L245 Glow Plug help

Racer2012

New member

Equipment
L245
Oct 11, 2022
3
0
1
Lehigh Acres Fla
I'm in the process of taking on a L245 ... From 1st glance I can see it's going to be a legnthy project .. I don't have any experience, manuals or wiring diagrams to work with at this point ..
The 1st problem is the glow plugs .. As soon as the key is turned on to the run position the glow plug light comes on .. It takes quite a bit of cranking to get it to lite off .. And after it runs the glow plug lite never goes out .. How does the glow plug system work .. Is there a controler ? A temp sensor .. Like I said I have no info on the system ... Can someone give me some insite on how the system operates and where manuals and diagrams are available .. I'm a rookie on this one and thanks ahead
 

Russell King

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L185F, Modern Ag Competitor 4’ shredder, Rhino tiller, rear dirt scoop
Jun 17, 2012
5,371
1,418
113
Austin, Texas
I have a L185 that should be similar in the controls so I can tell you how that works.

There is a key on the left that turns on the power in the first position then the second position is headlights and third is the high beam. Off is all the way to the left. When the key is on the oil pressure light and charge light are illuminated on the tachometer (both are red round lights on the left side of the tachometer)

There is a starter switch on the right side of the dash. The switch is in a neutral position and turning it to the left (and holding it) applies the power to the glow plu indicator and then to the glow plugs. Turning the switch to the right applies power to the starter and also to the glow plugs but bypasses the glow plug indicator.

Starting sequence is
Apply some fuel with the hand throttle (1/4)
Turn key to the on position
On the right side switch turn and hold to the left for 15 seconds or so
Push in clutch to activate the safety switch
On the right side switch turn and hold to the right and starter spins engine
Engine starts and release the right switch back to the neutral position
The charge light and low oil pressure lights go out
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

Dave_eng

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
M7040, Nuffield 465
Oct 6, 2012
5,236
1,018
113
Williamstown Ontario Canada
I have a L185 that should be similar in the controls so I can tell you how that works.

There is a key on the left that turns on the power in the first position then the second position is headlights and third is the high beam. Off is all the way to the left. When the key is on the oil pressure light and charge light are illuminated on the tachometer (both are red round lights on the left side of the tachometer)

There is a starter switch on the right side of the dash. The switch is in a neutral position and turning it to the left (and holding it) applies the power to the glow plu indicator and then to the glow plugs. Turning the switch to the right applies power to the starter and also to the glow plugs but bypasses the glow plug indicator.

Starting sequence is
Apply some fuel with the hand throttle (1/4)
Turn key to the on position
On the right side switch turn and hold to the left for 15 seconds or so
Push in clutch to activate the safety switch
On the right side switch turn and hold to the right and starter spins engine
Engine starts and release the right switch back to the neutral position
The charge light and low oil pressure lights go out
Russell is very knowledgeable on these older L's!

I have a wiring diagram which shows the L245 with series wired GP's although North Idaho Wolfman posted that the wiring diagram was wrong.
L245 glow plugs in series.jpg

Manuals are found on Kubotabooks.com The ones here leave a lot to be desired.
Kubotabooks.com

You cannot post any pictures until you have posted 5 times.
I would like you to take a picture of the Glow Plug side of your engine.
I will send you a private message with my email. It will appear in the envelope symbol in the top right corner of most forum pages.
email the picture to me.
A picture of the GP wiring will tell a lot.
Dave
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

Racer2012

New member

Equipment
L245
Oct 11, 2022
3
0
1
Lehigh Acres Fla
I have a L185 that should be similar in the controls so I can tell you how that works.

There is a key on the left that turns on the power in the first position then the second position is headlights and third is the high beam. Off is all the way to the left. When the key is on the oil pressure light and charge light are illuminated on the tachometer (both are red round lights on the left side of the tachometer)

There is a starter switch on the right side of the dash. The switch is in a neutral position and turning it to the left (and holding it) applies the power to the glow plu indicator and then to the glow plugs. Turning the switch to the right applies power to the starter and also to the glow plugs but bypasses the glow plug indicator.

Starting sequence is
Apply some fuel with the hand throttle (1/4)
Turn key to the on position
On the right side switch turn and hold to the left for 15 seconds or so
Push in clutch to activate the safety switch
On the right side switch turn and hold to the right and starter spins engine
Engine starts and release the right switch back to the neutral position
The charge light and low oil pressure lights go out

One Plus the machine does run ... But the electrical system has really been hacked up .. I was sent a wiring diagram by another member so until I can get more info on this unit I'm going to try to start sorting out the wiring .. Thanks for your info.. I'll post my progress and hope I don't have a lot of questions .. Thanks again
 

Racer2012

New member

Equipment
L245
Oct 11, 2022
3
0
1
Lehigh Acres Fla
Russell is very knowledgeable on these older L's!

I have a wiring diagram which shows the L245 with series wired GP's although North Idaho Wolfman posted that the wiring diagram was wrong.
View attachment 88596
Manuals are found on Kubotabooks.com The ones here leave a lot to be desired.
Kubotabooks.com

You cannot post any pictures until you have posted 5 times.
I would like you to take a picture of the Glow Plug side of your engine.
I will send you a private message with my email. It will appear in the envelope symbol in the top right corner of most forum pages.
email the picture to me.
A picture of the GP wiring will tell a lot.
Dave
Did Wolfman give any indication were the diagram was wrong ? .. Also where is the ID plate on these tractors ? Just so I know what I have and get on the right track as far as getting it straightened out .. I will send you the pic's as soon as I get back out to the unit .. Thanks again .. Steve
 

GeoHorn

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
M4700DT, LA1002FEL, Ferguson5-8B Compactor-Roller, 10KDumpTrailer, RTV-X900
May 18, 2018
6,040
3,316
113
Texas
AS soon as you have made 5 posts you can post the pics here and perhaps receive more assistance.
 

Russell King

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L185F, Modern Ag Competitor 4’ shredder, Rhino tiller, rear dirt scoop
Jun 17, 2012
5,371
1,418
113
Austin, Texas
The model and serial number plate are riveted to the side of the transmission case. Dang if I can recall where at but it is fairly small and probably painted over by now. Look for something about 1.5 inch long and 3/4 inch tall with one rivet at each end.
I think the serial number is stamped on the right side of the transmission case.