I have a 1987 743. In the summer runs great - a little glow and starts right up. It is 13 degrees F here in Michigan. I glow for 60-90 seconds like the label on the machine says. It won't start. I have a small magnetic block heater attached to the block above the starter and that didnt seem to help either. I checked and with the switch to the left, I have 12 volts across the rail that connects the glow plugs to each other. I checked two the glow plugs (in the head) with one probe on tip and the other probe on the base you put a wrench on to remove them. .5-.6 ohms on the two I checked. My question - is it just too cold for this machine to start? I did several searches and I know the Kubota V1702 in this machine seems to not like cold weather starts, but I am wondering what is the lowest temperature you can reliably start this machine in? I have a Massey Ferguson 1233 tractor (Iseki) that with 20 seconds of glow starts right up every time! Thank you in advance to any help or suggestions you may have.
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antfarmer2
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Hey im from mich but in texas now a just as cold lol it could be your fuel gelled up or glow plugs the only sure way to test your glow plugs is to pull them and see if they glow 1/4" all the way to the tip I have a 743 too
This may be a apples to oranges deal but new plugs for my new Holland measured 1.9 on the 200 scale. I will admit to knowing very little about reading a multi-meter though. Just use it for basic things like continuity or measuring voltage. If yours were much different than the 1.9 take them out and check them.
So pull a glow plug. Apply 12 volts to the threaded tip, ground the outer portion and the last 1/4" of it should glow, correct?
antfarmer2
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Yes do not touch the tip lol
antfarmer2
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The one in the back you will have to move the injector lines I would bring it in to NAPA bobcat will not evan kiss you first
I ordered some new glow plugs off eBay for it - hopefully that fixes the issue. I changed them 3 years ago and dont use the machine that much. Does anyone know the "usable" temperature of these machines? Do other people use them in the 10-15 degree F temperature range and get them started ok?
antfarmer2
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Did you check them?............ it could just be the fuel gelled up is there white smoke?
They should last longer than 3 yrs occasional use, check them before replacing. 13f is quite warm a day here in Mn this winter. I don't plug the block heater in unless its below zero but I also have synthetic oil in the engine. Generally they can stand temps as low as the operator can.
reaperman
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If you have access to a Knipco style heater they work wonders. Open up the rear door and keep the heater a few feet away so you dont get anything too hot. You can use a tarp over the top of the door to tent the machine to keep more heat in. You would be surprised what 15 minutes of heat will do for a cold diesel. I dont think there is a definate temperature the machine is capable of operating properly. Being from Minn, I regularly see bobcats out "playing" in sub zero weather. I dont operate mine in the extreme cold unless necessary. But 2 evenings ago, the low was -18F. In the morning, I plugged mine in for 2 hours and it started right up. The outside temp was only 3F at this time.
Thank you for the responses. I have not taken the glow plugs out yet. I will this weekend and check them against the positive on the battery and ground the outer part of the glow plug. And not touch the glow plug tip.
How would I know if the fuel gelled? What is the easiest way to check that? I'll look into something to warm it up as well. Yes there is some smoke, and it sputters here and there like it's trying to catch or start.And I use Mobil 1 5w-30 in my machine as well...Thank you for the responses. I have not taken the glow plugs out yet. I will this weekend and check them against the positive on the battery and ground the outer part of the glow plug. And not touch the glow plug tip.
And one other thing to add: most likely the fuel is NOT gelled. I used the same fuel can to fill the Bobcat and the Massey Ferguson 1233 tractor I have - the fule is NOT gelled in the can and the tractor works fine. I guess I'll know more when I remove and test the glow plugs. If they are ok, then what? The relay is supplying 12 volts to them...
Easy way to check glow plugs without removing them. Disconnect the glow plug wiring. Take a test light and connect it to the positive battery cable. Touch the test light to the glow plug. If it lights, the plug is good. If the plugs test good, then I'd say you are not going it long enough. I have brand new machines I have to glow over three minutes if not plugged in to even get them to start thinking about starting in 0 degree weather. Also with the age of the machine, it may have low compression which will make them very had to start. I'd put a tank heater on it, I don't know of an actual block heater available for those. Cold weather they need all the help they can get.
antfarmer2
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Right by the injector pump there is a fuel line to a bleeder valve you can pull the hose off that to see how it flows then open the valve to bleed then make sure it is closed after if you need it now find a torpedo heater and warm it up just becareful not to get it too hot...........how many hour on it might just be getting a little tiered try shooting some wd 40 in the air cleaner and check your filters while your in there if you don't need the glow plugs you can send them down here
antfarmer2
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You would not notice the fuel gelling in a can more in the small lines and the filter but am betting on tiered engine
antfarmer2
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I have tested them like Dan said tested good but did not glow all the way to the tip when pulled and tested
antfarmer2
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Also if you have a little inline filter someone put on pull and blow
My good ones glowed to the tip in 3-4 seconds. When I had filter trouble that fuel in the filters did not thicken in a pan in the cold but I do think it or particles of wax and water do collect and block the media in the filter.
Curious about the oil although it would not make any difference in starting since it is synthetic , the mobil one I looked at did not have diesel rating, did yours? I ended up with rotella t6 5-40 about the same price here. Hopefully the new glow plugs will do the trick for you.
