where did you get the information on the recall for the hard starting issues thank

 

[JonKioti]

Hi JL,

I've had the 2007 CK-20HST and now have the 2009 CK-20S HST. The 2007 was stored outdoors through two winters; the 2009 is stored indoors at 14 degrees C.

I have never had a problem starting either tractor in any conditions. Glow plug until it turns off, then normal start. Maybe once or twice I had to glow plug a second time but never more.

I'd ask the dealer if something can be done to cover the cost of transport as this appears to be a warranty issue and that the tractor was just in recently (from what I understand from your post).

Good luck; I'm sure the thing will be fixed and keeping you happy soon enough.

Jon

 

[Iron Art]

My CK20s hst was one of the recalled tractors for hard starting. The dealer took the head off and did some machine work to install larger glow plugs, also increased the on time to 14 seconds on the plugs, In addition he installed a coolant heater in the lower radiator hose which I energize about 1hr before startup in the winter. After these mods, the tractor starts as if it were Summer. All mods were paid for by Kioti. Fred

 

[jlsanborn]

Heard back from the dealer. My tractor does not fall within the serial numbers that were recalled for glow plugs or controllers. The factory tech simply said that engine revisions have been made to comply with emissions standards and therefore are hard-starting. They said that if I picked up a line heater from Napa they would reimburse me. I'm ok with that I guess.

 

[Iron Art]

That heater will take care of your problem provided you have house power available. I energize mine 45 mins ahead of startup for a easy start. Fred

 

[jlsanborn]

So my plan is to go and get a line heater this afternoon from Napa. I just went and had a look at my lower hose to measure it for diameter and was surprised at how short it is. It's basically an elbow with not much straight section on either end. The heaters I looked at seemed awful long and I'm concerned that its not going to fit. Can anyone recommend a line heater for this thing? The dealer said that a magnetic oil pan heater wont work because of the aluminum oil pan (mine is steel)? He also felt that a line heater would put more heat into the head where its needed for starting. After looking at that tiny little hose, then at the oil pan right above the drain bung I'm leaning back towards a magnetic or adhesive backed pan heater.
I still don't know how much power (watts) I should be putting into this thing. If I got something small (25W), would it be silly to leave it pluged in all the time? If I get something that I'll plug in before use, how hot can I go to quickly get some heat into it?

 

[Iron Art]

Jlsanborn, Sent you a PM, Fred

 

[tulenutn2o]

So my plan is to go and get a line heater this afternoon from Napa. I just went and had a look at my lower hose to measure it for diameter and was surprised at how short it is. It's basically an elbow with not much straight section on either end. The heaters I looked at seemed awful long and I'm concerned that its not going to fit. Can anyone recommend a line heater for this thing? The dealer said that a magnetic oil pan heater wont work because of the aluminum oil pan (mine is steel)? He also felt that a line heater would put more heat into the head where its needed for starting. After looking at that tiny little hose, then at the oil pan right above the drain bung I'm leaning back towards a magnetic or adhesive backed pan heater.
I still don't know how much power (watts) I should be putting into this thing. If I got something small (25W), would it be silly to leave it pluged in all the time? If I get something that I'll plug in before use, how hot can I go to quickly get some heat into it?

Something is better than nothing. I was looking at a 200w at O reilly's auto parts today. I would go this route and not worry. I wouldn't leave plugged in constantly. maybe a lamp timer or something.

 

[jlsanborn]

So I picked up a 200W magnetic today, slapped it on and let it cook for about 4 hours. The heater surface is almost hot, the pan is noticably warmer towards the top, the valve cover is cool. It's about 40F here today and its parked inside. It still took two attempts to get it rousted, but once it started it definately smoothed out and cleaned up much much quicker. I've got it on the bottom of the pan and I think I'll leave it burning around the clock. I've got no fear of scorching the oil or anything like that as it seems pretty tame. I'll have a feel and start-up in the morning (hoping for 3-5" tonight!) and will report back.