Glo-plugs

[marine-mp]

I’m getting familiar with the Kubota G5200 I recently purchased to restore. A “newbie” question from someone unfamiliar with the aspects of a Diesel engine. When starting cold, the glo-plug indicator on the dash gets red atter about 20 seconds. Does this indication mean that the glo-plugs are actually working also?? Thank you kindly. Semper-fi & This We’ll Defend, Mike

 

[Dave_eng]

I’m getting familiar with the Kubota G5200 I recently purchased to restore. A “newbie” question from someone unfamiliar with the aspects of a Diesel engine. When starting cold, the glo-plug indicator on the dash gets red atter about 20 seconds. Does this indication mean that the glo-plugs are actually working also?? Thank you kindly. Semper-fi & This We’ll Defend, Mike

Assuming your engine has two cylinders, a glowing indicator means that at least one GP is working as the GP's are wired in series with the indicator and if at least one GP completes the circuit to ground the indicator will glow.. As you get to have more experience with your machine, should the GP glow time suddenly change it would be a warning that a GP is no longer working.

Also, when the key switch is in the START position, the GP's are being powered without the glow indicator being in the circuit.

Dave

 

[wgator]

If you don't have the operators manual download it BY CLICKING HERE Below are from OM

 

[marine-mp]

Thank you for the timely responses, Dave_eng and wgator. Both most helpful. Semper-fi & This We’ll Defend, Mike

 

[BruceP]

I actually OWN a G5200. The GP indicator is actually just a length of tungston wire that glows when it gets hot. (The resistance also goes UP as it gets hot.... protecting the GPs from burnout)

To specifically answer your question.... YES, the indicator would not glow if the GPs were not drawing power. (This does NOT mean that all three GPs are working)

Be aware that just because the GP indicator is glowing does NOT mean the engine is ready to start. As the ambient temp. goes down, it is OK to glow as long as 90 seconds. (long after the indicator starts to glow)

When ambient temp is below 40F, I have been known to glow 90 seconds... fail to start and REglow another 40 seconds or so before the engine will start.

When engine is warm, there is NO NEED to glow at all.... just start engine.

In ALL cases, it is IMPERITIVE your battery is fully charged and all connections clean and tight. A diesel engine likes to be spun pretty fast to get it fired up.

 

[marine-mp]

Thank you kindly, BruceP. I’m on a “journey” restoring a G5200H in memory of my Dad, who passed away 8 years ago, today. He had a G4200 that he was quite fond of. My Mom(still living 91years young)and Dad live(d) next door to me and we would both be mowing and take a break at the property line. My Dad would always “pat” the side hood of the Kabota a have a big grin on his face!!! I do miss Pop. This will be for him and will become my primary mower. Take care. Semper-fi & This We’ll Defend, Mike

 

[wgator]

Thank you kindly, BruceP. I’m on a “journey” restoring a G5200H in memory of my Dad, who passed away 8 years ago, today. He had a G4200 that he was quite fond of. My Mom(still living 91years young)and Dad live(d) next door to me and we would both be mowing and take a break at the property line. My Dad would always “pat” the side hood of the Kabota a have a big grin on his face!!! I do miss Pop. This will be for him and will become my primary mower. Take care. Semper-fi & This We’ll Defend, Mike

Good luck on your restoration and love the story.