why won't it start?

[Westonium]

why won\'t it start?

A good friend's Ford tractor won't start. We ran it out of fuel (diesel), and now it won't turn over? The only thing I can think of is that maybe the PTO is still engaged. Anything special about diesels that make them have issues if run dry?

(don't know the model, but it is ~55-65 HP), has a heated cab, but maybe roughly 10 years old or so.

Any ideas?

 

[Jagmandave]

Re: why won\'t it start?

Ok, clarify for us, does it turn over (does the starter engage and spin the crankshaft) or does it just not fire up?
Usually, if you run a diesel dry you have to bleed the air out of the lines all the way to the injectors. Usually loosening the line at the injector and cranking it over till you see fuel is how it's done.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Re: why won\'t it start?

<font color="red"> We ran it out of fuel (diesel), and now it won't turn over? </font>


Running an old diesel out of fuel will require bleeding the fuel line, and possibly bleeding the air out of each injector too. There is virtually no way around that. So if that has not been done, it must be done.

The fact that it won't turn over could be one of a few problems. A safety interlock (PTO switch, seat switch, gear selector, etc) would be a likely culprit so if there are any of those make sure that they are set properly. Another problem might be as simple as the battery being run down. Did you check the battery?

 

[Inspector507]

Re: why won\'t it start?

All PTO levers should be in neutral. The clutch may need to be pushed in. I even ran one MF that needed the gear lever and range lever in neutral. That is if it will not turn over at all.

 

[frank_f15]

Re: why won\'t it start?

IT WON'T TURN OVER OR IT WON"T FIRE AND START?

 

[Westonium]

Re: why won\'t it start?

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( IT WON'T TURN OVER OR IT WON"T FIRE AND START? )</font>

I asked and he said "turns over, but no start".

I suspected it was some sort of air-in-the-line sort of thing - bet that's it.

 

[frank_f15]

Re: why won\'t it start?

if it is turning over it is NOT a safety interlock, more than likely running it out of fuel makes it necessary to bleed the fuel lines.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Re: why won\'t it start?

Every tractor is slightly different, but bleeding the fuel line is a 5 minute job.

Somewhere after the fuel filter there is PROBABLY a nut in the fuel line; loosen the nut a bit and turn the key to start cranking the tractor, when fuel starts pumping out of that stop cranking and tighten the nut. Trace the fuel line to the fuel injectors, you will likely find 3 or 4 injectors (one for each cylinder). Loosen the fittings and crank the engine to engage the pump to get the fuel flowing again. Retighten and then try to start up the engine. It may run rough at first but when the air is completly worked out it will run just like normal. Older diesels are not self bleeding, so you have to bleed the air out. No way around it. And since I can do it, pretty much anyone can do it! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[kevincook]

Re: why won\'t it start?

<font color="blue"> "Every tractor is slightly different, but bleeding the fuel line is a 5 minute job. " </font>

Bob is absolutely right. Bleeding the fuel line is a five minute job......after you have done it a bunch of times. It can be frustrating if you have never done it and don't have the manual to tell you exactly how to do it.

Start at the fuel filter and crack nut on the fuel line while you crank the engine. Then move down the line to the next closes fitting. Could be an injector or on an injector pump. Just follow the fuel lines and from the tank to the injector furthest away and open the bleeding screw (nut) in sequence.

After you get it running it will probably sound rough. Just start at the first screw again and repeat the process until all the air is out of the system.

Good Luck,
Kevin