Diesel Question

[VinceD]

My son-in-law ran into a problem with his 3-cylinder Kioti diesel this evening and I hope some of you can offer some suggestions.

We used the tractor Sunday for about 6 hours and it worked perfectly. He started it this evening to move some dirt and everything seemed OK. He turned it off while on a hill and it would not start even though the tank was full of fresh fuel. He pushed it down to a level spot and it started, although he had to apply more throttle than normal. The RPM increased to 2,600 and would not decrease when he pushed the throttle to "idle". Even at high RPM, it had no power and would not move the tractor. Trying to move the front bucket or stepping on the hydrostatic drive seemed to apply a tremendous load to the engine. He turned off the key and watched the fuel gauge move to "empty" but the engine kept running at high RPM. It would not stop until he pressed down on the hydrostatic drive pedal then the load killed the engine.

After a little while he tried starting it again. After several futile attempts, it finally caught and the RPM slowly started climbing again. He turned off the key (no result) and the engine only stopped when he applied load.

Short of winching it onto the trailer and taking it to the Kioti dealer - any suggestions?

[Lurker Carl]

If you don't have the manuals or equipment or expertise to perform the troubleshooting, winch that beast onto the trailer and let a diesel mechanic fix it. But here's my take on it.

There is no "throttle" like gasoline engines as the amount of fuel injected into the cylinders controls engine speed. When a diesel keeps running after the key is turned off, the engine is still receiving fuel. But there is power loss AND inability to control engine speed. That points to fuel delivery issues. Find out when the last time the fuel filter was changed and the water separator dumped. That's the extent of my diesel troubleshooting abilities.

[Virginia Mike]

I would take it to the dealer. Is it under warranty? Sounds like an injection pump problem.

[Gary Dotson]

I'm not familiar with the fuel system on these tractors, but it sounds like the fuel rack is somehow bound up. I too, think you need to take it to someone in the know.

[VinceD]

Thanks guys, for your input. I was hoping to get a better understanding of what the problem might be and you certainly helped with that. I do the maintenance, changing fluids and filters but have no diesel expertise.

The Kioti is still under warranty. It is on the trailer and I will take it to the dealer for the son-in-law tomorrow. I will let you know what they find.

Thanks again.

[Gary Dotson]

Happy to hear it's under warranty, it might be an expensive repair.

[VinceD]

Just wanted to let you know that the son-in-law asked me to follow up with the dealer this morning. The dealer said the entire injector pump has to be replaced. The new one will be in by the end of this week and should be installed by the the first of next week. He was quick to add that everything was covered by the warranty so there would be no out of pocket expense. Thank goodness

[beaconlight]

Amen to the warranty.

[VinceD]

Just a short f/u note.

We picked up the Kioti this evening. They replaced the injector pump. I guess we didn't realize the old pump was a noisy as it was because now the tractor is MUCH quieter. The old pump sounded like someone was shaking a rattle can.

[beaconlight]

Glad to hear it worked out OK. Everything in life should be so easy.

[artc]

lets hope its a random part failure, and not one that will repeat itself... generally a day after the warranty expires.