Engine Troubleshooting

SymptomProblemSolution

Engine hard to start or will not start

Improper starting procedure

Review starting procedure

 

No fuel

Check fuel tank

 

Air in fuel tank

Bleed fuel tank

 

Fuel pump hand primer left raised

Push primer down

 

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 filters

Replace filter elements

 

Dirty or faulty injectors

Have John Deere dealer check injectors

Engine knocks

Insufficient oil

Add oil

 

Incorrect injection pump timing

See your John Deere dealer

 

Low coolant temperature

See your John Deere dealer

 

Engine overheating

See “Engine Overheats”

Engine runs irregularly or stalls frequently

Low coolant temperature

See your John Deere dealer

 

Clogged fuel filters

Replace filter elements

 

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 and sender

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 filters

Replace filter elements

 

Improper type of fuel

Use proper fuel

 

Overheated engine

See “Engine Overheats”

 

Below normal engine temperature

See your John Deere dealer

 

Improper valve clearance

See your John Deere dealer

 

Dirty or faulty injectors

Have John Deere dealer check injectors

 

Incorrect injection pump timing

See your John Deere dealer

 

Turbocharger not functioning

See your John Deere dealer

 

Restricted fuel line

See your John Deere dealer

 

Restricted return line

See your John Deere dealer

 

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

Engine emits black or gray 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

 

Defective turbocharger

See your John Deere dealer

 

Incorrect engine timing

See your John Deere dealer

Engine emits white smoke

Improper type fuel

Use proper fuel

 

Engine out of time

See your John Deere dealer

 

Defective thermostat

Replace thermostat

 

Defective injection nozzles

See your John Deere dealer

 

Turbocharger not functioning

See your John Deere dealer

 

Cold start advance or light load advance not functioning

See your John Deere dealer

 

Cold engine

Bring engine to operating temperature

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 and hoses for loose connection or leaks

 

Faulty reservoir cap

Replace cap

 

Loose or defective fan belt

Replace belt

 

Cooling system needs flushing

Flush cooling system

 

Defective thermostat

See your John Deere dealer

 

Defective temperature gauge or sender

See your John Deere dealer

High fuel consumption

Improper type of fuel

Use proper fuel type

 

Incorrect grade of fuel

Use correct grade of 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

 

Incorrect engine timing

See your John Deere dealer

 

Implement improperly adjusted

See implement operator's manual

 

Low engine temperature

See your John Deere dealer

 

Excessive ballast

Adjust ballast to load

 

Restricted air intake system

Check system

 

Plugged crankcase vent tube

Clean vent tube

 

Defective turbocharger

See your John Deere dealer

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