Oil & Fuel Engine turns 24 times B4 firing up !!!.

ceeceebee · Feb 19, 2012

Have an ancient JD 303 diesel, 1963 vintage. built at Saran, France. Have the above problem, plus have run out of diesel fuel and cannot get it to start at all now. So wondered if anyone can, a...tell me what engine (about 36hp) is fitted (perkins, Standard or ??) and b...how to bleed air out of lines properly and c...does the CAV pump have a non-return valve fitted, perhaps sticking and allowing the fuel in the lines to run back....so explaining the number of turns to start up. Any ideas gratefully accepted....Colin...

Tx Jim · Feb 19, 2012

JD made a 303 power unit. Is this what you have? If so no no CAV inj pump is listed in parts catalog for a 303 only Roosa-Master. It sounds as if fuel is leaking back into tank from the filter. Or are you referring to a tractor??????

Have you tried bleeding air out of filter & inj pump before attempting to crank engine???

ceeceebee · Feb 20, 2012

Thanks TX., yes it is an old JD tractor, pics are on a French website, to see the beast (not mine - mines like the before pics..) page down a few entries, to see it one being restored.

john deere 303 - Page 2.

Have tried to bleed air from fuels lines, but no go, will have another try, cannot shift the injector fule line nuts, really tight, and could really do with solving the 24 turns to start, as battery gives out first...fairy certain its a CAV Lucas rotary pump, will try to clean off the thick paint jab, to check if a model no or serial numbers are there so I can perhaps get hold of a diagram showing if it has a non return fuel valve to keep the pump and lines pressurised.

Thanks again...Colin..

rsewill · Feb 20, 2012

ceeceebee said:
could really do with solving the 24 turns to start, as battery gives out first...

You may have low engine compression.

Jamming · Feb 20, 2012

be careful cranking a diesel for long periods before starting, as you may know fuel delivery is also the lube for the rail pump, no fuel means no lube and it can ruin pump.

Tx Jim · Feb 21, 2012

ceeceebee
How many cylinders does your tractors engine have???????? Four(4) I think from viewing the photo's. Is it a European 2020 or 2120???????

ceeceebee · Feb 22, 2012

Fuel at the pump, so should be OK cranking (I wish), cold here so battery not turning over motor very quickly...luckily ran out of juice outside house...

dex3361 · Feb 22, 2012

Welcome to TBN. TRACTORDATA has a few details on the machine its 36 HP at the engine. I would check the operation of the glow plugs or preheat if it has either. :thumbsup:

Tx Jim · Feb 23, 2012

ceeceebee
It will be easier to help you get it started if you will post the model #. I'm almost 100% positive that "303" is incorrect model!!!!!!!!!!!

ceeceebee · Feb 23, 2012

Hi TX Jim, the machine is one of the first off the JD plant in Saran, northern France, from the a French tractor enthusiasts site the story seems to be that JD were in partnership (or part owning) a German company called Lanz, looks like (from pics) the same gearbox, back axle and hydraulics were used but different engines and front axle support. Postings on this site suggested a Perkins motor but with pre-heaters for improved starting, also claimed a Standard diesel was used - but I worked for M-F in Coventy and can't recall they built any diesel engine there. Anywhere on this site with a pic. of JD 4 cyl. engine for say 1962 - 1965 builds. so I can compare, or any engine markings (perhaps a casting on the block or head with JDL or similar)..Thanks for help Jim..