L3540 cold starting

[vrmnthntr]

Went and had the battery load tested at the dealer. They said it was weak and to run it more. I suggested a battery maintainer and they said that would work.

When I got home I figured I would try the battery on a slow charge again. And it was less than 50%.

I hate to toss a battery if its good. I will get a battery tender and try that.

Thanks to those who offered advice and opinions. I wasn't trying to look too deep into it. But I couldn't believe it was the battery after a year and a half.

After reading some other threads about short battery life from new tractors, I figured it was definitely a possibility.

 

[The Fred]

Thanks for the numbers. I need to get a service manual to see how the injection timing is adjusted on this engine.

Think you'll find that advancing the timing will be a bit of a pain to accomplish. Mine's right on 17 BTDC. Ask me how I know?

Have your battery load tested by a professional that knows something about batteries. If in doubt change it out, with the largest one that fits in the box OR similar sized with max CCA. Then buy a battery maintainer OR a 55 amp power supply; one that monitors voltage NOT amperage. Proper battery charging is done up to 14.4 volts not 16-17 like most old school battery chargers.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IOTA-12-VOLT-55-AMP-IQ4-BATTERY-CHARGER-POWER-SUPPLY-/320685870153


Fred

 

[RFB]

Whenever I replace a battery on anything that I deem as mission critical, I use the Starved Electrolyte (AGM) type by Odyssey, and maintain it with a smart charger/maintainer.

The Minnkota MK 115 PC is on my next tender list purchase.

http://store.minnkotamotors.com/products/607639/MK_115PC_(1_bank)

 

[Papasmirf]

I do closely the same, but use Interstate batteries and they have worked well. I'm wondering, since I forgot to tell him too, have the battery cables and posts been cleaned.

 

[Chilly807]

A lot of start cycles, short runs, and a relatively small alternator is a classic recipe for poor battery charge. The maintainer should cure the problem, if it were me I'd wire in a small polarity sensitive plug to hook up the charger on a regular basis.

Sean

 

[vrmnthntr]

I replaced the battery with a new one after charging the original one after the same results (50 degrees the tractor started fine, 40 degrees was slower).

With the new battery I thought I had the problem taken care of. Yesterday after we received snow I started the tractor in the garage which was 38 degrees. It started ok, but not as fast as I would have liked.

I left the tractor out last night so the snow wouldn't melt in the garage. Went out to start it (6 degrees), cycled the glow plugs twice (they were on for 10 seconds each automatically) and it turned over slow just like the old battery was in it. I then hooked a jump pack to it and it turned over a bit faster, but did not start it. The link below is with the jump pack on. I did not want to turn it over too much because I did not know if I could cause any damage. I tried it again afterwards with the battery charger on start mode. No start.

I'm not a mechanic, but is this issues with the glow plugs? My RTV sat outside all night and started up immediately. My B7800 I had for almost 5 years did not have any starting problems in the cold.

Kubota L3540 cold start - YouTube

 

[BeezFun]

Went out to start it (6 degrees), cycled the glow plugs twice (they were on for 10 seconds each automatically) and it turned over slow just like the old battery was in it.

If it was 6 degrees in that video, I think it's turning over fine, it just isn't starting. So I don't think there's anything wrong with battery or starter. In 6 degree weather mine would not turn over any faster but would start after just a few seconds. I'd do simple stuff first like check glow plug resistance, look for water in fuel filter.

 

[diesel lover]

I'm not a Kubota mechanic directly, but I work full time at a truck shop and have years of experience with large trucks. Your engine is turning over okay could be a little faster but not bad none the less. I agree that your fuel may not be combusting like it should in order for your engine to start. Do you have a block heater you can plug in for 3 or 4 hours before start up?
Where are you positioning your throttle ? On off road equipment throttle position can help with cold start ups. I am not sure where Kubota recommends to place the throttle but it may need to be placed 1/4 or so. I don't know how diesel fuel is in your area but you may have to add a white bottle of power service to lower your diesel fuel ignition temps.

I also agree with the post above if you have water in a modern blend of diesel fuel it will stay mixed in for longer before seperating. Might need to change your fuel filter/ or water sepperator.

 

[diesel lover]

* and yes as you said before may need to inspect glow plugs and glow plug relays

 

[vrmnthntr]

The fuel filter was changed 2 weeks ago and I add power service to my fuel during the winter.

The throttle was at the minimum.