New L5240 Starting Rough

[TripleR]

Thanks for all the great feedback.

I pulled out the owners manual and it indeed says, "Set the throttle lever to about 1/2 way". Seems strange to set the throttle to such high RPMs to start an engine but I will give it a try.

One would think if hi RMP's were required to start the tractor they would simply use some sort of automatic advance. But then I guess it's not a car, it's a tractor, although it did cost more than my last car ;- )

I will post a follow-up video with the throttle advanced.

Thanks again

The issue of "proper start up" like some others will never be fully settled on TBN. There are some pretty long and a bit testy threads on this.

Our farm renters often leave their tractors down at our barn and have owned Case IH and John Deere. I have never heard a one of their tractors or combines started up and let low "idle".

I am certainly no expert on this subject and operate in relatively moderate weather compared to some.

 

[ModMech]

Almost every car, pickup, SUV, van, and diesel truck has "cold start high-idle" in some form or another.

OEMs spends millions in R&D and if their testing indicates a 1/2 throttle start per the operator's manual, then that is what I would do.

Of course, if you are in Embarras MN at -45*F and are using 15W-40 when the OM calls for 5W-30, a half throttle start may do more harm than good. Cherry picking what portions of the OM you are going to follow is not a wise thing to do, unless you are prepared for the potential consequenses.

 

[kuboman]

I did not start this thread but I did start one with a very similar question so I will clarify a few things. Having had very little experience with the new EGR engines I wanted to confirm if mine was in fact operating as it should. My experience with Kubota's and any diesel was that mine had a timing or injector problem with the way it was acting at start up. I have since found that mine is like every other one.
As for OEM starting procedures, they are written for the most lay of operators. Manufacturers also do not always have the life of the machine as their primary concern. They do not like complaints about smoking on startup for instance so they will give a procedure to hopefully eliminate those complaints but because it is in the owners manual does not mean it is the best for the machine.
Everyone is free do do as they please. So I will start mine at low idle and put up with the 5 seconds of smoke rather than start at half throttle knowing full well I am causing excessive wear on the engine. Most owners never put more than a few hundred hours on their machines so they will never see the fruits of their actions. That is why I try to buy new if possible.

 

[AJNF]

I tried the 1/2 throttle start. Still blowing a lot of white smoke and running rough but it seems to get up and running faster.

I would have to agree with kuboman, starting the engine in that manner would put added stress on a cold and unlubricated engine.

Personally, I think there is something wrong and I plan to take it back to the dealer to have it tuned by a tech.

Let me know what you think.

Here is the link to the video of 1/2 throttle start, YouTube - ‪1/2 throttle start‬‏ or click here YouTube - ‪1/2 throttle start‬‏

 

[TripleR]

None of our tractors blow nearly that much smoke, I would want it checked out too.

 

[kevinj]

None of our tractors blow nearly that much smoke, I would want it checked out too.

I wonder if his glow plugs are working or if they are waiting for the light to go out before starting????

It sounds like starting a big truck diesel in the cold with no glow plugs.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

I am thinking a sticky or leaking injector, takes a few cycles for it to get pumped up and on line firing. My RTV1100 has one that bleeds down overnight.

David Kb7uns

 

[kuboman]

I tried the 1/2 throttle start. Still blowing a lot of white smoke and running rough but it seems to get up and running faster.

I would have to agree with kuboman, starting the engine in that manner would put added stress on a cold and unlubricated engine.

Personally, I think there is something wrong and I plan to take it back to the dealer to have it tuned by a tech.

Let me know what you think.

Here is the link to the video of 1/2 throttle start, YouTube - ‪1/2 throttle start‬‏ or click here YouTube - ‪1/2 throttle start‬‏

Watching your video I would say it runs better at idle JMHO. As there being something wrong, not so sure. Just to many units doing the same thing. Has something to do with the emissions crap they put on this model. But, I sure would be interested to hear what a dealer says about it and if anything can be done.
Keeps us all informed.:thumbsup:

 

[Grateful11]

Our glow plugs were not working when we got the L3940 but the dealer took care of that. It doesn't need the glow plugs in warm weather. One of our tractors has the Cummins 5.9 L 6cyl. diesel turbo and it's never been started at anything but idle speed that I know of, it's 20 years, no smoke at start up, it has no glow plugs either, hit the switch and it's running within 1-2 seconds.

 

[JimP]

Kubota 5240 cab. I start at 1300 - 1500 rpm after glow plug cycle is complete and get a lumpy idle for a few seconds that smooths out. I have black smoke during the lumpy idle but no lighter colored exhaust. Keep us informed of what the tech says.