S185 Glow Plug Replacement

[Wirenut2266]

So went out today to fire machine up in 10deg. temps. Glow plugs timed out at 20 sec. and away we normally go. Instead today took way too long for engine to fire. Somewhere between 30-45 seconds. Granted it has sat for 2-3 months, a little white smoke and finally off we go. So I check voltage to plugs ok, pull out and ohm, all okay. Then test on bench with spare battery, glow red at last 1/4"-3/8" of probe after only 10 sconds or less. These plugs probable are original with 4600 hours. this "seems" okay, but was wondering if I should swap out plugs. Only a 20 minute job, but the plugs are a NGK 4693 (Y716SR) at about $25/e at Napa.......I could not find a cross anywhere? Thanks, Bruce

 

[frogfarmer]

I did the plugs in my 185 with the hope it would fix a cold start issue but it turned out the pump and injectors were getting weak and would bleed off over time. The plugs were $12 but I dont have the part numbers for the cross. They were quality plugs also not some off brand. I know this doesnt help much but sitting for a few months and then a cold start in the teens sounds like it did alright for a 4500hr machine.

 

[Tazza]

I did the plugs in my 185 with the hope it would fix a cold start issue but it turned out the pump and injectors were getting weak and would bleed off over time. The plugs were $12 but I dont have the part numbers for the cross. They were quality plugs also not some off brand. I know this doesnt help much but sitting for a few months and then a cold start in the teens sounds like it did alright for a 4500hr machine.

If they glow all the way to the tip, i wouldn't replace them. I'd go with the idea of the possibility of the pump allowing a little air in causing it to not fire.
Does the fuel have anti-geling additive in it? when it cets colder, the fuel can thihcken up as will the engine oil. Is it possible this is the issue?
I assume the battery is nice and strong, still cranking fast?

 

[Wirenut2266]

If they glow all the way to the tip, i wouldn't replace them. I'd go with the idea of the possibility of the pump allowing a little air in causing it to not fire.
Does the fuel have anti-geling additive in it? when it cets colder, the fuel can thihcken up as will the engine oil. Is it possible this is the issue?
I assume the battery is nice and strong, still cranking fast?

It may be the fuel could have started to gel. I did not add additive for that on last fill, just the moisture treatment stuff. It would be nice just to put in new plugs, but not for $125 just to say I did it. I would be gelling was starting to happen. I will keeping trying to find a cross for glow plugs, and post here If I come up with a fair priced alternative. Bruce

 

[Tazza]

It may be the fuel could have started to gel. I did not add additive for that on last fill, just the moisture treatment stuff. It would be nice just to put in new plugs, but not for $125 just to say I did it. I would be gelling was starting to happen. I will keeping trying to find a cross for glow plugs, and post here If I come up with a fair priced alternative. Bruce

You should be able to get them cheaper than that. Have you tried a Kubota dealer to get a price?
Even though it has a few hours up, remember that the glow plugs aren't used for each and every start, they may out live the engine.