Engine Troubleshooting

SymptomProblemSolution

Engine hard to start or will not start

Improper starting procedure.

Reviewing starting procedure.

 

No fuel.

Check fuel tank.

 

Air in fuel system.

Bleed fuel system.

 

Hand primer left raised.

Push primer down.

 

Cold weather.

Use cold weather starting procedure.

 

Slow starter speed.

See “Starter Cranks Slowly”.

 

Crankcase oil too heavy.

Use oil of proper viscosity.

 

Improper type of fuel.

Consult fuel supplier; use proper type fuel for operating conditions.

 

Water, dirt, or air in fuel system.

Drain, flush, fill and bleed system.

 

Clogged fuel filter.

Replace filter element.

 

Dirty or faulty injectors.

Have John Deere dealer check injectors.

 

Injection pump shut-off not reset.

Turn key switch to “OFF” then to “ON”.

 

Fuel shut-off valve closed.

Open fuel shut-off valve.

Engine knocks

Insufficient oil.

Add oil.

 

Injection pump out of time.

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Low coolant temperature.

Remove and check thermostat.

 

Engine overheating.

See “Engine Overheats”.

Engine runs irregularly or stalls frequently

Low coolant temperature.

Remove and check thermostat.

 

Clogged fuel filter.

Replace filter element.

 

Water, dirt, or air in fuel system.

Drain, flush, fill, and bleed system.

 

Dirty or faulty injectors.

Have John Deere dealer check injectors.

 

Improper type of fuel.

Use proper fuel.

Below normal engine temperature

Defective temperature gauge or sender.

Check gauge, sender and connections.

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 fuel filter.

Replace filter element.

 

Improper type of fuel.

Use proper fuel.

 

Overheated engine.

See “Engine Overheats”.

 

Below normal engine temperature.

Remove and check thermostat.

 

Improper 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 improperly adjusted.

See implement operator's manual.

 

Restricted fuel line.

Clean or replace fuel line.

 

Restricted return line.

Clean or replace return line.

 

Improper ballast.

Adjust ballast to load.

Low oil pressure

Low oil level.

Add oil.

 

Improper type of oil.

Drain, fill crankcase with oil of proper viscosity and quality.

High oil consumption

Crankcase oil too light.

Use proper viscosity oil.

 

Oil leaks.

Check for leaks in lines, around gaskets and drain plugs.

 

Restricted crankcase vent tube.

Clean vent tube.

 

Defective turbocharger.

See your John Deere dealer.

Engine emits white smoke

Improper type fuel.

Use proper fuel.

 

Low engine temperature.

Warm up engine to normal operating temperature.

 

Defective thermostat.

Remove and check thermostat.

 

Defective injection nozzles.

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Engine out of time.

See your John Deere dealer.

Engine emits black or grey exhaust smoke

Improper type of fuel.

Use proper 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, 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 proper level, check radiator, expansion tank, and hoses for loose connection or leaks.

 

Faulty radiator cap.

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Loose or defective fan belt.

Adjust belt tension; replace belt, if necessary

 

Cooling system needs flushing.

Flush cooling system.

 

Defective thermostat.

Remove and check thermostat.

 

Defective temperature gauge or sender.

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Incorrect grade of fuel.

Use proper fuel.

High fuel consumption.

Improper type of fuel.

Use proper fuel.

 

Clogged or dirty air cleaner.

Service air cleaner.

 

Engine overloaded.

Reduce load or shift to a lower gear.

 

Improper 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 improperly adjusted.

See implement operator's manual.

 

Low engine temperature.

Check thermostat.

 

Excessive ballast.

Adjust ballast to load.

 

Defective turbocharger.

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Restricted air intake system.

Check system.

 

Plugged crankcase vent tube.

Clean vent tube.

AT,5SOM,198-19-19981101