How long do you glow and crank for?

KubotainNH · Dec 5, 2007

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

There must be a difference. My 80's B6100 needs the glow plugs on for close to a minute in sub freezing temps. I'd rather run the glow plugs longer than waste the amperage trying to start it multiple times. If I give it enough glow plug time it usually starts the first or second crank. Been doing this for years with no consequences that I know of.

SPYDERLK · Dec 5, 2007

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

There must be a difference. My 80's B6100 needs the glow plugs on for close to a minute in sub freezing temps. I'd rather run the glow plugs longer than waste the amperage trying to start it multiple times. If I give it enough glow plug time it usually starts the first or second crank. Been doing this for years with no consequences that I know of.

Art, in post#19 says it well. Do whats needed to get it to fire promptly. Otherwise youll be washing down the cyls and diluting the oil and replacing starters and batteries.
larry

DesertRose · Dec 18, 2007

I have started diesels with glow plugs in cold weather for over 30 years. If the engine starts without the use of the glow plugs...great. Then I don't use them. But you get a feel for each diesel engine. You will learn how your engine starts in cold weather. If it fires on the first crank in zero weather without the use of the glow plugs...go for it. It it doesn't fire quickly don't keep cranking. Stop cranking and turn the glow plugs on for as long as it takes to start quickly. You will soon figure out how long it takes for your engine. As the engine gets older it might take longer but I wouldn't start out using the glow plugs for long periods when the engine is new. Glow plugs are wear items. They are resistance heaters and can burn out when over used.

Tom

wjoerob · Dec 18, 2007

Well, I'm a newbie at cranking an old B6100 engine. Previous owner told me to use the glow plug anywhere from 15-30 sec. So far, with temps below freezing, it seems like 30 seconds will do the trick, might have to repeat it one time, but not more than that.

Elsie71 · Dec 18, 2007

My B7100 always takes at least a minute in cold weather but only 15 or 20 seconds in the summer. If t is really cold I also use the compression release to get the engine turning faster, then slowly let up on the release until it starts. Does anyone know if the glow plugs continue to heat when you turn the key from the left for preheat back to the right for starting? I suppose I could check this with a meter, but I thought someone might know.

Kevin Beitz · Dec 18, 2007

Also make a difference how old your battery is...

Kubota In Canada · Dec 18, 2007

In sub zero (Celcius), 30-45 seconds and she goes. In the summer, 10 sec. does the trick.

Eric

charlz · Dec 22, 2007

Elsie71 said:
My B7100 always takes at least a minute in cold weather but only 15 or 20 seconds in the summer. If t is really cold I also use the compression release to get the engine turning faster, then slowly let up on the release until it starts. Does anyone know if the glow plugs continue to heat when you turn the key from the left for preheat back to the right for starting? I suppose I could check this with a meter, but I thought someone might know.

Yep, my b7100 is the same. I really like the lower hose heater I put on though... just need 10 seconds or so when its been plugged in a while and really warmed up. Even just 15 minutes with the heater helps it crank a lot better.