Been lurking here for a few weeks but finally decided to ask for help. Have an old Bobcat 743 w/kubota v1702. Recently bought it from a farmer who used starting fluid to start it for every cold start. I have gotten the glow plugs working to full potential (gets very hot to touch when used) BUT the cold starting remains very difficult. Takes about 4 to 5 tries. blows a cloud of white smoke, some black smoke and seems to start on 3 cylinders for the first 5 seconds. Machine quickly settles down has plenty of power and clear exhaust. Moves very smoothly and has smooth bucket control. Only have this problem for the first start of the day. Have let this machine sit for 5 hours and still started right up. But like I mentioned above that first start is a bear! Any help would be greatly appreciated.
743 Hard to Start
- Thread starter DB_Ga
- Start date
Yeah, they should glow cherry red when hooked up to power. Ensure they glow right to the tip. If they don't, its time for a new set.
Hot to touch is not enough, they must 'glow'.
The white cloud you get while cranking is un-burnt fuel, its totally normal if its not hot enough to start.
How long are you glowing it for before you try to start?
TNT6060 / Tazza Thanks for the information. My glow plug test was to simply touch the intake near each unit and feel for heat. I will go ahead and remove test and replace as needed. I am holding the plugs on for about 30 seconds prior to trying to start. Thanks again.
A 30 second glow should be more than enough. Hopefully they are just burnt out and not glowing al the way to the tip.
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Sorry I have been gone for so long from this posting. I was able to correct the hard starting problem on the 743. First: added battery trickle charger/maintainer to the machine as I do not use it very much. Much better cranking speed. Second: open up the throttle to maximum until engine starts to fire. Back off to about 1/3 and I am off and running. Thank you to all who replied.
