What if I use glow ignition all the time?

[rlee6]

This is my third newbie question. Since glow ignition can save cranking of starter, what if I use it always? Thanks for answering my two previous questions.

 

[rambler]

I have, um, 4 diesel engines. The combine & one of the big tractors, don't use the glow assist until it's below 30 degrees. The big tractor is a little fussy, I use the glow assist below 38 degrees or so.

My little compace 1720 starts very easily _if_ I use the glow assist deal every time it is at air temp. Even if it is 90 degrees out, it starts better with 4 seconds of glow. So, I use glow on it all the time unless the engine has been runing within a 1/2 hour and is warm anyhow.

Kinda depends on your engine, they all have different personalities.

--->Paul

 

[Slamfire]

If I don't use the plugs for 10 seconds, I'll use the starter for 15. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[SnowRidge]

No sense using the glow plugs when they aren't needed. Experience will teach you when that is.

 

[HammerFour]

On our Kubota L2350 I always use the glow plugs for a few seconds, even in hot weather. The tractor starts easier with less black smoke puffing out that way, so I would assume there would be less diesel washing down the cylinder walls then on a cold start attempt.

We have a Dodge with a diesel as well as a VW with a diesel, they both use the glow plugs automatically in all weather, so if its good enough for them, its good enough for my little Kubota. =)

Interesting, the vw only has the plugs on for maybe a second max unless the temperature is below freezing. The Dodge will be on for several seconds, and the Kubota has to have quite a few seconds of glow plugging if its good and cold out ( below freezing quite a bit ).

One thing I noticed was how much better the glow plug system on my FIL's NH TC-30 was, it only was on for a few seconds even in below freezing weather and the tractor would start right up.

Maybe I should check the glow plugs on the Kubota, maybe one or more of the 3 have failed...

 

[billbill1]

If it helps with starting the tractor, use them all the time. That's what they are for!! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[SnoFalls]

my "habit" is ... "click" ignition on, "click" seatbelt attached, push clutch in, (glow plug indicator is _usually_ out by now, if not, I wait a few seconds more), "click" to start.

So, ya the glow plug is "used" for nearly every startup for me, but probably only a few seconds when the machine and I are "warmed" up.

 

[RFB]

On a Kubota, does the glow-plug light on and off indicate the cycle time (glow on when light on, glow off when light clicks off) of the plug? If so, does the system adjust length of "glow time" to outside air temp?

 

[SnoFalls]

</font><font color="blueclass=small">( If so, does the system adjust length of "glow time" to outside air temp? )</font>
on mine, yes ... glow time is "blink" when warmed up.

(I'll edit ... I dunno if it's ouside air temp, coolant temp, or whatever. I just use it ... )

 

[Highbeam]

I don't think you'll wear the glow plugs out by using them. Why the heck not? I use mine every time and I also let the tractor warm up every time.