Engine Troubleshooting

Symptom Problem Solution

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

NS43404,0000528 -19-23JAN08-1/4


Symptom Problem Solution

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

NS43404,0000528 -19-23JAN08-2/4


Symptom Problem Solution

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

NS43404,0000528 -19-23JAN08-3/4


Symptom Problem Solution

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

NS43404,0000528 -19-23JAN08-4/4