L4200 Glow Plug Light Question

[Parshal]

My glow plug light was coming on and strange intervals and never did illuminate when I turned the key so I replaced the relay and the controller and, presto, the light comes one when the key is turned and hasn't come on when the tractor is running. I've searched and seen a post or two about my question but no answers. When I turn the key to heat the glow plugs the light goes out in about 5 seconds. Now, it hasn't been below 40 F when doing this so I don't know if ambient temperature would affect that time. However, one thread suggested a bad glow plug controller (it was new) that was replaced and his issue was resolved. How long should the glow plug light illuminate? Is it temperature dependent?

I'm wondering if the glow plugs aren't working properly. I did turn the key and feel the glow plugs but never felt anything warm. However, the light goes out fast so it may not be heating up properly which, I'm guessing, could be due to bad glow plugs. I found aftermarket plugs pretty cheap at http://www.owossotractorparts.com. All four for $76 shipped. That's cheap enough to just replace them. I also see part 16415-83040 which is a temp sensor for the glow plugs as best I can tell. I went ahead and ordered that, too. We'll see if these things help. I'm figuring new glow plugs will be good to have regardless given winter coming up and the fact that they were on for quite a bit with the bad relay/controller.

Any other advice?

 

[Bulldog]

Does it crank okay now?

I (not that I make a habit of doing this) have started my L3000 at -11F without even using the glow plugs. When I do use them I only heat them for about 2 or 3 seconds and it cranks like summer time.

 

[Parshal]

It cranks but slow. It takes 2-4 seconds whereas when it's warm (engine) it's immediate. Waiting for the glow plugs doesn't seem to make a huge difference. Oh, it's a '95 with 1775 on the odometer but the cable was disconnected for an unknown amount of time.

 

[Bulldog]

Might be worth having the glow plugs tested before you replace them.

 

[Parshal]

I'll test them side by side with the new ones. It will be interesting to see.

 

[Bulldog]

Let us know how it turns out.

 

[rayc]

On my L4310 if its warm out ( 70 f) the glow plug light just flicks on and then off. If it is very cold ( - 10 f) it will stay on about 10 seconds. It does vary with the temp.

 

[Stubbyie]

Mention is made of testing glow plugs.

Clamp in vise gently when energize as get red hot immediately. Burn hands and rags on bench if not careful.

GPs cycle (in most relatively later Kubotas) dependent on coolant temps. In warm weather the dash lamp may flicker quickly and in dead winter may go ~15-secs more or less.

Workshop Manual may have specs on time vs temp; it's been awhile since looked at that section but I think my WSM has a table and a graphical chart of temp rise over time vs amp draw.

Please post back your experiences so we may all learn.

 

[Parshal]

So, I replaced the glow plugs and temperature sensor for the plugs. I pulled the old plugs out and tested them side by side with the new ones using jumper cables off the battery. The old ones got red hot but nearly as much as the new plugs so I went ahead and put in the new ones. It didn't start much faster than with the used ones. I then replaced the temp sensor and the glow plug light still went out at the same time interval as with the old sensor. It was interesting to note that removing the connector from the temp sensor kept the glow plug light on 2 - 3 times longer thereby heating the glow plugs longer. When I was testing the plugs it took 5 or 6 seconds to get them as hot as they would go but the glow plug light indicates it's only heating them for 3 - 4 seconds. If I disconnect the temp sensor I'd say the plugs are getting as hot as they get.

Note, I did this when the outside temperature was just below freezing.

 

[jimsdeere1010]

Just ordered a L4600. At the dealer they explained I had to turn the key backwards to activate the glow plugs. I asked for how long and they said a couple seconds. My question is do you turn the key on the glow plug setting until the light goes off or just count off a few seconds. I have been running diesels along time and usually the glow plug light will go off on its own when ready. I know I need to read the manual and all that but my tractor will be here next week and after reading this I am curious.

