OMRG39305

Engine Troubleshooting

NOTE: Before troubleshooting the engine, first retrieve any fault codes on the diagnostic gauge display and perform the corrective actions. If any problems remain, use the following charts to solve engine problems.

Symptom	Problem	Solution
Engine Will Not Crank	Low battery output voltage or discharged battery	Charge or replace batteries.
	Loose or corroded connections	Clean and tighten connections.
	Faulty start circuit relay	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Blown fuse	Replace fuse.
	Defective main switch or start safety switch	Repair switch as required.
	Starter solenoid defective	Replace solenoid.
	Starter defective	Replace starter.

Starter Cranks Slowly	Low battery output voltage or discharged battery	Charge or replace batteries.
	Too high viscosity crankcase oil	Drain crankcase oil and replace with correct viscosity oil.
	Loose or corroded connections	Clean and tighten connections.

Hard to Start or Will Not Start	Engine starting under load	Disengage PTO.
	Improper starting procedure	Review starting procedure.
	Exhaust restricted	Check and correct exhaust restriction.
	No fuel	Check fuel tank.
	Air in fuel line	Bleed fuel lines.
	Poor fuel quality	Drain fuel and replace with proper grade and quality of fuel for operating condition.
	Water, dirt, or air in fuel system	Drain, flush, fill, and bleed fuel system.
	Fuel filter restricted or full of water	Replace fuel filter or drain water from fuel filter.
	Dirty or faulty fuel injectors	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Electronic fuel system problem	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Cold weather	Use cold weather starting aids. See Cold Weather Operation in the Engine Operation Section.
	Too high viscosity crankcase oil	Drain crankcase oil and replace with correct viscosity oil.
	Electronic Control System Problem or Basic Engine Problem	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.

Engine Misfiring or Runs Irregularly	Poor fuel quality	Incorrect fuel/dirty fuel Test fuel, drain water from fuel bowl.
	Restricted fuel filter	Replace fuel filter element.
	Water, dirt, or air in fuel system	Drain, flush, fill, and bleed fuel system.
	Low coolant temperature	Remove and check thermostat.
	Dirty or faulty fuel injectors	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Electronic fuel system problem	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Electronic Control System problem or basic engine problem	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.

Lack of Engine Power	Intake air restriction	Service air cleaner.
	Exhaust restricted	Check and correct exhaust restriction.
	Poor fuel quality	Drain fuel and replace with proper grade and quality of fuel for operating condition.
	Restricted fuel filter	Replace fuel filter elements.
	Engine overloaded	Reduce engine load.
	Improper crankcase oil	Drain crankcase oil and replace with correct viscosity oil.
	Low coolant temperature	Remove and check thermostat.
	Improper valve clearance	Adjust valve clearance. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Dirty or faulty fuel injectors	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Turbocharger not functioning properly	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Poor EGR valve (if equipped) wiring harness connection	Check EGR valve wiring harness for good connection (make sure it clicks).
	Air leak in engine intake or exhaust manifold	Check intake and exhaust manifold gaskets and manifolds; repair as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Engine is in derate due to DTC	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Electronic Control System problem or basic engine problem	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.

Engine Idles Poorly	Poor fuel quality	Drain fuel and replace with proper grade and quality of fuel for operating condition.
	Air leak on suction side of air intake system	Check hose and pipe connections for tightness; repair as required.
	Electronic control system problem or basic engine problem	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.

Excessive Fuel Consumption	Engine overloaded	Reduce engine load.
	Air cleaner restricted or dirty	Replace air cleaner element as required.
	Compression too low	Determine cause of low compression and repair as required.
	Leaks in fuel supply system	Locate source of leak and repair as required.
	Improper type of fuel	Drain fuel and replace with proper grade and quality of fuel for operating condition.
	Poor fuel quality	Drain fuel and replace with proper grade and quality of fuel for operating condition.
	Improper valve clearance	Adjust valve clearance. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Dirty or faulty fuel injectors	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Electronic fuel system problem	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Electronic Control System problem or basic engine problem	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Turbocharger not functioning properly	Inspect turbocharger. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Low engine temperature	Remove and check thermostat.

