Hard start/low power

W

webberwood

New member

Equipment
Kubota L345DT
Aug 17, 2022
3
0
1
Oak Ridge, TN
Newbie to the forum here. I recently inherited a L345DT that has been in the family since new. In the last few years it has been difficult to start when cold. Typically requires ether to fire off.
Seems to have significantly less power than before. Struggles in high gear. Has a difficult time running a 5’ bush hog.
Glow plugs are good. Has new fuel filter. I cleaned out the fuel tank last summer.
The machine has roughly 3k hours on it and does have a little blowby but not excessive.
What should I be looking at injectors, compression test, valve adjustment?
Also I don’t have a shop manual yet. Any recommendations?
Thank you in advance
 
R

RCW

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
BX2360, FEL, MMM, BX2750D snowblower. 1953 Minneapolis Moline ZAU
Apr 28, 2013
9,249
5,434
113
Chenango County, NY
Welcome to OTT!

Looks like there's a workshop manual (WSM) here:

www.kubotabooks.com

Over 600 free Kubota manuals. A library of free manuals and parts diagrams compiled by Kubota tractor owners. All free to download instantly. No tricks, no subscriptions, no sign ups, no weird apps or software to install.
kubotabooks.com kubotabooks.com

I'd stop using ether. If you haven't done so already, it's a good great way to bend a rod.

I'd probably start with a compression test.
 
Last edited:
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G

GreensvilleJay

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Equipment
BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
Apr 2, 2019
11,678
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Greensville,Ontario,Canada
really two separate issues
1) hard starting
2) running power

re: 1...

Have to ask WHAT battery is in it ?
How old,capacity, etc. ?
Also when were the battery cables replaced ?
Hard start could just be a 'weak' battery/poor cables.

re: 2..
does it have power in lower gears or generally 'weak' ?
does engine run fine,say fast idle ?
when was the clutch last replaced ?
 
W

webberwood

New member

Equipment
Kubota L345DT
Aug 17, 2022
3
0
1
Oak Ridge, TN
GreensvilleJay said:
really two separate issues
1) hard starting
2) running power

re: 1...

Have to ask WHAT battery is in it ?
How old,capacity, etc. ?
Also when were the battery cables replaced ?
Hard start could just be a 'weak' battery/poor cables.

re: 2..
does it have power in lower gears or generally 'weak' ?
does engine run fine,say fast idle ?
when was the clutch last replaced ?
Click to expand...
GreensvilleJay said:
really two separate issues
1) hard starting
2) running power

re: 1...

Have to ask WHAT battery is in it ?
How old,capacity, etc. ?
Also when were the battery cables replaced ?
Hard start could just be a 'weak' battery/poor cables.

re: 2..
does it have power in lower gears or generally 'weak' ?
does engine run fine,say fast idle ?
when was the clutch last replaced ?
Click to expand...
“Difficult to start” would be a better way to describe it. The motor turns over seemingly well enough. Plenty of white smoke out of the exhaust. It just won’t quite commit. Doesn’t seem to make a difference what the ambient temperature is. Battery is a 2 year old deka group 31 not sure of the CCA but I’ll check. Cables are original. Cranks right up after reaching operating temp.

Tractor seems generally weak. Throttle response is quite sluggish. I generally have to use low range for most tasks.
Motor idles well, always has. Tach hasn’t worked in ages so I’m not sure of the current idle speed.
Clutch is original as far as I know.
 
Roadworthy

Roadworthy

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L2501 HST
Aug 17, 2019
1,649
527
113
Benton City, WA
The white smoke can indicate excess moisture in the cylinders. Get the compression check. I see repairs in your future. It could be as simple as a bad head gasket or more serious.
 
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JerryMT

JerryMT

Active member

Equipment
Kubota M4500, NH TD95D,Ford 4610
Jun 17, 2017
528
156
43
The Palouse - North Idaho
webberwood said:
Newbie to the forum here. I recently inherited a L345DT that has been in the family since new. In the last few years it has been difficult to start when cold. Typically requires ether to fire off.
Seems to have significantly less power than before. Struggles in high gear. Has a difficult time running a 5’ bush hog.
Glow plugs are good. Has new fuel filter. I cleaned out the fuel tank last summer.
The machine has roughly 3k hours on it and does have a little blowby but not excessive.
What should I be looking at injectors, compression test, valve adjustment?
Also I don’t have a shop manual yet. Any recommendations?
Thank you in advance
Click to expand...
What does your air filter look like? A restricted air filter can make for hard starting and low power output. It takes both fuel AND air to make power. How is your fuel flow? If those are OK, do a compression check.
 
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