L285 need glow plugs on warm day

   / L285 need glow plugs on warm day #1  

paulharvey

Veteran Member
Joined
Nov 23, 2012
Messages
1,425
Location
Hawthorne, FL
Tractor
Kubota L285
Hi, I have a 1977 Kubota L285, 950 hr, that requires glow plugs to start even on an 80 degree day. I was told once that the old L series are like that. Is that normal, or is it a sign of trouble ahead.
 
   / L285 need glow plugs on warm day #2  
I have a L245dt. Bought it new in 1978. It requires glow plugs to start.
 
   / L285 need glow plugs on warm day #3  
I have a B26 and it is sluggish to start on 70F days without glow plugs. My Kubota RTV 900 is the same but will start at a bit cooler temps without glow plugs. I guess it has something to do with compression on the Kubota engines. MY LS P7010 starts without glowplugs at 25F.
 
   / L285 need glow plugs on warm day #4  

On my 1983 L235, even on the warmest days, on initial start up I have to use the plugs. Only after sitting awhile (an hour or longer), after running, I might need to give it a little "Glow", but most times will restart with no help needed from the plugs. Never knew if this was normal or not, but as long as it started, I figured that I was good to go.


Ron


 
   / L285 need glow plugs on warm day
  • Thread Starter
#5  
Thanks guys. I bought the tractor for $1,400 from a guy that pretty much gets them at scrap price, so im glad to hear that its normal. Do any of you have close up pics of dash, ive got a tach/hour meter and a hole for another gauge to the left, about 3" diameter, any ideas what should go there.
 
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