Hard starting LX2610

[TedWoodbutcher]

Hi. I have an LX2610SU. Had it about year and half. The machine currently has 65 hours. The 50 hour service was performed by me. The last couple times I used it, it would start immediately and shut right down. After about 3 or 4 attempts it would run fine. I do a bunch of work and while working on and off several times with no problems. Any ideas on the hard start? The fuel level was down to 2 bars and just filled with new diesel. The fuel add didn't change anything. I did the recommended glow plug routine. This machine never saw old fuel.

 

[Elliott in GA]

Just to cover some basic questions.
Did you change the fuel filter at 50 hrs?
When you say the fuel level was at 2 bars, how long was the fuel kept mostly empty (you have low hours, if the tank is not kept full condensation can form regardless of how new the fuel is)?

 

[TedWoodbutcher]

Just to cover some basic questions.
Did you change the fuel filter at 50 hrs?
When you say the fuel level was at 2 bars, how long was the fuel kept mostly empty (you have low hours, if the tank is not kept full condensation can form regardless of how new the fuel is)?

Hi. No. Didn't change fuel filter at 50 hours. WSM recommends cleaning it at 100 hrs. It didn't sit long. I have since added more fuel. Hoping the glow plugs ok. If it continues, suppose I check them.

 

[Elliott in GA]

First, I am not a mechanic; however, I doubt your glow plugs are the source of your problem. I would think that a glow plug problem would be indicated by prolonged use of the starter - not the engine dying after starting (presuming only normal use of the starter to achieve ignition).

I would drain the fuel tank, empty the water separator and put a new fuel filter in the separator as a first step to ensure that you are not dealing with a fuel issue (adding new fuel to potentially contaminated fuel will not help in the short run). If you do decide to replace the fuel filter, you will want to buy the o-ring kit for the filter; it does not come with the filter. I had the joy of getting the old rings off (one was somewhat difficult) for the new filter (when I did the 200 hr. - FWIW, the dealer replaced the fuel filter at the 50 hr.).

Hopefully, a trained person will respond to this thread.

 

[Russell King]

There is (probably) a solenoid that shuts your engine down (or allows it to run) when the key is turned off (or running position). There may be some relay or controller that works the solenoid.

I would assume that system could be breaking down or corrosion has started so it might be the culprit. It is used to also stop the tractor from running if you are not sitting in the seat when the treadle is moved and any other safety violations that it was arranged for. You may want to investigate the safety switch arrangement to see if something needs adjustment or repair/replacement.

If it is still under warranty and you can stand not having it for some time, the dealer may be your best option?

I think getting a good wiring diagram and figuring out what would shut the engine down (safety wise) would be the best place to start. There may be a wiring diagram in the operating manual. If you have the Work Shop Manual (WSM) it will have a wiring diagram and some troubleshooting instructions in it.

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

Is it actually a hard start or it doesn’t stay running (I ask as the description says it starts right up).

When it shuts down, is it when you try to drive forward is it shutdown just at idle and not trying to move/drive it?

if it cuts off when you try to drive my first check would be make sure the seat safety switch connected properly.

if it is cutting off at idle, then I would wonder something stopping flow of fuel (pinched line or something)

If not something simple might have to call the guy (or gal).

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

First thing I would do is change the fuel filter.