Black Smoke followed by sudden death?

[Iplayfarmer]

Yesterday I was moving a bunch of dirt with my Iseki TX1500 (Bolens 172) and after about 3 hours of constant running, It started to sputter like it was running out of fuel.

I shut it down quickly to hopefully prevent having to bleed lines and all that. When I checked the fuel tank it was still 2/3 full.

I let it sit for a bit and then went to start it. It was really hard to start. It sputtered and coughed and spewed a lot of black smoke. After a while of running the starter it finally sputtered to life coughing black smoke the whole while. After about 10 seconds of running it died again.

I repeated this scenario about 3 or 4 times and then gave up. It seemed like the longer it sat in between starts, the longer it would run before it died. We loaded it on the trailer with a come-a-long, and there it sits.

I'm thinking fuel pump, but I'd like input from the rest of you.

 

[MrJimi]

I'll vote for fuel filter..

 

[john_bud]

Check the filters. Fuel and air. Make sure they are clean. Check that the oil is still oil and not a mix of oil and fuel. A leaking fuel pump, injector, or line may fill the crank case and give similar symptoms.

Good luck
jb

 

[Farmwithjunk]

The description sounds just like when I had an injector nozzle fail on a 3000 Ford earlier this year. Black smoke is usually a sign of too much fuel rather than not enough/none.

 

[cp1969]

Not fuel filter, The black smoke is evidence it's getting fuel. It's also evidence that it might not be getting enough air.

If it is not the air filter or something else blocking the admission of air into the engine, you have non-trivial problems, such as a bad injector, injection pump, or pump timing.

 

[SkunkWerX]

Check the fuel filter(s) and air filter.
They are the most likely culprits.

Also chceck for sludge/moisture in bottom of fuel tank.

Was it cold out? I'd also consider running some Dgel/Injector Cleaner through the fuel system.

 

[Soundguy]

I'm also on the air filter bandwagon. Black smoke is proof of fuel.. lots of it.

( could also be injector pump overfuel problem.. )

soundguy

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Well, You've all answered the first question I had for myself... Do I try to tackle this on my own or take it in somewhere?Based on the varied theories from the gallery, I think I'll take it in to someone who has a few more diagnostic tools than I do.

I just replaced the fuel filter before fall. I drained the tank at the same time I replaced the fuel filter. I haven't even gone through a full tank of fuel. It was cold that day...about 25 degrees, but I filled up about 3/4 of my tank that morning with this season's blend, and I added power service when I filled up.

It makes sense what everyone is saying that the black smoke means it's getting at least enough fuel. I did check the air filter at the time I was having the problem, but it checked out okay too. It's a fairly new filter, and I didn't see much clogging. I knocked it on my boot and dust came off of it, but not in a thick cloud like I've seen in clogged filters.

 

[cp1969]

Make sure the entire intake tract (both downstream and upstream of the filter) is clear, not just the filter element. Something may have come loose and could be blocking some part of the air intake system.

Also, it is a good idea to replace that element now that you've taken it out. The seals on air filter elements develop something of a memory and are not likely to seal as well when reinstalled.

 

[dqdave1]

Replacing fuel filter before fall does not mean you now have a plugged or water laten filter; Check it again. It won't hurt and it may contain debris. What does the crankcase oil look and smell like? Is it contaninated with fuel?

 

[sandman2234]

Is it possible that an injector is hung open or stuck partially open, thus allowing too much fuel into the cylinder? That might account for the excessive fuel in the mix (black smoke) and hard starting. Plus the pump might not be able to keep up with it, thus causing it to run out of fuel?
All just speculation on my part, and asked in the form of a question to see what others might think.
David from jax

 

[Soundguy]

Sure.. i mentioned overfueling as an injector or pump issue as a possibility.. etc.

soundguy

 

[6sunset6]

I have had mice crawl down steam from the air filter and build a nest there .
Makes the air delievery a problem.

 

[wushaw]

I am on the over fueling or clogged intake bandwagon.

 

[Knotbored]

I once had the dipstick tube knocked loose by a branch and the engine died in a cloud of smoke. It seems the tube is tightly gasketed to the block and air passage rate is critical. In my case it was solved by just wedging the tube back into the hole, waiting 5 minutes for the oil to get back where it belonged, adding a cup or so-then it started and smoke cleared within 20 seconds.
You mentioned a recent oil change-might pay you to see if something was knocked loose.-maybe the filter gasket or the dipstick tube.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Replacing fuel filter before fall does not mean you now have a plugged or water laten filter; Check it again. It won't hurt and it may contain debris. What does the crankcase oil look and smell like? Is it contaninated with fuel?

The oil is black as black just like any diesel oil. It's also a little low on the stick. If I was leaking fuel into the crank case, I would think that it would increase the oil level. There aren't any noticeable oil leaks from this tractor.

I'm about due for an oil change anyway. I got to thinking about this a little more over the weekend, and I'm thinking this tractor is about due for some service. I plan to just get a new stock fuel filter and new injectors. While I'm at it I'll clean the air filter and all associated intakes and change the oil and filter.

After all that if I'm still having problems, I'll take it in somewhere.

 

[zzvyb6]

Lube oil return in head clogged with sludge. Oil not return: pushed into cylinder. Make black smoke, indicate lower oil level.

Let sit. Maybe oil return slowly. Level back to normal.

Pull valve cover. Clean sludge with wet-dry vac. Change oil filter, put new oil (thinner).

All depend on what black smoke is: fuel or lube oil?

Want fried with that?

 

[RobJ]

Lube oil return in head clogged with sludge. Oil not return: pushed into cylinder. Make black smoke, indicate lower oil level.

Let sit. Maybe oil return slowly. Level back to normal.

Pull valve cover. Clean sludge with wet-dry vac. Change oil filter, put new oil (thinner).

All depend on what black smoke is: fuel or lube oil?

Want fried with that?

Unless you have a vent tube in the valve cover.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Still have my money on an injector stuck open

 

[john_bud]

I'm with you, Farm...

jb