S100 hard to start

[Robbie 1]

Our BobCat S100 (3800 HRS Kobota Diesel) is hard to start when it has been a few days since running. After the initial start for the day its fine. Most times we need to throttle up significantly to get a cold start. When I say cold I mean before its cold enough to need the start delay countdown.

 

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I wonder if it's losing its prime?

 

[Robbie 1]

I wonder if it's losing its prime?

New info - now its cold enough here to require the 9 second preheat of the glow plugs. Started right up I'll have to see if this repeats. Wonder if 3800 hours is enough to wear the engine out so compression is low?

 

[Tazza]

I wonder if it's losing its prime?

I'm wondering that too.
On a cold start, can you open the bleed screw on the injector pump and squeeze the hand primer? See if you can feel and air. It should be nice and firm and you may be able to hear the fuel flowing. Close the bleed screw and crank, see if it starts any better.
If it does, you have an air leak, if not, you may want to check out your glow plugs, see if they are not working as well as they should. Those hours aren't bad, it should have at least 6k before it starts to be cold blooded.