What does your tractor start like in cold weather?

[Chilly807]

You could run a wire from the output side of the original relay to the control side of the second one, in parallel with the glow plugs, all the first relay would see is a small additional load to the 2 plugs it would control. The only real challenge is a place to mount the new relay. Another option is a larger capacity relay, provided the original wiring is large enough to safely handle 60 amps.

Sean

 

[Zdenek]

Ever thought about adding a second relay and running a separate wire to two of the 4 glow plugs?

That is a possibility. I think I would prefer a manual button. That way I can provide some extra heat after the computer turns the relays off. In cold weather, the engine starts right up and than sputters for up to a minute. Talking -20F and below. Adding the extra heat to the glow plugs would improve it. Some older tractors have the possibility to turn the key to the right position or have a separate switch for the glow plugs. This is almost a brand new tractor - fall of 2012. Still under warranty, but dealing with Kubota is a nightmare. So far the most used component of the tractor is the shop manual that I ordered with it, thinking it may come in handy down the road.

 

[Zdenek]

You could run a wire from the output side of the original relay to the control side of the second one, in parallel with the glow plugs, all the first relay would see is a small additional load to the 2 plugs it would control. The only real challenge is a place to mount the new relay. Another option is a larger capacity relay, provided the original wiring is large enough to safely handle 60 amps.

Sean

I could do that, but that complicates wiring, more components, more things to go bad and more maintenance. It would be easier to put a relay rated for the job there to begin with. I didn't find a 60 Amp relay yet. I want to know what Kubota says about their design. The closest dealer is 106 miles away and does not know anything. Was not able to penetrate the service department in TX yet. I think the wiring is fine for the few seconds it is under current. Especially in cold weather, it will not overheat.

 

[wmonroe]

What gauge wiring is it?

 

[Zdenek]

What gauge wiring is it?

The manual says 3. My best guess is that it is 3 mm in diameter, or about 8 gauge? I do not think it would withstand continuous 60 Amps, but 1 minutes is fine.

 

[SPMMD]

Yesterday 5-8 degrees, no start. Turns over quite nicely, just doesn't fire!. This mourning, outside temperature up to 23 degrees F. Fires up almost immediately smooth running, almost no smoke! Will get out my VOM and check glow plugs/current through relay. I suppose an infrared thermometer checking the top of a glow plug might do just as well?

 

[Zdenek]

Yesterday 5-8 degrees, no start. Turns over quite nicely, just doesn't fire!. This mourning, outside temperature up to 23 degrees F. Fires up almost immediately smooth running, almost no smoke! Will get out my VOM and check glow plugs/current through relay. I suppose an infrared thermometer checking the top of a glow plug might do just as well?

Try the IR thermometer and let us know what you find out. I am doubtful about it. The glow plug is supposed to heat up inside the cylinder, not outside. It may be quite a delay before you sense a change in external temperature of the glow plug.

 

[k0ua]

I could do that, but that complicates wiring, more components, more things to go bad and more maintenance. It would be easier to put a relay rated for the job there to begin with. I didn't find a 60 Amp relay yet. I want to know what Kubota says about their design. The closest dealer is 106 miles away and does not know anything. Was not able to penetrate the service department in TX yet. I think the wiring is fine for the few seconds it is under current. Especially in cold weather, it will not overheat.

Our Kioti's have a 70 amp rated relay for glow plugs. It would not be hard to put one in that Kubota.

 

[buickanddeere]

That is a possibility. I think I would prefer a manual button. That way I can provide some extra heat after the computer turns the relays off. In cold weather, the engine starts right up and than sputters for up to a minute. Talking -20F and below. Adding the extra heat to the glow plugs would improve it. Some older tractors have the possibility to turn the key to the right position or have a separate switch for the glow plugs. This is almost a brand new tractor - fall of 2012. Still under warranty, but dealing with Kubota is a nightmare. So far the most used component of the tractor is the shop manual that I ordered with it, thinking it may come in handy down the road.

Some systems use 6V glow plugs on a 12V for faster heating. The power is modulated on and off to prevent melting the 6V glow plug internals on 12V.
Steady 12V on 6V glow plugs with a manual switch would be trouble.

 

[Verticaltrx]

Yesterday 5-8 degrees, no start. Turns over quite nicely, just doesn't fire!. This mourning, outside temperature up to 23 degrees F. Fires up almost immediately smooth running, almost no smoke! Will get out my VOM and check glow plugs/current through relay. I suppose an infrared thermometer checking the top of a glow plug might do just as well?

I've started mine at -10F on a couple of occasion and it didn't like it, but after cycling the glow plugs twice for about 15sec each it started right up. Coughed and smoked for a while but it started. I often start it in single digits, preheat about 15sec and it starts. That said, it seems to always need the glow plugs to start smoothly unless it has been run recently or the temp is over 80F. I think it has to do with the improper timing for emissions reasons, someday I'll look into it.