Engine Troubleshooting

Symptom Problem Solution

Engine hard to start or will not start

Incorrect starting procedure

Review starting procedure

No fuel

Check fuel tank

Air in fuel line

Bleed fuel line

Hand primer left raised

Push primer down

Cold weather

Use cold weather starting aids

Slow starter speed

See Starter Cranks Slowly

Crankcase oil too heavy

Use correct oil viscosity

Incorrect type of fuel

Consult fuel supplier; use correct fuel type for operating conditions

Water, dirt, or air in fuel system

Drain, flush, fill and bleed system

Clogged fuel filter

Replace filter elements

Dirty or faulty injectors

Have John Deere Dealer check injectors

Injection pump shut-off not reset

Turn key switch to OFF then to ON

Engine knocks

Insufficient oil

Add oil

Injection pump out of time

See your John Deere Dealer

Low coolant temperature

Remove and check thermostats

Engine overheating

See Engine Overheats

AG,RX15494,2897 -19-27OCT99-1/5


Symptom Problem Solution

Engine runs irregularly or stalls frequently

Low coolant temperature

Remove and check thermostats

Clogged in-line filter or fuel filter

Replace filter elements and flush in-line filter

Water, dirt, or air in fuel system

Drain, flush, fill and bleed system

Vent on fuel tank obstructed

Clean vent in solvent, blow dry

Dirty or faulty injectors

Have John Deere Dealer check injectors

Below normal engine temperature

Defective thermostat

Remove and check thermostats

Defective temperature gauge or sender

Check gauge, sender and connections

Viscous fan locked up

See your John Deere Dealer

AG,RX15494,2897 -19-27OCT99-2/5


Symptom Problem Solution

Lack of power

Engine overloaded

Reduce load or shift to lower gear

Low fast idle speed

See your John Deere Dealer

Intake air restriction

Service air cleaner

Clogged in-line filter or fuel filter

Replace filter elements and flush

Incorrect type of fuel

Use correct fuel

Overheated engine

See Engine Overheats

Below normal engine temperature

Remove and check thermostats

Incorrect valve clearance

See your John Deere Dealer

Dirty or faulty injectors

Have John Deere Dealer check injectors

Injection pump out of time

See your John Deere Dealer

Turbocharger not functioning

See your John Deere Dealer

Leaking exhaust manifold gasket

See your John Deere Dealer

Implement incorrectly adjusted

See implement operator's manual

Defective aneroid control line

See your John Deere Dealer

Restricted fuel line

Clean or replace fuel line

Incorrect ballast

Adjust ballast to load

Low oil pressure

Low oil level

Add oil

Incorrect type of oil

Drain, fill crankcase with correct quality and viscosity of oil

High oil consumption

Crankcase oil too light

Use correct viscosity oil

Oil leaks

Check for leaks in lines, around gaskets and drain plug

Defective turbocharger

See your John Deere Dealer

AG,RX15494,2897 -19-27OCT99-3/5


Symptom Problem Solution

Engine emits white smoke

Incorrect type of fuel

Use correct fuel

Clogged or dirty air cleaner

Service air cleaner

Engine overloaded

Reduce load or shift to a low gear

Injection nozzles dirty

See your John Deere Dealer

Engine out of time

See your John Deere Dealer

Turbocharger not functioning

See your John Deere Dealer

Engine overheats

Dirty radiator core, oil cooler, or grille screens

Remove all trash

Engine overloaded

Shift to lower gear or reduce load

Low engine oil level

Check oil level. Add oil as required

Low coolant level

Fill radiator to correct level, check radiator and hoses for loose connections or leaks

Faulty radiator cap

Have serviceman check

Loose or defective fan belt

Adjust belt torsion, replace as needed

Cooling system needs flushing

Flush cooling system

Defective thermostat

Remove and check thermostats

Defective temperature gauge or sender

See your John Deere Dealer

Incorrect grade of fuel

Use correct fuel

AG,RX15494,2897 -19-27OCT99-4/5


Symptom Problem Solution

High fuel consumption

Incorrect type of fuel

Use correct fuel

Clogged or dirty air cleaner

Service air cleaner

Engine overloaded

Reduce load or shift to lower gear

Incorrect valve clearance

See your John Deere Dealer

Injection nozzles dirty

See your John Deere Dealer

Engine out of time

See your John Deere Dealer

Implement incorrectly adjusted

See implement operator's manual

Low engine temperature

Check thermostats

Excessive ballast

Adjust ballast to load

Defective turbocharger

See your John Deere Dealer

AG,RX15494,2897 -19-27OCT99-5/5