B7100 only starts with glow plugs....

[GrebesBakery]

I'm new to the world of diesel tractors, just picked up a b7100 and it will only start after activating the glow plugs. Is that normal? Its been in the 60's and 70's lately.....

 

[Bulldog]

My old 7100 needed glow plugs year round. After the first start up if it wasn't cut off for long it might crank without them but if the engine had cooled off very much it would take a few seconds of GP to start again. From what I gather it's just the nature of the beast.

 

[bigjerr]

my 3300 hr b6100 is tough to start , needs glow plugs for a count of ten all the time unless warmed up , I have been told due to ware and compression loss , getten ready to sell it , so I well watch this post for info .

 

[Central Joe]

MY B7100D WITH 730 HRS NEEDS GLOW PLUGS FOR FIRST START. After first start and not cooled down it dosen't. All is dependent on ambient air temp. joe

 

[OldeEnglish]

Same here with my b7100. There is a sticker next to the ignition that states how long you should hold he glow plugs depending on the outside temp. I don't think I've ever seen a diesel that doesn't need glow plug warming to start...

 

[GrebesBakery]

I wasn't sure if it was a sign for further issues. I have no clue how many hrs on the motor bc the previous person put the 21 1/2hp motor in it.

 

[Billdog350]

My B9200 needs glow plugs to start if the engine is ambient. Once its been started and warmed up, it will restart without glow plugs.

This seems to be normal for Kubotas.

A newer B2710 has the fast glow system that only needs the plugs warmed for a few seconds, unlike my B9200 which needs 30 seconds or more.

I have a Takeuchi (Yanmar) that will start almost year round without glow plugs...it actually doesn't have them. It has a "heater grid" that preheats the air coming into the motor and is used at cold temps, but honestly I've been surprised that it starts even at 30 deg without a warming cycle.

 

[85Hokie]

I'm new to the world of diesel tractors, just picked up a b7100 and it will only start after activating the glow plugs. Is that normal? Its been in the 60's and 70's lately.....

I always give my 7100 a 10 second glow even in the summer time - and it barks right up. I have NOT done that and it did not want to fire, even on my BX with 125 hours I give it a 10 second shot of heat.

 

[GrebesBakery]

Alright good sounds pretty normal to use the glow plugs all year around.

Is it normal to get a little smoke on start up?

 

[ShaunRH]

Even my new L3200 says to give it a 10 second shot of plugs on the first start of the day. I wouldn't even try to start it without plugs (first start) unless it was 90°+ and the tractor was sitting out in the heat.

Just something about getting the head and pistons a little toasty for that first spurt of fuel to hit.

Usually most smoke a bit at start. Black is rich fuel, not unusual but should clear up quickly. White is usually water in the fuel and you should stop and check your water filters. Gray is oil combusting and that should clear really fast or you have worn pistons. Smoke under load just means it's a diesel... LOL!

 

[bigjerr]

well call me a blue face gopher , I thought it was a sign of worn engine /low compression on my b6100.. I have never noticed on my B7800 as its auto glow plug on key turn (glow plugs come on just before start), BUT well pay closer attention in future ...
thanks reassuring info ... jerr

 

[Tallahassee Kubota Man]

I've got a 15 yr old L3010. Early on the relay for the glow plugs stopped working properly; keeping the glow plugs on even after crankup. I disconnected the wire to the plugs so they wouldn't be on all the time. Cranks easily every time even at 30F. I'm sure as the compression decreases with age at some point will have to fix the glow plug system for cooler weather.

 

[Dan_R_42]

I've got a 15 yr old L3010. Early on the relay for the glow plugs stopped working properly; keeping the glow plugs on even after crankup. I disconnected the wire to the plugs so they wouldn't be on all the time. Cranks easily every time even at 30F. I'm sure as the compression decreases with age at some point will have to fix the glow plug system for cooler weather.

Why not wire in a momentary contact switch onto the wire you disconnected for the relay. When you need the glow plugs hold down the switch for several seconds to heat your plugs. This would give you a low cost method to resolve the issue.