Should I have to preheat my B3200 EVERY time I start it?

[Verticaltrx]

I'm not sure if its because it's an indirect injected engine or what, but unless I use the glow plugs for a few seconds (even if it's 70-80* outside) it won't start. Doesn't seem to matter if the throttle is at idle or mid throttle, without preheating it just doesn't start. Once its been run for a while and the engine is at operating temp it starts fine.

I've never experienced this on any other diesel engine that I've used, so I'm wondering if this is normal or is there something that I should be doing differently? Our old Deere 2550 doesn't have glow plugs and starts even when its down around zero. BTW, when I do preheat it for the proper amount of time it Always starts, even this past winter at nearly -10* below. It does like to smoke (white) and sputter for the first few seconds, but clears up quickly. Any input would be great.

 

[kuboman]

Mine is the same, takes a few seconds of preheat no matter what the temp. Just the nature of a IDI engine.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I'm not sure if its because it's an indirect injected engine or what, but unless I use the glow plugs for a few seconds (even if it's 70-80* outside) it won't start. Doesn't seem to matter if the throttle is at idle or mid throttle, without preheating it just doesn't start. Once its been run for a while and the engine is at operating temp it starts fine.

I've never experienced this on any other diesel engine that I've used, so I'm wondering if this is normal or is there something that I should be doing differently? Our old Deere 2550 doesn't have glow plugs and starts even when its down around zero. BTW, when I do preheat it for the proper amount of time it Always starts, even this past winter at nearly -10* below. It does like to smoke (white) and sputter for the first few seconds, but clears up quickly. Any input would be great.

Most of my Kubotas have started better if I turn the key on for 2 to 4 seconds before turning/engaging starter. Including the B3200 I owned. They will start without it but require a bit longer starter engaged so I'd rather wait the few seconds and then get a faster start with less starter time.

 

[KeithInSpace]

Sounds about right to me...when starting cold I need to hold the coils on for some 5 seconds nomatter what. I've tried not doing that in warm weather and it cranks for those 5 seconds anyway, so I haven't gained anything except strain on my starter.

After heating it for those 5 or so seconds, it takes one bump of the starter to fire right up.

Likewise, when the engine is at operating temp, one bump of the starter with no preheat.

I keep it inside my main garage, so I don't think it's ever been started cold in temps below 40*.

Yoda: Like all systems normal, to me it would sound, hmmmm?.

 

[devildog1]

Agree with the other posts, preheat two to five seconds and go. That's what I do to my B3200 TLB. Mine sits in the barn all the time when not used and we do get some real cold weather here in upstate N.Y. It always starts easy if you give it 2 to 5, completely normal.
DevilDog

 

[Verticaltrx]

Thanks for the replies. The only other experience I've had with small diesel, and I assume indirect injection, engines is with our Kubota ZD21 mower and Kawasaki 2510 diesel Mule. Both of them preheat automatically when you turn the key, when the preheat light goes out you start it.

Glad to find out that this is normal, it doesn't bother me to preheat it, just making sure that it didn't have other issues.

 

[BigD23]

I've never researched it, but have just counted to 5 (dunno why) before I start my Bota...Sure sounds sweet then.

Don

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

I typicaly crank a second to two right away to get some fuel in the engine, they heat for 2-3 seconds before cranking.

 

[Jay4200]

I typicaly crank a second to two right away to get some fuel in the engine, they heat for 2-3 seconds before cranking.

How do you manually turn on the heater? It is just keeping the key on? From what I understand, my L4200 has a little heater indicator that is supposed to turn on by itself for as long as necessary. I've seen it light up when it's cold (like below freezing), but I've only seen it a couple of times, and then only for a second or so. Regardless, my 2500 hour tractor starts right up, pretty much independent of temp.

JayC

 

[KennyV]

Hey JayC, you can't manually do your glowplugs.. They are as you said, automatic, on a timer circuit.
When it is close to 0 degrees F you will see the indicator stay on for a few seconds longer, I will then usually turn key off and back on to give it a second shot of pre heat.

During warm start ups just a quick flash of the indicator is all I see... KennyV