Kubota LX4020 cold start

[tractchores]

I've got a newer Kubota LX4020 that's a few months old and just had it's 50 hour service. I've had a few issues with it, but we seem to have worked the bugs out and it's running fine. As the weather has gotten colder I've noticed it not wanted to start when it's 30's or below. Specifically today for example it was maybe 20's, but had been single digits over night and it took 4 cycles of glow plugs, plus cranking for maybe 4-5 minutes to get it started.

I did have the dealer confirm that the plugs are working and that I'm using the correct procedure at the 50 hour service. The procedure is to turn the key to the light check, wait for the lights to go out and then turn it a bit more until the glow plug light turns on then release and wait for it to go out. I'm using winter mix diesel from a locai gas station (actually tried 2 just to be sure) and it seems fine, it's the same fuel I'm using in my other machines as well.

I did have a block heater installed, but the machine is in an off-grid location so there's no power where it's stored.

Is this normal? I've got other Kubota equipment including 2 B-series tractors and all of it starts up easily after 1-2 glow plug cycles. Maybe these bigger engines just need to crank for 5 minutes in the cold?

 

[RjCorazza]

That machine should start much easier in those relatively mild temps. I would confirm that you are using the correct glow plug procedure. Is it possible that the key switch should remain in the glow position for 5-10 seconds, then start? ie: Off > On > Glow > Start.
You could also add a block heater to the tractor, but honestly it should start fine without block heat.

 

[Robin Veerman]

Cycle the glow plugs 2/3 times in colder weather. My tractor is inside a shed but no block heater. The above procedure works for me. Also you might want to use a 5w30 or 0w40 synthetic diesel oil if you aren’t already doing so…

 

[tractchores]

Thx I’ve been doing it 3-4 a d cranking it for a minute or two and it eventually starts. I’ll have to check on the oil type. I’m going to try and do some testing on the glow plugs it feels like maybe a relay or something

 

[Robin Veerman]

Cranking the starter for a minute or two….will burn out the starter. Check with the dealer as to what oil they put in. Hopefully it’s not a 15w40. But even then it should start without that much trouble. It’s not even winter yet
ps…do you have the throttle set at about halfway for a cold start?!!

 

[Bavarian]

You shouldn't have any trouble in the 20-30s.
Kubota engines usually are very good cold starters.
In my opinion, there shouldn't be any need for glow plugs at 30 degrees.