Engine Troubleshooting

NOTE: If using BIODIESEL blends above B20, the possibility of some of the symptoms listed below, such as power loss, could increase.

SymptomProblemSolution

Engine cranks but will not start

Incorrect starting procedure.

Verify correct starting procedure.

 

No fuel.

Check fuel in tank.

 

Exhaust restricted.

Check and correct exhaust restriction.

 

Fuel filter plugged or full of water.

Replace fuel filter or drain water from filter.

 

Injection pump not getting fuel or air in fuel system.

Check fuel flow at supply pump or bleed fuel system.

 

Faulty injection pump or nozzles.

Consult authorized diesel repair station for repair or replacement.

Engine hard to start or will not start

Engine starting under load.

Disengage PTO.

 

Improper starting procedure.

Review starting procedure.

 

No fuel.

Check fuel tank.

 

Air in fuel line.

Bleed fuel line.

 

Cold weather.

Use cold weather starting aids.

 

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 injection nozzles.

Have authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor check injectors.

Engine knocks

Low engine oil level.

Add oil to engine crankcase.

 

Low coolant temperature.

Remove and check thermostat.

 

Engine overheating.

See “Engine Overheats”.

 

Engine cold

Wrong or defective thermostat. Remove and check thermostat.

Engine runs irregularly or stalls frequently

Low coolant temperature.

Remove and check thermostat.

 

Clogged fuel filter.

Replace fuel filter element.

 

Water, dirt, or air in fuel system.

Drain, flush, fill, and bleed system.

 

Dirty or faulty injection nozzles.

Have authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor check injectors.

Below normal engine temperature

Defective thermostat.

Remove and check thermostat.

 

Defective temperature gauge or sender.

Check gauge, sender, and connections.

Lack of power

Engine overloaded.

Reduce load.

 

Intake air restriction.

Service air cleaner.

 

Clogged fuel filter.

Replace filter elements.

 

Improper type of fuel.

Use proper fuel.

 

Injector tip deposits

Use John Deere approved biodiesel fuel conditioners containing detergents.

 

Overheated engine.

See “Engine Overheats”.

 

Below normal engine temperature.

Remove and check thermostat.

 

Improper valve clearance.

See CHECK AND ADJUST VALVE CLEARANCE in Lubrication and Maintenance/ 2000 Hours/24 Months section.

 

Dirty or faulty injection nozzles.

Have authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor check injectors.

 

Injection pump out of time.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Turbocharger not functioning.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Leaking exhaust manifold gasket.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Restricted fuel hose.

Clean or replace fuel hose.

 

Low fast idle speed.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

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, gaskets, and drain plug.

 

Restricted crankcase vent tube.

Clean vent tube.

 

Defective turbocharger.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

Engine emits white smoke

Improper type of 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 authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

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.

 

Injector tip deposits

Use John Deere approved biodiesel fuel conditioners containing detergents.

 

Injection nozzles dirty.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Turbocharger not functioning.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

Engine overheats

Engine overloaded.

Reduce load.

 

Low coolant level.

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

 

Faulty radiator cap.

Have technician check.

 

Stretched poly-vee belt or defective belt tensioner.

Check automatic belt tensioner and check belts for stretching. Replace as required.

 

Low engine oil level.

Check oil level. Add oil as required.

 

Cooling system needs flushing.

Flush cooling system.

 

Defective thermostat.

Remove and check thermostat.

 

Defective temperature gauge or sender.

Check coolant temperature with thermometer and replace, if necessary.

 

Incorrect grade of fuel.

Use correct grade of fuel.

High fuel consumption

Improper type of fuel.

Use proper type of fuel.

 

Clogged or dirty air cleaner.

Service air cleaner.

 

Engine overloaded.

Reduce load.

 

Improper valve clearance.

See CHECK AND ADJUST VALVE CLEARANCE in Lubrication and Maintenance/ 2000 Hours/24 Months section.

 

Injector tip deposits

Use John Deere approved biodiesel fuel conditioners containing detergents.

 

Injection nozzles dirty.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Defective turbocharger.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Low engine temperature.

Check thermostat.

Undercharged electrical system

Excessive electrical load from added accessories.

Remove accessories or install higher output alternator.

 

Excessive engine idling.

Increase engine rpm when heavy electrical load is used.

 

Poor electrical connections on battery, ground strap, starter, or alternator.

Inspect and clean as necessary.

 

Defective battery.

Test battery.

 

Defective alternator.

Test charging system.

Battery uses too much water

Cracked battery case.

Check for moisture and replace as necessary.

 

Defective battery.

Test battery.

 

Battery charging rate too high.

Test charging system.

Batteries will not charge

Loose or corroded connections.

Clean and tighten connections.

 

Sulfated or worn-out batteries.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Stretched poly-vee belt or defective belt tensioner.

Adjust belt tension or replace belts.

Starter will not crank

PTO engaged.

Disengage PTO.

 

Loose or corroded connections.

Clean and tighten loose connections.

 

Low battery output voltage.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Faulty start circuit relay.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Blown main system fuse.

Replace fuse.

Starter cranks slowly

Low battery output.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Crankcase oil too heavy.

Use proper viscosity oil.

 

Loose or corroded connections.

Clean and tighten loose connections.

Starter and hour meter functions; rest of electrical system does not function

Blown fuse on magnetic switch.

Replace fuse.

Entire electrical system does not function

Faulty battery connection.

Clean and tighten connections.

 

Sulfated or worn-out batteries.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Blown main system fuse.

Replace fuse.

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