Kubota 902 engine, can’t start in cold (Edit: Probably not a "cold" problem)

[sansbury]

Yeah, the lines look like rubber until the injectors. I can't quite see the pump, I think that's buried pretty deep. I'll try that in the morning and get some pictures too.

 

[dodge man]

Change the fuel filter. Those little one plug easily. When you change it take the engine side off first, you’ll know if it’s plugged up. I had a Kubota BX, similar engine and when I took the line off the engine side hardly any fuel came out, when I took the other side off fuel poured out. I’m guess ing the “tuna can” is a lift pump. It should click when the ignition is turned on but not started.

 

[Williy]

Have you tested the glow plugs?
cleaned all the wires to the glow plugs?

willy

 

[sansbury]

Finally got the dealer engaged on this. The manager of the US office came out yesterday to look at it with me and connect with their service team in Canada. They just opened the US office this year so they don't have a full staff yet and have to handle things remotely. Oh well, there's a reason why it cost 50% less than a name brand machine... At least they're actively helping now.

Anyway, based on video and description their techs are fairly certain it's a problem somewhere int he fuel system. No signs of problems with the GPs or induction. The inline filter and lifter pump seems fine and fuel gets as far as the large can filter OK. The next thing they want me to check (I had to leave for the next couple days) is to open the return line at the injector rail and crank the engine to see if I get fuel flow there. They think there could be a blockage or air in the lines that needs to be bled out.

If that doesn't do anything, then there is a solenoid I need to check--I'm not quite sure of the function of that. I'd love to have a good service manual or explanatory guide for this type of small diesel that just explains the major components and what each does. I'm not an idiot but I've also never worked on these before so I am learning as I go.

 

[nyone]

If it uses a shutdown solenoid it should be on the fuel pump. It needs switched power/ground. Make sure it moves/clicks with the key.

Have you checked the fuses on this machine?

 

[sansbury]

Not yet. I'm guessing that's one of the next things if none of the above work.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Good. They will have enough direct knowledge to talk you through. That solenoid likely is to operate a valve to stop fuel delivery when you want to cut the engine off.

Good luck! - Pls post back when resolved.

 

[whatscooking]

I have four of these type engines at my place. RTV900, GL 3130,BX2360 and A 721 Grasshopper. All but the Grasshopper starts before you can get your finger off the key, even in cold weather. The Grasshopper got to running sluggish, I changed filters and rubber lines, showed cracking, even adjusted valves. Was mowing along and it slowed down and died. I pulled the fuel pickup out of the tank, what A small tube, tiny. On the tip of the tube was A small collection of grass looking stuff, kinda looked like A wad of chewing tobacco, lol. Blew out the line, can't hardly lug her down. It still doesn't start like the others but much better now.

 

[sansbury]

Meant to come back here to update, got it solved yesterday. Turned out to be air in the fuel system. The dealer tech had me disconnect the fuel return, run the pump until fuel came out, and crank it. Took two tries and smoked like heck for a minute but it settled down and ran smoothly for a half hour.

Fired right back up happy as new just now so I think we can safely call this solved.

 

[garry1p]

Glad you got it fixed and thanks for coming back and letting us know what the problem was.

 

[whatscooking]

Meant to come back here to update, got it solved yesterday. Turned out to be air in the fuel system. The dealer tech had me disconnect the fuel return, run the pump until fuel came out, and crank it. Took two tries and smoked like heck for a minute but it settled down and ran smoothly for a half hour.

Fired right back up happy as new just now so I think we can safely call this solved.

I want to understand this. So you disconnected the return line that comes off the top of the injectors and ran the engine untill fuel came out of that line clear?

 

[sansbury]

Correct. Took a few seconds with the key set to “on” with the lifter pump running.

 

[olenjohn]

Install an engine block heater. Run the heater for a couple hours before needing the tractor. Some are just a PITA and need a bit of babying to start.

 

[whatscooking]

Correct. Took a few seconds with the key set to “on” with the lifter pump running.

Curious why just running it normal didn't purge the air. So you have A electric pump that feeds the injector pump?

 

[sansbury]

Curious why just running it normal didn't purge the air. So you have A electric pump that feeds the injector pump?

If I knew the answer to that I probably wouldn’t have needed to start this thread