Compression tester

[repete]

Who sells a compression testers for Kubotas? I have an L2550.

 

[DiezNutz]

Many Diesel compression testers have common adapters included or available to fit most anything, including Kubotas. They'll usually say so right on the box/product description.
Just shop around.

Even Harbor Freight's tester lists Kubotas, if you want an econo model.

 

[Dr. Bob]

I know where you put a compression tester on a gasoline engine (where the spark plug is). Where do you put it on a diesel engine? Injector? Glow Plug?

 

[DiezNutz]

Yes either injector or glow plug. Depends on the tester, some have fittings for one or the other, or both.

I'd say glow plug is most common, and usually easiest because you don't have screw with injector lines/possible contamination, and replacing heat shields/gaskets, which you're supposed to do whenever you remove an injector.

 

[rbargeron]

I agree the glow plug holes are easier access - also good time to test them (connect 12v jumper cables & see if the end gets red). What symptom does your L2550 have that is prompting a compression test?

 

[KennyV]

When you do connect the compression gage, remember to disable fuel flow at the rack. You do not want the cylinder to get any fuel while spinning the engine over during test. It will blow up your test system... KennyV

 

[repete]

I agree the glow plug holes are easier access - also good time to test them (connect 12v jumper cables & see if the end gets red). What symptom does your L2550 have that is prompting a compression test?

Quite a bit of black smoke under load.

 

[638]

Black smoke under load is good. Have you ever seen a semi pulling a load up a big hill or away from a stop light? Lots of black smoke.

 

[repete]

Black smoke under load is good. Have you ever seen a semi pulling a load up a big hill or away from a stop light? Lots of black smoke.

This is new. I have about 5000 hours in the tractor and this has become more pronounced in recent months.

 

[638]

That changes the equation, your probably due for a top overhaul.

 

[ibnxe]

rpete,
With 5000 hours and excessive black smoke under load, I would expect that you need to have the injectors checked or overhauled.
Is the engine going through more than normal amounts of oil? This would be more of a bluish smoke anyway.

 

[repete]

rpete,
With 5000 hours and excessive black smoke under load, I would expect that you need to have the injectors checked or overhauled.
Is the engine going through more than normal amounts of oil? This would be more of a bluish smoke anyway.

It uses no oil. I have changed oil and filter every 100 hours for it's life. Never overheated, hot but never close to red line. I am hopeful I do not have to remove anything beyond injectors and a compression test will help me decide.

 

[DanD78]

Have you checked your air filters? Has it lost power or just smoking black. I have changed injectors on a high hour engine before and it improved power and stopped the smoking. If you continue to run with a bad injector you could get cylinder wash and score a cylinder.

Dan

 

[repete]

Have you checked your air filters? Has it lost power or just smoking black. I have changed injectors on a high hour engine before and it improved power and stopped the smoking. If you continue to run with a bad injector you could get cylinder wash and score a cylinder.

Dan

I think I will take your lead and just get a new set of injectors and see what happens. Probably a good time to check compression while changing injectors anyway. If I do have a mechanical problem beyond injectors, I most likely will tear down and rebuild and would want to install the new injectors anyhow. Darn, $$$.