cold starting (glow plugs)?

bvanek · Mar 27, 2021

Currently I have some issues with cold starts on my Kioti DK 40. So after some suggestions and further trouble shooting, I have this information; I originally thought my trouble was electrical as in the relay or timer......but after doing some testing I think I can rule that out? I get about 11.5 volts to the glow plug buss bar with the relay energized but couldn't feel the plugs getting warm by physically touching then. I then put a probe on 2 of the four plugs and didn't get a temp increase when energized.

So far I haven't pulled the plugs cause I use this tractor almost daily ( and the parts have to ordered and I couldn't take the downtime at the moment) .....was able to get started after some sputtering and choking , then fine after warmed up. What is puzzling to me is the fact that this happened all of a sudden and I didn't have any indication that the plugs were suspect even when it was colder out? I only checked the two most accessible plugs for temp but I might assume that if two are not heating the other two are suspect or soon to be suspect.

Am I missing something here? Did I have some plugs going bad and put to much demand on the others causing them to drop off one by one? I almost think a resistance test is a moot point if they are not heating? however I did a test with the buss bar still attached and got .2 cold and about .5 warm( after i got it fired up and running a bit). I'm assuming that this test may not be valid without removing the buss bar?

appreciate any input

Roadworthy · Mar 27, 2021

Glow plugs are connected in parallel. You could have three open ones but if one is good you'll measure a low resistance to ground on all of them. Pull a plug to get the numbers. It's probably a name brand like NGK. Put the plug back to fill the hole and order a whole set. That will get them coming. You may order from the dealer but if they are a standard commercial brand (likely) you may order them from any vendor who carries them.

rademamj1 · Mar 27, 2021

Yes, the DK40 is a 4 cylinder diesel. If just two glow plugs go bad, you will experience difficulties in starting. Some of the others may also need replacement. The good news is, they are a commonly stocked part, and any high volume Kioti Dealer will stock a few of them, and not have wait for supply shipments from Corporate Kioti in North Carolina. Recommend replace all four glow plugs at same time.