Starting the Kubota in cold weather

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oldhat

Senior Member
When I was in the mountains 2 weeks ago we had some cold nights. 10 Degrees or so almost every morning. Thin air at 10,000 feet also. When I went to start the Kubota I would turn on the glow plugs for about 30 seconde then crank the motor. Tried 2 times with no luck. On the 3rd try it started but ran rough to start then every thing was OK. What I found was if I turned on the glow plugs for 30 seconds then eased the key on over till the motor cranked, but the glowplug light stayed on it would start instantly.
I have not read anything about this in the form. Thought that those of you in cold country may like to know this. twoguns and peanut probably do not need this info.
oldhat
 
I think any deisel engine would have it rough at that altitude and temp.it seems that 30seconds is kinda short of a time for them yo realy heat up good.have you tried leavin them on for longer then try turning it over?
 
Doesn't get that cold here but installing a new optima yellow top has completely changed the way mine starts. Easy and very strong!. No more roughness after a long sit at all. Old batt lasted 8 years but starting and performance got progressively worse. Never thought battery had that much impact. Fwiw the new bat really helps power my 6000# warn winch, not sure i'll ever buy a regular batt again.
 
My rule for the glow plugs is if I have a jacket on I hit them for 15 seconds and if i have a winter coat on about 25-30 seconds. I always just turn it right to the start position and it fires right up. I bought a magnetic pan heater and it sits on the shelf. I use it for my Satoh tractor sometimes but have never needed it for the RTV. When real cold weather is coming I do the same thing to all my diesels and dump part of a tank of kero in for the winter to keep it from gelling.
 
Peanut, I have never had a problem here at home, but the Kubota is in the garage all the time. The method I used in the mountains worked so good I did not try anything different.
 
IN Northern Michigan we see temps from 10 to 20 below zero in the winter.I turn on the glow plugs for 30 to 45 seconds and it will start.It sounds sluggish for the first few minutes but thats all of the fluids that are thick from the cold.When they warm up its ok.In cold temps I start it and let it idle for at least 10 minutes before It goes in gear and for a ride.
 
oldhat said:
Peanut, I have never had a problem here at home, but the Kubota is in the garage all the time. The method I used in the mountains worked so good I did not try anything different.
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The only time i ever used glow plugs was on an old forklift at work years ago.it really dont get cold enough down here for them.the cummins in my truck fire tight up the wait to start light only stays on for a few seconds.
 
oldhat said:
What I found was if I turned on the glow plugs for 30 seconds then eased the key on over till the motor cranked, but the glowplug light stayed on it would start instantly.
I have not read anything about this in the form.
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You are correct oldhat,
We Peanut & myself, don't need it down here.

Now, There are many that do need it. And the statement you made will
probobly NOT be in any manual. But it is a SUPER idea.
I also have not heard of this, but I am going to pass it along.

THANKS MUCH FOR SHARING THIS WITH US !!!!

...... two guns
 

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