Engine Troubleshooting

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

NOTE: Before troubleshooting the engine, first retrieve any fault codes on the diagnostic gauge display and perform the corrective actions. (See information later in this section.) If any problems remain, use the following charts to solve engine problems.

SymptomProblemSolution

Engine cranks but will not start

Incorrect starting procedure.

Verify correct starting procedure.

 

No fuel.

Check fuel in tank and manual shut-off valve.

 

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 (if equipped).

 

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.

 

Electronic fuel system problem

See your authorized servicing dealer

 

Injection pump shut-off not reset.

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

Engine knocks

Low engine oil level.

Add oil to engine crankcase.

 

Injection pump out of time.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

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 fuel filter element.

 

Water, dirt, or air in fuel system.

Drain, flush, fill, and bleed system.

 

Poor quality fuel.

Change to better quality fuel.

 

Dirty or faulty injection nozzles.

Have authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor check injectors.

 

Electronic fuel system problem

See your authorized servicing dealer

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.

 

Overheated engine.

See “Engine Overheats”.

 

Below normal engine temperature.

Remove and check thermostat.

 

Improper valve clearance.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Dirty or faulty injection nozzles.

Have authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor check injectors.

 

Injector tip deposits

Use John Deere approved biodiesel fuel conditioners containing detergents.

 

Injection pump out of time.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Turbocharger not functioning. (Turbocharger engines only.)

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Leaking exhaust manifold gasket.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Defective aneroid control line.

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.

 

Damaged propeller

Have propeller checked.

 

Marine growth

Clean hull.

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 (if equipped).

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 out of time.

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.

 

Fuel injectors dirty.

Use John Deere approved biodiesel or diesel fuel conditioners containing detergents. If no improvement is seen, see your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Engine out of time.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Turbocharger not functioning.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Electronic fuel system problem

See your authorized servicing dealer

Engine overheats

Engine overloaded.

Reduce load.

 

Low coolant level.

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

 

Faulty coolant tank cap.

Have serviceman check.

 

Stretched poly-vee belt or defective belt tensioner.

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

 

Faulty sea (raw) water pump.

Check/replace impeller/pump.

 

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 water temperature with thermometer and replace, if necessary.

 

Electronic fuel system problem

See your authorized servicing dealer

 

Incorrect grade of fuel.

Use correct grade of fuel.

 

Plugged heat exchanger.

Clean heat exchanger and core.

 

Plugged keel cooler.

Flush and clean keel cooler. Check for marine growth on O.D. of keel cooler tubes.

 

Trash or debris in engine compartment.

Clean engine compartment.

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 your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Injection nozzles dirty.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Injector tip deposits

Use John Deere approved biodiesel fuel conditioners containing detergents.

 

Engine out of time.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Defective turbocharger.

See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.

 

Low engine temperature.

Check thermostat.

OUOD006,0000113-19-20131113