CK20S Cold Weather Start Procedure

[jlsanborn]

My tractor is still covered under warranty. I've only had it for about 8 months and am just 75 hours in. I communicated my troubles to the dealer. He investigated the recalls and contacted Kioti. Their solution was to reimburse me for a line heater. I specifically asked about a pan heater and was told that a line heater would be much more effective. I still chose the easy road and bought the magnetic. I can't really cry Kioti until I do what they suggested first, but I agree that it should have cranked right up without a heating aid yesterday.
The fuel bowl is full, and clear. It looks to be like it was when it was new. I'll yank it out and have a closer look today. I am cranking hard enough on it. After about five turns it begins to sputter but I keep on it. The sputter frequency increases until it's almost outrunning the starter which is when I'll let go. It chugs a few more times but won't catch. It usually takes about five attempts like that to finally get it rousted. Its worse when its really cold. This leads me to believe that all the interlocks are in place as it always fires, it just dosen't want to get up and run. The pre-heat relay is operating as you can hear it "clack" when I turn it on and then another "clack" when the light goes out.

 

[RADIUM]

It definitely sounds like you've tried everything checked the fuel filter though you never know, as far as safety switches they could be the cause of your problem they work 90% of the time and it's that 10% that gets you I had one on the PTO if you shook it the tractor wouldn't start it would turn over but never catch just trying to help you figure it out ;-). You know its kind of funny somebody said they left the tractor's plug-in all the time it must've not been a profitable farm when you're paying the electric company that kind of money LOL, I just can't believe an in-line heater is going to make that big of a difference I guess we'll all find out take care good luck keep us posted

 

[jlsanborn]

My inspection of that lower radiator hose makes me think - what kind of tricky little heater is going to fit in there nice?. I've contacted a couple Kioti dealers and they both recommend pan heaters, which I already have and is not working. I'm thinking that my glow plugs are not working. How do I diagnose this?

 

[Iron Art]

jlsanborn, Heres a picture of my coolant heater, as you can see it is at a right angle and fits nicely. I also cut about 8 inchs out of the roll bar so it will go under my apple trees without having to fold it down all the time. Fred

 

[jlsanborn]

IA,
Thank you! That's EXACTLY what I was hoping for! I'll get one headed my way tomorrow. I guess I'll ask the seller, but do you know if he ditched the OEM hose and just used a couple bits of straight hose, or was he able to cut the heater into the OEM hose?
I checked today and my glow plugs are working (consuming electrical engergy anyway, bout 20A worth!). It's over 40F here today and it was still a "cold start", even with my pan heater running 24/7 (two attempts, three glow cycles each).
I'll report back here after I get my line heater. There's still more cold to come and I should see if there's any significant improvement for sure. After that test I'll get fuel from a different source and see if that improves things. I'm currently filling up at the local Chevron and adding PS. I'm at 2000' elevation for reference.

Nice job on the ROPS. I'm sure there's some 'figurin' in the height they choose, but it would seem that you've made it a bit stouter and a little more low profile. I've already gotten my rear chewed by the "girl" in the house for busting branches off the pine in front of the wood shed and I can't believe I haven't pulled out my shop door yet. I'm not planning on using that thing for its intended purpose, so I may consider snitching a little off the bottom too.

Thanks again!

 

[RADIUM]

I stopped by my local dealer yesterday and told him about this person that was having an issue with starting his diesel tractor , his suggestions were as follows checked the fuel flow with the sediment bowl removed check the air filter and make sure that no little animals made a nest in their also check the front air intake for anything that might be dragged in during starting procedures or while the tractors is running a loose flap of rubber or sticker it's happened many times before when diagnosing hard starting tractors. After reading your last post there is no way that tractor shouldn't start at 40ｰ you don't need a pan heater, what will you do when the power goes out ??? I couldn't begin to tell you how many times I've gotten up to find all the power out and a two foot of snow at my doorstep you need a tractor that will just start it just sounds ridiculous to me that without electricity you'll be stuck I applaud your efforts, but I think its time your dealer fixes this problem good luck and take care

 

[tcartwri]

Sanborn, you need to find a different mechanic.

 

[Iron Art]

I agree that this tractor should start without any external heat source, mine does, the only advantage of a coolant heater is easy starts and a rapid warmup but that is not a fix for tractor doesn't want to start to begin with. I really thought that the glow plugs weren't working but I guess that has been dispelled, I kinda wonder what throttle position is being used for startup. Aside from that, I would load that little bugger up, haul it to the dealer and tell him to FIX IT or keep it. Along with that, I would give him a copy of the letter that I would be sending to Kioti's Headquaters for inadequate service. Fred

 

[TBDonnelly]

Parafin in the diesel fuel can plug a fuel filter and be virtually undetectable. Have you replaced the fuel filter?

Don

 

[RADIUM]

I all ready told him that he should change the filter,it sounds like a fuel pump to me or perhaps a bad fuel solenoid ?? take care