Fuel Aeration	EUI hold-down clamp loose	Tighten hold-down clamp cap screw to proper torque. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Cracked or worn electronic unit injector (EUI) O-ring	Remove suspected EUI; replace EUI O-ring as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.

Fuel in Oil	Cracked or worn electronic unit injector (EUI) O-ring	Remove suspected EUI; replace EUI O-ring as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Cracked cylinder head	Locate crack; repair/replace components as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Restricted fuel return line	Check and fix fuel return lines.
	Engine load too light	Increase engine load
	Leaking fuel injectors	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.

Low-Pressure Fuel System — Fuel Pressure Low	Restricted fuel filter	Replace fuel filter.
	Restricted fuel line	Locate restriction, repair as required.
	Faulty transfer pump	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Faulty fuel pump	Remove fuel pump, repair/replace pump as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.

Abnormal Engine Noise	Worn main or connecting rod bearings	Determine bearing clearance. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Excessive crankshaft end play	Check crankshaft end play. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Loose main bearing caps	Check bearing clearance; replace bearings and bearing cap screws as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Worn connecting rod bushings and piston pins	Inspect piston pins and bushings. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Scored pistons	Inspect pistons. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Worn timing gears or excess backlash	Check timing gear back lash. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Excessive valve clearance	Check and adjust valve clearance. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Worn camshaft lobes	Inspect camshaft. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Worn rocker arm shaft(s)	Inspect rocker arm shafts. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Worn valve guides	Check valve guides for wear. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Damaged valve retainers	Inspect retainer and retainer locks for excessive wear. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Loose or worn rocker arms	Inspect rocker arms for wear. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Bent pushrods	Inspect pushrods for straightness and check contact ends for wear and damage. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Broken valve springs	Inspect valve springs. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Bent connecting rods	Inspect connecting rod and cap for damage. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Worn flywheel	Inspect flywheel and ring gear for damage. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Loose flywheel	Check flywheel mounting screw. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Excessive piston to liner clearance	Check and adjust piston liner clearance. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Excessive thrust bearing clearance	Check and adjust thrust bearing clearance. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	High oil viscosity	Drain engine oil and refill with correct viscosity engine oil

Turbocharger “Screams”

Leak in intake air system

Check air system for loose clamps, damaged tubes, charged air cooler leaks, and intake manifold gasket leaks; repair as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.

Turbocharger Noise or Vibration NOTE: Variable geometry turbocharger recycles after starting engine, causing a momentary revving sound in the engine. This is normal. Do not confuse the whine heard during run down with noise which indicates a bearing failure.	Bearings not lubricated (insufficient oil pressure)	Determine cause of lack of lubrication; repair as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Air leak in engine intake or exhaust manifold	Check intake and exhaust manifold gaskets and manifolds; repair as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Improper clearance between turbine wheel and turbine housing	Inspect turbocharger; repair/replace as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Broken blades (or other wheel failures)	Inspect turbocharger; repair/replace as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.

Turbocharger Turbine Wheel Drag	Carbon build-up behind turbine wheel caused by coked oil or combustion deposits	Inspect turbocharger; repair/replace as required. See your John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Dirt build-up behind compressor wheel caused by air intake leaks	Inspect turbocharger; repair/replace as required. See your John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Bearing seizure or dirty, worn bearings	Inspect turbocharger; repair/replace as required. See your John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.

Oil on Turbocharger Compressor Wheel or in Compressor Housing (Oil Being Pushed or Pulled through Center Housing)	Excessive crankcase pressure.	Determine cause of excessive crankcase pressure; repair as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Air intake restriction	Determine cause of intake restriction; repair as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Drain tube restriction	Determine cause of drain tube restriction; repair as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.

