M7040 glow plug

[jaybird25]

I'm new to the site so bare with me as I try to explain my issue and question! I own a Kubota 2013 m7040 new with 40 hr on the it. The question I would like to know is if anyone has that model and year, how does the glow plug function. I have no light in the dash that comes on that tells you the plug is heating. when you turn the key no light appears. Does that model have the illuminated sign or not. The tractor starts but it a bit ruff till it warms up. Fills my entire shop with blue smoke and the smell is burning to the eyes. Takes about 5 to ten min to run clean. I feel the glow plugs are not heating and getting the extra fuel mixture on a cold start. Willing to ask and learn if some one can point in a good direction on this issue.
Thanks
jaybird

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

The glow plugs on that model are automatic, no lights or only a brief one if it does have it, it's all controlled by computer.
The temps have to be in the right range for it to even trigger, if it's cold where you are consider a block heater, that will lessen the warm up time.

This statement "I feel the glow plugs are not heating and getting the extra fuel mixture on a cold start" has me a little concerned that you don't really know what the glow plugs do, they don't effect fuel they are just a heater to help with ignition of a cold engine.

 

[jaybird25]

Thanks wolf man!
So there is no light that helps with that part. I am wondering about the smoking part of it thou, I have it in a heated shop of 60 degrees so it really not a cold start as if I had it outside. Any opinion on that would help.
thanks
j

 

[Tx Jim]

IIRC the glow plugs on my '11 M7040 are automatically activated at 30 degrees Fahrenheit. One will see a glow plug symbol on dash illuminated. Ambient temp dictates how long glow plugs have electricity applied. Look in your operators manual for location of GP symbol in dash and correct operation of GP's. My M7040 only puts out a puff of smoke upon start up but does idle erratically for a short period of time but I rarely crank engine below freezing temps because I live in Texas

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Thanks, Tx Jim,
I was thinking that while not manually controlled there should still be an indicator of it working.

If it's in a 60 deg shop yea the GP's will never get going.
But as far as smoke, blue smoke is a little troubling to me, could mean a more serious issue, and "5 to 10 min to run clean" sounds bad.
Could be as simple as needing the valves adjusted or as complicated as an injection issue.
Even my 20+ year old Kubota will puff some smoke on start, but then will clear up in less than a min.

 

[RIDETOEAT]

With only 40 hours and those symptoms, I'd be getting it to the dealer. I have never had a problem related to old fuel in anything diesel but looking at the age and hours, just maybe ??? Any thoughts from the more experienced kubota owners ?

 

[RIDETOEAT]

With only 40 hours and those symptoms, I'd be getting it to the dealer. I have never had a problem related to old fuel in anything diesel but looking at the age and hours, just maybe ??? Any thoughts from the more experienced kubota owners ? At 60 degrees I would think the glow plugs are not in the equation, it is an engine or fuel issue, but is an issue needing looked at either way. Thats not right.

 

[jaybird25]

Thanks for the information guys. I was under the assumption that the glow plug was not working and with the increased smoking I had an issue that my dealer should be aware of. I called them and they sent out there mechanic to my location. The tractor is still under factory warranty. I was there when he came out the first time and switched out modules and that didn't work. He said there was no wire in the harness that goes to the light indicator back to the glow plug. He came back the next day with another module and said he got it to indicate it was getting power to the glow plug. I waited and fired it up and the same thing again blue, stinky eye burning smoke for about five to ten minuets before the smoke cleared up. I do have another Kubota and have never had an issue like this with it. It has the turn key glow plug and fires right up with maybe a puff of black smoke but not any problem. The mechanic didn't look or feel to me to be really knowledgeable about the newer models and I can understand that some but I still feel there is something going on. New tractor that blows smoke like a 40 year old tractor no offence! His answers didn't seem correct or maybe he didn't know or want to know the real problem. I could continue to call them but I'm loosing faith in this dealer in taking care of the problem, I'm seek advise from those they have a little more experience in these models. Do I need to go above my dealer and contact Kubota? Just like to think things out before I react. Any advise would help or a contact number to a person that could help me out. Live towards the North West of Pa!
Thanks
bird

 

[Tx Jim]

Compared to my M7040 which only puts out a brief puff of black smoke when starting engine in the 20 to 30 degree temp range I think your tractor needs some serious ATTENTION from a dealer.

 

[GWD]

I agree with TX Jim about getting this issue fixed while still under warranty. Something is amiss.

My M7040 starts right up in cold weather with a very minimal puff of smoke...even when it has been sitting for several weeks.

There is a slight possibility that the problem may be fuel related. As in,
>Is the fuel fresh?
>Are there any owner introduced additives?
>Is it bio-diesel?
>Winter blend or summer blend?