 

[lsmurphy]

It cranks but slow. It takes 2-4 seconds whereas when it's warm (engine) it's immediate. Waiting for the glow plugs doesn't seem to make a huge difference. Oh, it's a '95 with 1775 on the odometer but the cable was disconnected for an unknown amount of time.

Maybe I'm missing something........maybe I'm confused........maybe I'm just thick........


2-4 seconds to crank when cold......that's what brought all this on???

 

[Bulldog]

Just ordered a L4600. At the dealer they explained I had to turn the key backwards to activate the glow plugs. I asked for how long and they said a couple seconds. My question is do you turn the key on the glow plug setting until the light goes off or just count off a few seconds. I have been running diesels along time and usually the glow plug light will go off on its own when ready. I know I need to read the manual and all that but my tractor will be here next week and after reading this I am curious.

My L3000 is the same way (as far as the key goes) when starting. I never use my plugs unless it feels chilly to me. It will become second nature to you as you go thru a learning curve with your new baby.

As far as the amount of time required, on mine maybe 2 or 3 seconds is all that's needed. Just turn the key back and count "1, 2, 3 and fire it up.

By the way, enjoy your new tractor.

 

[jimsdeere1010]

"As far as the amount of time required, on mine maybe 2 or 3 seconds is all that's needed. Just turn the key back and count "1, 2, 3 and fire it up."

Thanks for the response. It will be nice to have a good FEL again. I have one on my WD40, but by todays standards it's not that great.

 

[tsafa]

3 seconds back when it is 70 deg

6 seconds back when it is 50 deg

10 second back when it is below freezing out

You probably when to have throttle at about 2,000 RPM and let the engine warm up in cold weather.

That's what works for me. The glow plug should heat the engine up enough so that when you turn the key the other way it just starts. Otherwise you are running down you battery working the starter.

I'm not surprised that the dealer forgot to mention how to work work the Glow Plug, especially if you bought the tractor in the summer.

 

[Bulldog]

3 seconds back when it is 70 deg

6 seconds back when it is 50 deg

10 second back when it is below freezing out

You probably when to have throttle at about 2,000 RPM and let the engine warm up in cold weather.

That's what works for me. The glow plug should heat the engine up enough so that when you turn the key the other way it just starts. Otherwise you are running down you battery working the starter.

I'm not surprised that the dealer forgot to mention how to work work the Glow Plug, especially if you bought the tractor in the summer.

Are those times and temps what the book lists or is that what is needed to crank a 3800? If that much heating is needed I wouldn't care for that model very much.

 

[tsafa]

Are those times and temps what the book lists or is that what is needed to crank a 3800? If that much heating is needed I wouldn't care for that model very much.

It is what the dealer told me. I count pretty fast.

 

[Bulldog]

At 70 or 50 I don't even think about glow plugs any more. Now when I had my B7100 that was a different story.

I was just curious when you listed those times. I like the size of the 3800 and probably would concider that model as a upgrade for my L3000.

 

[tsafa]

As a practical matter. On a warm day I would just flip it back for a second and start it. If it does not immediately start up, I just flip back for few more seconds and try again.

Bulldog... if your 30 Hp tractor is not cutting it, I would recommend a jump up to a 46 Hp. I don't think an 8 Hp jump will make that big a difference. There are plenty of times while working the FEL of my 3800 that I wish I had the 4600. I can manage to get the 3800 to do the job, just would have been so much easier with a 46 HP. Keep in mind that the L3200 and the L3800 use the same FEL, the LA524. My assessment is that this loader was really meant for the smaller tractor. If you get a L4600, you can get a much more powerful FEL.

If you had a 25 Hp I would probably recommend a 38 Hp rather then a 30 HP for the work you want to do.

 

[Parshal]

Well, I was able to start it at 2 degrees when it had been sitting for days around 0. It cranked after ~6 seconds, ran for a moment and died. Cranked again in less than 5 and stayed running. I'm impressed given the age and temps.