Hard to start kubota

sherpa · Nov 6, 2004

Where do you get the Compression guage for a diesel engine? Are they expensive? Is the compression check a simple proceedure? Is it something I could do or would I be better off taking it to the dealer?

mark777 · Nov 6, 2004

As I am trying to replace my Snap-on Compression tester that just turned up missing recently. That one was over $400, about 20 years ago.

I have noticed the U.S. General at Harbor Freight for $149. and don't know if it is any good or not. 0 - 1000 PSI or 0 - 70 bar and does most cars, trucks and tractors. This is the catalogue description, I have not had it in my hands for a comparison with the missing one.

Good luck, Mark

jnyost · Oct 7, 2005

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I changed the filters last year when I got it but not the fluid. I guess I will get that done.

As far as fuel, that may have been part of the power problem. About a week ago I was cleaning the fuel filter and could not turn the fuel off with the pitcock. It would turn but loosely. After clamping the fuel line off and getting it all apart I found the pitcock lever had broken off the little hump inside that fits into the plastic cut off valve. I also found that the plastic cut off valve was partialy close. I made all these repairs and so far its doing OK buts its not got hot enough or strained it to tell if this actually cured the power problem.

I got the valves adjusted last night, it was easy after I figured out which cyl was number one. Its a lot quiter now but still hard to start in my opinion compared to other tractors I have started.

What about fuel injectors? Or is there something else I could look at thats keeping it from starting easy?
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Do you have the procedure for adjusting valves?

Thanks
Jared

Roscoe · Oct 8, 2005

Hi Guys, Considering the low hrs the tractor has done then the compression should not be an issue.

You could be getting leak down from the injector pump which could explain the cranking time.
In the lift pump there is a non return valve which maintains the fuel in the injector pump. One easy way to check this is by trying the hand primer before you start it, if it takes a few strokes to pump up and the engine starts straight up then that valve is the culprit.

If the fuel system is partialy blocked anywhere then the engine would be starving of fuel very shortly after you start up, plus blockages dont normally affect starting.

Is it starting any easier since you did the valves?

Is it blowing any smoke at any time and if so, what colour is it?

Apply full throttle when starting to get the max amount of fuel into the cylinders, see if that helps

In this country, Ive heard of a few kubota owners grumbling about having to use the glow plugs all the time but these were all small 6 cyl engines, around 35 to 45 hp which seemed to be a trait with them.

Cheers
Roscoe

hayden · Oct 13, 2005

I think Roscoe is on a good track. If there is leakage at the injector pump or the injectors themselves are leaking into the cylinders, the the 5 crank cycles would be explained by the need to pump fuel back into the lines and injectors. It's also understandable how this leakage would be more pronounced with a hot engine.

Low compression could also explain it.

I don't see how any fluid or filter changes will impact this issue.

I'd follow Henro's advice - do the fluids and filters yourself, then explain exactly what's happening to the dealer, and ask them to diagnose the problem. Ideally, you can get to the mechanic working on it and discuss the issue with him directly. They will have the tools to do a compression test, test the fuel pressure in the injector lines, etc. to conclusively identify or eliminate some of the possible culprits.