Kubota starter problem

[Tom RS]

I have a B6100 Kubota. Runs great but the starter hesitates to engage. Because its a diesel I need the starter to engage right away after preheating the cylinders. This is a new replacement starter because I had the same problem with the previous one.
So what typically happens is I do the preheat step then try to start it. The starter will just click. I'll try it several times and then it will turnover. By then I've lost some preheat. So I have to start over with preheat again. And then try the starter again. Note - this starter and the previous were aftermarket, China made starters. Battery terminals are clean.
Maybe I need to buy a starter from Kubota???

 

[JoeM(GA)]

one of these kits, or one made yourself usually will help with that issue
starter relay kit

 

[Jim.ME]

(quoted from post at 11:43:42 01/19/22) I have a B6100 Kubota. Runs great but the starter hesitates to engage. Because its a diesel I need the starter to engage right away after preheating the cylinders. This is a new replacement starter because I had the same problem with the previous one.
So what typically happens is I do the preheat step then try to start it. The starter will just click. I'll try it several times and then it will turnover. By then I've lost some preheat. So I have to start over with preheat again. And then try the starter again. Note - this starter and the previous were aftermarket, China made starters. Battery terminals are clean.
Maybe I need to buy a starter from Kubota???
<img src=https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto114558.jpg>

Maybe there is an issue with your switch or wiring, given you posted that this is the second starter with the same issue. I'm thinking you need to rule out other possibilities before just throwing another starter at it. As a test, does it turn immediately if you don't preheat? If you have, or get, a starter push button switch, wire and clips; you can make up a remote starter button. With that you could release the preheat and hit the remote button and see if the starter turns right away. jm may be along with some thoughts.

 

[partsman1055]

I agree with JoeM (GA) I have a BX2200, was doing the same thing. I put the relay in (about 5 years ago) and it's never failed yet. Don't throw away the original Denso Starter! About the only thing that goes wrong is the contacts inside the solenoid. The contacts can be purchased and easily installed.

 

[Tom RS]

To wire in an external relay like this I'm thinking you need to get into the starter and bypass the main contacts. Correct?

 

[JoeM(GA)]

no!, you are just unplugging the wire to the starter solenoid and using it to power the relay, I thought I'd kept a set of the directions, but can't find them. I've used them on my gator, my Kubota diesel mower and lots of neighbors mowers and such. Honestly, It takes longer to read the directions than it really takes to install one

 

[Jim.ME]

Like this.

 

[Tom RS]

OK that makes sense. I don't have it in front of me but I'll probably see that when I look at it.
Thanks!

 

[Tom RS]

Any basic 12 volt starter solenoid would work for this correct?

 

[Jim.ME]

(quoted from post at 22:54:55 01/19/22) Any basic 12 volt starter solenoid would work for this correct?

Yes, it can be done with a basic, "Ford type" solenoid as well as the relay that was shown above. A lawn tractor solenoid will work as well. The goal is to reduce the load on the ignition switch to solenoid circuit, while providing more power to the solenoid for engagement.

 

[Traditional Farmer]

If you can jump the starter from the main post to the solenoid and it fires right up then you have a wiring or contact issue.Also make sure all connections are tight,I just bought a starter for my Long 460 it didn't need because of a loose wire I couldn't see until I started to take off the starter.Always good to have a spare(LOL)

 

[Stephen Newell]

Sounds more like the starter solenoid is the problem to me. Did the new starter come with one? That could prevent you from getting the amperage you need. The contacts internally get burned.

I have a B5200 and when I have issues with starting mine I pull the decompression knob when I engage the starter so the engine turns easier and then close the decompression to start it.

I don't believe you are going to get a starter from Kubota. I believe they have discontinued all the parts for the B series tractors. If you have to get a starter you will probably have to get a used one on ebay. Might be cheaper to have a starter shop rebuild the one you have.