debugging poor starting diesel engine

Posted by LK on January 30, 2005 at 16:16:37 from (64.202.127.228):

I recently bought an old New Holland L555 deluxe skid steer, with a Kubota diesel engine.

This machine has been poorly maintained. And, in the process of getting it down off the mountain and onto a trailer, it went out of control and turned over into the woods. (this was reported on this forum a few weeks back) So, my first action is changing all fluids and filters.

Today I changed the crankcase oil and filter, the big hydraulic filter, and the main fuel filter. I'll be getting air filters this week.

Currently, it is very hard to start, but does eventually run. I hold the glow plug button for about 10 secs, and crank. Very quickly it starts to hit on about 2 cylinders I'd guess. Smoke and unburned diesel vapor come from the exhaust.

I can tell it is nearly running because if I turn the throttle down to stop, There is a large change in the sound.

If I crank long enough, it eventually catches and runs great when it does. I think a clogged injector is ruled out- it really sounds like it is hitting on all 4. I see some minor blueish smoke while it warms up, then the exhaust looks good.

I don't know much about debugging a diesel engine. Does it sound like maybe I have one or more bad glow plugs?

Now, bear in mind that it is pretty cold. Today was a balmy 34 degrees at the warmest, but it has been sub freezing mostly.

I plan to put some diesel 911 in the tank, and replace the primary fuel filter which is a simple inline filter. By the way, I have read that you never use starting ether on a glow plug engine. My Case back hoe requires it in the winter, and says so in the manual. This kubota engine warns agains it.

Any tips on debugging a hard-to-start diesel engine would be appreciated.

Follow Ups:

• Re: debugging poor starting diesel engine RJays 19:30:39 02/05/05 (0)
• Re: debugging poor starting diesel engine Mike M 10:37:33 01/31/05 (0)
• Re: debugging poor starting diesel engine txblu 20:18:43 01/30/05 (2)
  • Re: debugging poor starting diesel engine LK 11:01:30 01/31/05 (1)
    • Re: debugging poor starting diesel engine txblu 19:25:03 01/31/05 (0)
• Re: debugging poor starting diesel engine Russ Smart 17:43:00 01/30/05 (0)
• Re: debugging poor starting diesel engine thejdman01 17:29:01 01/30/05 (0)
• Re: debugging poor starting diesel engine J. Schwiebert 16:49:57 01/30/05 (2)
  • Re: debugging poor starting diesel engine LK 17:18:05 01/30/05 (1)
    • Re: debugging poor starting diesel engine ohio dick 20:51:47 01/30/05 (0)

Post a Followup Name: E-Mail: Subject: Comments: Optional Link URL: Link Title: Optional Image URL: Email Notification: If you check this box, email will be sent to you whenever someone replies to this message. Your email address must be entered above to receive notification. This notification will be cancelled automatically after 2 weeks.

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]