How long do you glow and crank for?

[Volfandt]

How long is too long?
Depends
Glow pugs are basically small resistance heaters and the longer you apply current too them, the hotter they get and the more current they pull.
Applying constant current to the glow plugs for an extended amout of time, i.e. 1 minute or more at a time runs the risk of burning the glow plugs out as well as running the battery down too low to start.
Same goes for running a starter for too long a duty cycle at a time. One can easily burn a starter up by keeping it continuosly running.
It's better to go short bursts than long continuos burns and since the glowplugs collectively draw less current than the starter, it is better in the long run to use the glowplugs 1st then use the starter. Even if it takes several cycles before the engine will stay running.
It takes a huge amount of current for a starter to spin these high compression diesel engines's and a stubborn engine can and will run a battery down real fast, especially at the most inoppurtune times .

 

[Texas Dodge]

I hold mine for the 2-3 seconds like the manual says and she starts up the first time so far.

 

[escavader]

below 40f 5 seconds fires right up
below 20F 10 SECONDS fires right up

throttle at 1/4,no block heater
starts even after a couple weeks below freezing temps.
ALAN

 

[canoetrpr]

No more than a few (3-5) seconds even in cold cold weather. I try to use a block heater when I can but I often end up not having it plugged in when I decide I need to do some work.

She's never failed to start even at -25 degrees C.

TalonDancer - thats quite a gizmo that Kubota has got in the Grand L's - somethin that automatically turns of the current to the glow plugs.

 

[canoetrpr]

No more than a few (3-5) seconds even in cold cold weather. I try to use a block heater when I can but I often end up not having it plugged in when I decide I need to do some work.

She's never failed to start even at -25 degrees C.

TalonDancer - thats quite a gizmo that Kubota has got in the Grand L's - somethin that automatically turns of the current to the glow plugs.

 

[TalonDancer]

....TalonDancer - thats quite a gizmo that Kubota has got in the Grand L's - somethin that automatically turns of the current to the glow plugs.

I thought all Kubotas automatically switched off the glow plugs when the engine was ready until I read this thread

BTW when the glow plug light goes out there is an audilbe click. So now I don't even look at the light. I just wait for the click to begin cranking BTW if I wait for the click she starts instantly regardless of temp.

Talon Dancer

 

[SPYDERLK]

Along the same line.... What if I hold it for 20 secs, every time. What could be the damage?? (other than wasting time) If I hold it for 45 secs... more damage or wasting more time?? We have a tractor at work that only gets used once in blue moon (actually, less ) and we hold it for a long time.

After reading this, it might be better to ask if there is difference between "New tractors vs. Older tractors"??

(I don't have a clue...)

tractor in good shape you shouldnt need the glows at all unless its pretty cold. I dont use mine unless the tractor doesnt start w/i 2or3 revolutions. Then Ill glow it a few seconds. The colder the longer is needed. It should start immediately.

larry​

 

[frank_miller]

above 15F appeox 3 seconds.

Below is integral to temp. Max time at -17F was approx 8 seconds and fired right up.

To me, anything more is un-due stress on parts; aka not needed. If you are running a 15w-40, you better hold for about 1 minute! LMAO.

 

[art]

Along the same line.... What if I hold it for 20 secs, every time. What could be the damage?? (other than wasting time) If I hold it for 45 secs... more damage or wasting more time?? We have a tractor at work that only gets used once in blue moon (actually, less ) and we hold it for a long time.

After reading this, it might be better to ask if there is difference between "New tractors vs. Older tractors"??

(I don't have a clue...)

Back in the 60's IH had a lot of engines that ran glow plugs that the normal was 60 seconds and on a low compression one more time yet. They weren't the only ones to use a glow plug system but there was many types that took thirty seconds minimum and sixty when below 40.

Most of todays newer systems are far shorter times with air temperature always a consideration. To run anything for longer periods of time then needed only wears things out.

 

[teg]

So you are saying that glow plugs can wear out... I didn't think they would (have not seen much about replacing them on TBN). I always assumed that the longer the glow plug is on, the hotter it gets and so the easier on the tractor starter it would be (quick turn over). I know I *can* start my L2800 without the glow plug, even when it's very cold outside... So, running it more than 3 seconds is NOT buying me anything extra, eh?

PS. Sorry mswlogo, for hijacking your thread a bit.