M100XDTC "cold" Start blowing white smoke and misses

[andyman]

I welcome your input to help me sort through the issues with my tractor. I would like to know if I'm reasonable or if my concern is valid. Here's the situation:

Here's a Youtube link that shows the issue with my tractor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FP8i8MWwWxc

Here's my original post (and responses) in this forum: http://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23547&highlight=m100xdtc+cold+start+issues


Kubota can't determine what is causing this issue in my tractor. My tractor was in warranty when they took it in to troubleshoot and repair this issue but now is out of warranty. Kubota has completed a lot of testing and states there is nothing wrong with the tractor. I cannot seem to duplicate this issue with any other tractor I've started, and I've started several. The problem does seem to go away after 1-2 minutes of warmup but returns after the engine cools. I have considered trading or selling the tractor. I have had multiple individuals and dealers consider a deal but when I provide them full disclosure of the issue as I know the tractor has, they understandably want to know what is wrong with the tractor. I cannot tell them anything except an assurance that Kubota states there is nothing wrong with the tractor. However, upon seeing the issue they won't entertain a transaction without me taking a substantial financial loss. Kubota and I are working to try to find some resolution. I'm uncertain if this is truly a warranty repair that needs to be fixed or am I overreacting? At this point, I am somewhat bound to this tractor because Kubota says there is no issue and I can't sell or trade it without financial loss. I do like the tractor but am concerned that whatever the issue is, it could cause future damage that will be at my expense when a warranty repair could have prevented it. There are a lot of "what-if's" in life, I understand. However, could I ask for opinions on what is reasonable to expect from this tractor, Kubota and the warranty they offer? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Tooljunkie]

It seems to me dealer is not willing to continue with this warranty issue, as its documented as an existing concern. Glow plug control may not be activated long enough to preheat a particular cylinder to fire. If they stand behind the statement of there being nothing wrong, then the warranty for engine component failure should be extended at the very least. Needs to be parked beside an identical machine and compared for startup.

I borrowed a customers vehicle one time due to ride height concerns and finally verified there were mis matched coil springs on a vehicle.
There are ways to solve the problem, tech has not exausted all resources yet.

 

[andyman]

It seems to me dealer is not willing to continue with this warranty issue, as its documented as an existing concern. Glow plug control may not be activated long enough to preheat a particular cylinder to fire. If they stand behind the statement of there being nothing wrong, then the warranty for engine component failure should be extended at the very least. Needs to be parked beside an identical machine and compared for startup.

I borrowed a customers vehicle one time due to ride height concerns and finally verified there were mis matched coil springs on a vehicle.
There are ways to solve the problem, tech has not exausted all resources yet.

Thanks for the input, Tooljunkie. I had similar thoughts but need some outside opinions, such as yours, that don't have an interest at stake. I want to be reasonable but still have reasonable expectations for how the equipment should perform. Your input is helpful.

 

[D2Cat]

Since your dealer has done test and determine nothing is wrong , trade your tractor there since you know the value from other sources.

If they won't give you a fair trade I would have it documented to prove, in reality, they know there is a risk of it being faulty. Then down the road you will have further documentation of the preexisting problem.

 

[CaveCreekRay]

The "problem" began under warranty.

We know its a "problem" because they did testing under said warranty to try and determine the cause of the fault.

The fact that their testing did not reach an end item that resolved the fault neither means the machine no longer has a fault nor does it mean the warranty for this issue has expired.

It simply means the manufacturer has an out to stop paying for further diagnosis. The fault still exists. And the manufacturer should fix it.

Why does a company have grandiose sayings about "putting the customer first" when they do crap like this regularly? Were they lying then? Or are they lying now?

Its obvious they are turning their back on you, hoping they will go away. I had a similar problem in the last week of my warranty and the corporation said "Go Away... No problem noted." My dealer stood up for me and waved the BS flag. That worked in my case. Your dealer needs to know you are going green before doing business with him unless this gets resolved.

Or, have an attorney lob a letter at Kubota Co.

The unburned fumes from that start-up anomaly sure look like they could be a threat to your health.

Ray

 

[Tooljunkie]

I took the oppurtunity to watch video. I find it unnerving.
How could dealer claim nothing is wrong when its doing something short of kicking a rod through the pan?
Not acceptable.
Change your youtube video to new kubota bad start wont warranty. And e mail it to corporate HQ. See what kind of action you get then.

Best of luck.

 

[RonBoyBX25D]

What have they done to correct? It sure looks like the bad injectors I had on my truck, I was told only 3 of the 8 were bad. Changed them all and nice clean starts. Don't know if that is your issue but there is an issue for sure. Good luck and hope they stand behind the product for you.

 

[CaveCreekRay]

Frank is right.

Kubota said my super-jerky 3pt movement was "normal."

When the dealer sent the company regional guy a video of the rear tires almost leaving the ground because the jerking was so violent, Kubota decided it was not normal.

Get that video to Kubota's regional service rep through your dealer.

Ray

 

[Wbk]

Until Kubota does something for you try plugging in your block heater to preheat the engine a little, we used to do that on trucks that didn't burn all their fuel when starting cold.