Bobcat 731-1 5.00 star(s) (1)

Engine Not Starting & Smoking Badly
Model Year: 1983

Only start a Bobcat in the seat with all controls on the center position! I had used the loader all afternoon, and while it was still warm decided to change the oil. After the oil change, I started it to check for leaking. It started smoking like a freight train, and died. I thought it was the wrong oil, changed back with the old filter, still only black smoke, and no start. After two weeks of checking and working on the engine, removing the timing cover to check the governor, the fuel metering, having the injector pump checked, and pulling and checking the injectors, I was lost. I finally read a blog about someone who had a similar problem which turned out to be loading caused by the aux hydraulic not being centered. I then put everything back together, charged the battery well, and this time I got into the cab, centered the foot pedals, and the machine started with no problem. The pedal for the lift down was in the down position, and the engine was so loaded that the governor could not get enough speed to reset the excess fuel rack which is set when the starter is engaged. Now I just need to remove the hydraulic control valve to replace the broken spring that centers the valve.

Pros: Easy to use.
Cons: Hard to work on.