Oil in Intake Manifold or Dripping from Turbocharger Housing	Excessive crankcase pressure	Determine cause of excessive crankcase pressure; repair as required. See your John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Air intake restriction	Determine cause of intake restriction; repair as required. See your John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Drain tube restriction	Determine cause of drain tube restriction; repair as required. See your John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Damaged or worn housing bearings	Inspect turbocharger; repair/replace as required. See your John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Unbalance of rotating assembly	Inspect turbocharger; repair/replace as required. See your John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Damage to turbine or compressor wheel or blade	Inspect turbocharger; repair/replace as required. See your John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Dirt or carbon build-up on wheel or blade	Check for air intake leaks (post air filter). Inspect turbocharger; repair/replace as required. See your John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Bearing wear	Inspect turbocharger; repair/replace as required. See your John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Oil starvation or insufficient lubrication	Determine cause of lack of lubrication; repair as required. See your John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Shaft seals worn	Inspect turbocharger; repair/replace as required. See your John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.

Engine has reached Service Only Soot Level	Auto Filter cleaning is disabled for an extended period of time	Enable exhaust filter cleaning.
	Frequent engine shut downs occurred while auto cleaning was in process	Let engine run for 30 min to clean the exhaust filter.
	Interlock switches are not properly set to allow DPF recovery/Regeneration to occur	Machine must be stationary (Parked). Engine speed must be above the minimum setpoint. Any PTO driven device must be shut off. Engine load must be stable.

SCR High NOx Outlet	DEF tank is low	Fill DEF tank with new DEF.
	Fluid other than DEF has been added to the DEF tank	Drain, flush, and fill DEF tank with new DEF. See Cleaning Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Tank in the Service As Required Section.

Engine Emits White Smoke	Engine compression too low	Determine cause of low compression and repair as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Defective thermostat(s) (does not close)	Test thermostats; replace thermostats as required.
	Coolant entering combustion chamber (failed cylinder head gasket or cracked cylinder head)	Repair or replace as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Electronic Control System problem or basic engine problem	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Improper type of fuel	Drain fuel and replace with proper grade and quality of fuel for operating condition.
	Poor fuel quality	Drain fuel and replace with proper grade and quality of fuel for operating condition.
	Low engine temperature	Warm up engine to normal operating temperature.
	Defective thermostat.	Remove and check thermostat.
	Defective fuel injectors	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.

Engine Emits Black, Gray or Blue Smoke	Engine overloaded	Reduce engine load.
	Engine burning oil	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Air cleaner restricted or dirty	Replace air cleaner element as required.
	Electronic control system problem or basic engine problem	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Exhaust filter is cracked or damaged	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Improper type of fuel	Use proper fuel.
	Fuel injectors dirty	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Electronic Control System problem or basic engine problem	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Turbocharger not functioning properly	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.

Engine Overheats	Air cleaner restricted or dirty	Replace air cleaner element as required.
	Lack of coolant in cooling system	Fill cooling system to proper level. Check radiator and hoses for loose connections or leaks.
	Low engine oil level	Check oil level. Add oil as required.
	Radiator core dirty	Clean cooling system as required.
	Cooling system needs flushing	Flush coolant system. (See Flushing and Refilling Cooling System in the Lubrication & Maintenance — 6000 Hours/72 Months Section.)
	Engine overloaded	Reduce engine load.
	Loose or defective fan belt	Check automatic belt tensioner and belts. Replace as required. (See Checking Belt Tensioner Spring Tension in the Lubrication & Maintenance — 500 Hours/12 Months Section.)
	Defective or wrong type of thermostats	Test thermostat opening temperature, replace thermostats as required.
	Damaged cylinder head gasket	Replace cylinder head gasket. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Leak at cylinder head gasket	Replace cylinder head gasket. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Defective coolant pump	Replace coolant pump. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Defective radiator cap	Replace radiator cap as required.
	Defective temperature gauge or sender	Check coolant temperature with thermometer and replace, if necessary.
	Incorrect grade of fuel	Use correct grade of fuel.

