Kubota hard start
 

I have a 1782 Kubota diesel that all of a sudden, doesn't want to start, easily cranks for a long time then tries to start but misses and stalls. It does this 3 or 4 times before it starts and stays running. After that it runs fine, not sure if it might be a fuel pump? Any ideas ?

thanks

Any recent fuel filters changed? How about glow plug operation/duration?

Anything that might suck air leading to injectors could cause this issue. A weak lift pump could also cause this. A dirty air filter could cause this.. Just some simple things to check for starters.

1: Dirty or plugged fuel shut off valves on the fuel tank
2: Collapsed fuel line
3: Transfer fuel pump failed or failing.
4: Plugged fuel filter.
5: Glow plug problem

thanks for all the input will check these items

Unless you diagnose diesel fuel systems often or even if you do and one stumps you a little. Revert to the old divide and conquer method. You can connect a line directly from lift pump to a hose going to a can of fuel. Start the unit and get all the air bleed out of system. Shut off the engine and let sit for 20 min. Then see how it starts. If it start easily then you know the issue is before the lift pump. If it does the same thing then its after the lift pump. If the problem still exists I would try starting with intake disconnected to make sure its not an air delivery issue. Currently, do you get any abnormal smoke from the exhaust?

No abnormal smoke just long crank time and rough running til it gets going then it’s ok

Set the valves that will help with starting.