M-25 Starting Question

[Mike]

I have the M-25 Universal motor. I resently found that when I hold the glo plug button down and then try to start it, it wont turn over. As so as I release the glo plug button it turns over on problem. I am using 2 deep cycle batteries as my starting bank, tho neither are a cranking battery. The question is are you suppost to hold the glo plug button when you push the starter button?

 

[Jim]

Starting it up

Hi Mike,I've got the M25XP on my C30 and I always hold down the glo-plug button for a count of 20 to heat it up, then let go of that and press the starter. Starts immediately ever time! I don't think you're supposed to hold down the glo-plug while starting, for one thing its a big drain on the battery and brings the voltage down. Jim

 

[Jerry Maisonneuve]

Keeping glo plugs hot while starting

On my M-25 I always release the current to the glo-plugs before starting the engine just for the extra boost--not that should be that important!The (3) glo-plug set on my M-25 draws 12-13 Amps of current when cold and taper to about 11 Amps when hot. The glo-plug elements should retain enough heat to start for a few seconds when de-energised.My guess, though, is that there might be excessive contact resistance in the starting circuit(wiring or switches), poor battery charge, or one of those worn or "rebuilt" starters. And my own experience with starters is that it is worth getting a new one directly from a Kubota Tractor dealer (about $250)if you are sure the starter the problem. On the other hand,you might say that if can run the starter with the glo-plug switch ON that you have a very healthy starting system! But, that is just my opinion.

 

[Mark Johnson]

Used to be able to start mine..

while holding down the glow plug button. It sound to me like maybe some tired batteries, or a poor connection along the way. Check the connections from the batteries all the way back to the start and glow plug switches and make sure nothing is corroded.

 

[John A. Visser]

Universal Operator's Manual on line

The manual details the starting procedure. See link below.

 

[deb avitable]

1987 Cat 30 with 25m starting problems

I have been dealing with the hard start problem for the last 8 years with my Universal 25. It has lead me to the "harness Correction", then a new starter, suggestions that the actual push starter button is making a poor contact as well as a new supply of batteries every 2 years. The starter did have a bad spot on it with rust so who knows how it played into the problem. When unable to get the engine to turn over I resort to using the decompression lever as suggested in the owners manual. Recently I was advised to replace the 4 gauge battery cable which comes with the 1987 Catalina with 1 or 2 gauge as there is too big of a drop in voltage to the starter. Also this will cause the starter to "wear"..reducing its function.and the alternator not able to feed the batteries enough....I have never tried starting after releasing the glow plug but will now as it does pull so much and maybe robbing the starter juice...What do you folks have for battery cable any advice as to if its a better fix than keeping the batteries well charged???