Coolant Temperature Below Normal	Defective thermostat(s)	Test thermostats, replace thermostats as required.
	Defective temperature gauge or temperature sender	Check gauge, sender, and connections.

Coolant in Crankcase	Cylinder head gasket defective	Replace cylinder head gasket. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Cylinder head or block cracked	Locate crack, repair/replace components as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Cylinder liner seals leaking	Remove and inspect cylinder liners. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Pitted cylinder liners	Remove and inspect cylinder liners. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Leaking oil cooler	Pressure test oil cooler, repair/replace as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Defective oil cooler O-rings	Remove and inspect oil cooler O-rings, replace as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	EGR cooler system leaking	Pressure test EGR cooler system, repair/replace as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Faulty coolant pump seal; weep hole plugged; coolant leaking through bearing	Replace coolant pump seals. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Faulty injector sleeve O-ring and EUI O-rings faulty	Remove suspected EUI; replace O-rings as required. See your John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.

Low Oil Pressure	Low crankcase oil level	Fill crankcase to proper oil level.
	Faulty pressure sensor	Replace sensor. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Restricted oil cooler or filter	Remove and inspect oil cooler. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Excessive oil temperature	Remove and inspect oil cooler. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Defective oil pump	Remove and inspect oil pump. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Incorrect oil	Drain crankcase and refill with correct oil.
	Oil pressure regulating valve failure	Remove and inspect oil pressure regulating valve. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Restricted oil pump screen or cracked pick-up tube	Remove oil pan and clean screen/replace pick-up tube.
	Excessive main or connecting rod bearing clearance	Determine bearing clearance. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Crankcase oil level too high	Check engine oil level and drain as necessary.

High Oil Pressure	Improper oil classification	Drain crankcase and refill with correct oil.
	Faulty pressure sensor	Replace sensor. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Oil pressure regulating valve failure	Remove and inspect oil pressure regulating valve. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Oil pressure regulating valve bushing loose (wanders)	Remove and inspect oil pressure regulating valve. See your John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Plugged piston spray nozzle	Replace piston spray nozzle. See your John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Stuck or damaged filter bypass valve	Remove and inspect filter bypass valve. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Stuck or damaged oil cooler bypass valve	Remove and inspect oil cooler bypass valve. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.

Excessive Oil Consumption	Too low viscosity crankcase oil	Drain crankcase and refill with correct viscosity oil.
	Crankcase oil level too high	Drain oil until oil level is correct.
	External oil leak(s)	Determine source of oil leak(s) and repair as required.
	Excessive oil pressure	See High Oil Pressure
	Oil control rings not seated	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Oil control rings worn or broken	Replace piston rings. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Restricted crankcase vent tube	Clean vent tube, verify that crankcase oil level is not too high.
	Defective turbocharger	See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Scored cylinder liners or pistons	Remove and inspect cylinders and liners; replace as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Worn valve guides or stems	Inspect and measure valve stems and valve guides; repair as required. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Piston ring grooves excessively worn	Remove and inspect pistons. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Piston rings sticking in ring grooves	Remove and inspect pistons. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Insufficient piston ring tension	Remove and inspect pistons. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Piston ring gaps not staggered	Remove and inspect pistons. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	Front and/or rear crankshaft oil seal faulty	Replace oil seals. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.

Undercharged Electrical System	Excessive electrical load from added accessories	Remove accessories or install higher output alternator. See your authorized John Deere engine distributor or servicing dealer.
	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 batteries.
	Defective alternator	Test charging system.

Battery Used 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	Replace batteries.
	Stretched belt or defective belt tensioner	Adjust belt tension or replace belts.

Starter and Hourmeter Functions; Rest of Electrical System Does Not Function

Blown fuse

Replace fuse.

Entire Electrical System Does Not Function	Faulty battery connection	Clean and tighten connections.
	Sulfated or worn-out batteries	Replace batteries.
	Blown fuse	Replace fuse.

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