L3400 Engine Dying

Milton Burro · May 30, 2011

Starts and runs fine, but when I begin to let out on the clutch it dies. It's an intermittent problem that just began this evening. Any ideas from this panel of experts? I tried a search before I posted, and will try to check the seat switch tomorrow, just thought someone may know of another possible cause. 2008, 136 hours.

ctgoldwing · Jun 1, 2011

Although probably not the problem, it takes only a second to check. . .

A year ago my 3400 died & I couldn't get it started. Turned out to be the bleeder on fuel line had come loose (from vibration???). As I recall its just above the filter - lil knob.

Good luck!

PoorMansCat · Jun 1, 2011

Milton Burro said:
Starts and runs fine, but when I begin to let out on the clutch it dies. It's an intermittent problem that just began this evening. Any ideas from this panel of experts? I tried a search before I posted, and will try to check the seat switch tomorrow, just thought someone may know of another possible cause. 2008, 136 hours.

Does it die like you are turning the key off or is it bogging down/stumbling/studdering???
If its just shutting off like you killed the key, I would TEMPORARILY bypass the various safety kills until you find which one is shutting you down....

teg · Jun 1, 2011

PoorMansCat said:
Does it die like you are turning the key off or is it bogging down/stumbling/studdering???
If its just shutting off like you killed the key, I would TEMPORARILY bypass the various safety kills until you find which one is shutting you down....

If it boggs down, check the parking break...:ashamed: don't ask why...

Milton Burro · Jun 2, 2011

It dies like I'm turning the key off, push the clutch in and it picks up and runs again.

teg · Jun 2, 2011

Gear or HST? I played with my HST, unplugging safety switches and nothing like you said happen. I guess you have a gear (DT) is there a safety switch to have to have it in neutral... no that keeps the key from ever turning over the engine... humm...

Milton Burro · Jun 2, 2011

Yessir,, manual trans. Perhaps there's a switch on the clutch?

grsthegreat · Jun 2, 2011

if it starts right up again as soon as the cutch is pushed back in i can bet its the seat switch or wires to that switch. make sure nothing is obstructing the seat fully engaging that switch. I know on my old JD i had a similar issue. it was the switch (nest under seat).

teg · Jun 2, 2011

I could unplug my seat Safety switch and start it from the ground... When I unplug the clutch safety switch, nothing happens with the key... same with the PTO. I'm at a loss...

grsthegreat · Jun 2, 2011

teg said:
I could unplug my seat Safety switch and start it from the ground... When I unplug the clutch safety switch, nothing happens with the key... same with the PTO. I'm at a loss...

unplugging wont cure the problem. then the switch thinks it not operational. when you sit in the seat you complete the circuit. If you lnow which wires go where with the seat switch (mine had 3 wires) yo can cross feed the wires after its unplugged. this eliminates the switch. i would assume the same for the other safety switches. Though i could not think why the clutch switch would be the issue as the engine is already running. if you unplug the clutch switch, the tractor thinks the clutch IS NOT engaged and wouldnt let you start tractor. The PTO switch would be the same, it would make the tractor think the PTO is engaged and not let you start tractor if its unplugged. Im still betting its the seat switch.

If your comfortable with it, you can wire a jumper accross the terminals and see if the tractor can then drive foreward. if it can, the seat switch is the fault.