Oil & Fuel DK35 engine oil level increasing

[Coyote machine]

If all that is connected as far as fluids is fuel and radiator water, and the water level is constant, then fuel is all that's left. What if anything have you done with injectors so far- (sorry no time to traipse back through the thread).
Have you pulled them for at least a visual inspection?
Post back please.

 

[AndrewInOz]

I'm busting get over there today and pull the injectors.
I don't have a tester, but hopefully there will be a visual clue as u suggest.
Unfortunately there won't be any workshops open here till next week so I'm on my own. There is a hand cranked single cyl engine here I maybe able to safely test injectors on. Pretty cautious about that tho.

 

[Coyote machine]

You need a spray pattern tester to test for spray pattern and leakdown parameters. Any good diesel shop will have the capability to test them- which is what I'd do if I were u.
I'd be real careful using a single cyl engine to test your injectors.
Injectors should spray an even conical pattern and not spray like a dog peeing on a flat rock. If you see any questionable visual signs inspecting the injectors then replace them.
Why didn't you start by checking these prior to replacing the inj pump?!

 

[PoorMansCat]

couple questions... what type of injection pump/injectors does this engine have? Is it a rotary pump?
Do the injectors have overflow return tubes and are they under the valve cover? While one can never be 100% positive, I would think that if the injector was pissing, it would be fuel knocking and/or have some abnormal smoke??

 

[seacap04]

I have been following this thread, but everything I thought of was covered. However PoorMansCat might have nailed it. The GM diesels I have operated in the past you always checked for rising oil levels due to high presure fuel lines under valve covers.

 

[DK35vince]

I have an older model DK 35. There are no fuel lines under the valve cover on mine.

 

[DK35vince]

The GM diesels I have operated in the past you always checked for rising oil levels due to high presure fuel lines under valve covers.

I've seen that happen several times on the old 2 stroke Detroit diesels. Leaky fuel lines under the valve cover.
But I don't believe that is the problem here.
I know there are no fuel lines under the valve cover on my DK 35.

 

[seacap04]

Yea, most new diesels don't. Thought about that after I posted.

Injectors- Only way to get that much dulition would be to have tips missing. But no fuel knock or smoke

Injector pump-front shaft seal was leaking into timing gear cover. He had pump rebuilt. I would still check end play on shaft. I keep coming back to this in my thoughts.

Head gasket- No coolant loss or gain and no overheating issues.

Thermal expansion- Checking oil too soon after shut down would indicate low level. Not running engine long enough to be an issue.

I post this as this is how I solve problems professionally. I state the facts as I understand them and want someone to find my errors in rejection of cause or totally missed thoughts.

 

[seacap04]

He also bypasted lift pump so not the issue

 

[AndrewInOz]

Thanks so much for all for yr inputs. In no order...
- barely perceptable bypass flow out of the injectors in tubing which is external to engine anyway.

- I couldn't believe dipstick gain in first 10 min test, so i did another 10 min with the exact same result. All hot by then. Rested about 2 mins before taking dip level. Dips found to be consistant any time after 2 mins stopped. It all appears to be very linear ie run x mins & get gain y. I'm kicking myself for not thinking to do a test at low idle too.

- injector pump is Korean branded "Bosch K type". This is a cartridge of 3 plungers and cam followers. Not a rotary. The cam is part of the engine. If fuel leaked past any of the plungers its' in the crankcase. I applied lift fuel pressure to the original pump inlet on the bench. No leakage either static or operating plungers by hand ( not real valid test as no injector backpressure ). BUT brand new injection pump from Kioti fitted anyway with exact same symptom.

- it is easier for me to throw new parts at it whenever I get to this machine.
In any case, I didn't mind changing inject pump based on stories about jammed racks. The pump is easy to change ... bit easier than pulling injectors. I dissassembled one plunger from the old pump: looked fine.

- pulled injectors yesterday and looked ok to my untrained eye.
Quick test was : By rotating the 3x fuel pipe assy 180deg, the injectors could be located safely pointing outwards at the front of the engine. Starter spins engine pretty fast without compression. All appeared to give a good mist but was not a test rig to get too close to. All commercial shops closed here till probably next week so will have to wait for definative answer on leakage or possible hi cracking pressure (that might cause both IP pumps to bypass??).

- walking around the engine I can't see any other path for liquids. Plug in bottom clutch housing is dry. ( Why a plug there ?) The oil level quickly stabilises after shutdown and remains there until next run. Level only ever increases. We have three 35 hp FWA tractors and this one has best low end torque / quietest / no smoke ( but others 1-2k hours & diff makes ). Motor is fine otherwise.

Thanks again yr interest. If these injectors are ok, I'll be climbing up the wall!