Read the Operating Manual - "Glow Plugs"

[gstrom99]

The SIL just picked up a hardly used 2012 Deere 3032E with just over 400 hours. It did not come with a manual. I downloaded one from Deere (free) but did order a printed/real one. He brought it to me to look over and fix anything I found since I'm "the fix-it guy". It was used to spread salt and clear parking lots, I think, because the parking brake is seized (off thankfully), seat slider is seized but the most troubling thing I found is the hydro dipstick is also seized. I'll be working on these issues as time allows, as he picked it back up yesterday to put it to use. Really nice, other than those issues.

As I'm tinkering with it, starting/driving it a bit, I start to wonder about the glow plug operation. No extra "stage" on the keyed switch, no glow plug light... Not having the real manual, I dig into the pdf version I have. The "starting procedure" explains how to make them work. Very strange process to me, but I/we don't have newer tractors.

When cold, you put the hydro lever in LOW, hold the key to START for the desired seconds (depending how cold it is), while holding the key in START, you pull the hydro lever back to NEUTRAL and it cranks up. Very strange to me.

Is this the same in all "newer" tractors?

 

[Roadworthy]

I can't say it's the same for all newer tractors or even other John Deere tractors. Many still use the glow plug position on the ignition key and some have an automatic glow plug controller and a light on the dash to monitor.

 

[bigtiller]

Copy & past from the manual for my 3039R which was new in the fall of 2022

Cold Weather Starting
CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust
fumes contain carbon monoxide and can
cause serious illness or death.
Move the machine to an outside area before
running the engine.
Do not run an engine in an enclosed area
without adequate ventilation.
• Connect a pipe extension to the engine exhaust
pipe to direct the exhaust fumes out of the area.
•Allow fresh outside air into the work area to
clear the exhaust fumes out.
NOTE: It is recommended to install optional engine
block heat, hydraulic oil heater, and battery
heating pad if operating machine in temperatures
below - 18° C (0° F).
If temperature is below 0° C (32° F), follow the
cold weather starting steps in this section.
1. Apply park brake.
2. Move the transmission range shift lever (A) to the N
position.
3. Turn ignition key switch to the run position.
4. When glow plug icon light turns off, then turn key to
start position.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Starter may be
damaged if starter is operated for more
than 20 seconds at a time.
Wait 2 minutes before trying again if
engine does not start.
5. Release key when engine starts.
6. Check instrument panel indicator lights:
- Engine oil pressure light should go out within 5
seconds.
- Alternator/battery charging light should go out
within 10 seconds.
7. If indicator light remains on after 10 seconds, set
engine speed to full throttle. If indicator light continues
to stay on, stop the engine and check for cause.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! In cold weather,
run engine several minutes to allow engine
oil and transmission oil to warm.
NOTE: It is normal for the engine to be louder and
for blue-white exhaust smoke to be present

LV17529 —UN—19APR13

A—Transmission Range Shift
Lever
during engine warm up. The amount of exhaust
smoke depends on air temperature.
8. Warm the engine:
• In warm weather, set engine speed control lever to the
1/2 fast position for 1 minute without load.
• In cold weather, set engine speed control knob to the
1/2 fast position for 5 minutes without load.
Idling Engine
NOTE: Allowing engine to idle for long periods of time
will waste fuel and cause carbon buildup.
1. Adjust engine speed control lever lever to set engine
at low idle.
2. Apply park brake.
Starting a Stalled Engine
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! If engine stalls while
operating under load, start engine immediately
to prevent abnormal heat buildup in engine.
1. Disengage PTO.
2. Remove foot from forward and reverse travel pedals.
3. Move transmission range shift lever to neutral position
4. Start engine. Continue with normal operation, or set
engine at low idle for 2 minutes before stopping engine.

 

[gstrom99]

Do not run an engine in an enclosed area
without adequate ventilation.
• Connect a pipe extension to the engine exhaust
pipe to direct the exhaust fumes out of the area.
•Allow fresh outside air into the work area to
clear the exhaust fumes out.

Thanks. How many will go out and buy that 50 foot+ exhaust pipe extension, to be so very safe...? Reads like lawyers wrote much of that.

 

[scootr]

My Kubota MX model has a key switch activated glow plug and a dash indicator. You can ignore the glow plug or wait to start... usually less than 20-30 seconds.
My older SS has a glow plug button. Hold it for 30 seconds before cold starts. Both work great. My diesel car works the same as the MX but it will not start until the plugs warm the combustion chamber.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

I have never had the exact same model but for the dip stick try and give it a 1/8 or 1/4 turn first before pulling on it. the little twist on some of mine that are rubber seated breaks the binding and pulls out easy after that.

 

[scootr]

I have never had the exact same model but for the dip stick try and give it a 1/8 or 1/4 turn first before pulling on it. the little twist on some of mine that are rubber seated breaks the binding and pulls out easy after that.

And put some grease on it before sticking it back in....

 

[careyo63]

I just mentioned it and the cold start on my Yanmar drips diesel on a heating element to heat it up so the intake gets super hot. I don't have to use it but very seldom but it is effective.

 

[Gordon Gould]

I have two Kubotas. They both have glow plug controllers that adjust the glow time based on the temperature. Turn key ON, glow plugs and dash light come on, turn key to START when glow plug light goes out - very typical.

BUT, you can also control the glow plug time manually as you (OP) described on both tractors. Put transmission in gear, turn key to START, glow plugs come on but no glow plug light, glow plugs stay on as long as key is in START and transmission is not in neutral, holding key in START put transmission in neutral, glow plugs go out and tractor cranks/starts. This is a non published (as far as I know) method but is very handy when your glow plug controller fails and you need to start the tractor.

gg

 

[gstrom99]

I have never had the exact same model but for the dip stick try and give it a 1/8 or 1/4 turn first before pulling on it. the little twist on some of mine that are rubber seated breaks the binding and pulls out easy after that.

That's the plan, and we're doing that daily. I've been using PB Blaster, but someone told me to try a "new" spray penetrate from SeaFoam. He said it was much better. Never heard of it, but will look.