l series glow plug effectiveness. / what is normal?

[08k8]

I have a grey market L2000 (L225) equivalent. I've owned it 10 years and it is my first Kubota. It runs great and I love it by the way.

On the L225, there is a small glow indicator on the dash. I typically engage the glow plugs until the glow indicator becomes red and then crank the engine. This process takes 10 - 15 seconds typically and the tractor starts great. I have always wondered- is this 10-15 seconds typical in the context of are my glow plugs good? I did check the glow plug resistance and cleaned the power connection.

Is it typical to replace the glow plugs? What about the dash glow indicator? I'm just getting ready for winter and thought that I'd ask the community.

 

[85Hokie]

Glow plugs are like being pregnant ....... either they work OR it does not work. Really aint no in between!

If your plug indicator gets red in 10-15 seconds - I would think that is damn good.

Most older Kubota's needed a bit of glow - I have 3 B7100's and in the SUMMER - I still hold the glow plug circuit for at least 3 clicks of the hour meter. It fires up perfectly. IF I get a little speedy - and hold it or about a second, I will not fire and run.

I would not worry about replacing anything .......... when it does NOT start nor the indicator glow as fast, then you will know it is time to replace.

 

[Roadworthy]

If the indicator lights the glow plugs are working. It is essentially a piece of resistance wire in series with the glow plugs. It drops the voltage from 12 down to about 10.5. Glow plugs are heaters and like good old light bulbs they generally work until they burn out. Over time the terminals on the indicator may oxidize and cease to allow the glow plugs to work. Glow plugs can burn out. As long as they keep working there's no need to replace them.

 

[Russell King]

Normal operation for the tractor is what you described