Runaway diesels

[oldpilgrim]

I've been looking at videos of runaway diesels and noted that I have no fuel shutoff on my 3016. I've been looking at electrically operated valves that would simply require a flip of a switch to stop the fuel coming from the tank. But then I thought, I can't see how this thing could runaway given that it has a gravity feed supply and only a high pressure injector pump which will shut off when the 'ignition' switch is turned off. I suppose it is technically possible that the IP relay could somehow fail and jam in the contacted position. But understanding how a relay works, that seems very unlikely and would take something like the relay covering collapsing on the contractors jamming the insides, which I just can't see happening.

Am I correct in saying that it's virtually impossible to have a runaway on my tractor? Should I stop thinking about this?

 

[Gunny]

I'm not going to tell you that it would never happen to you, but the chances are so remote that I wouldn't worry about it.

And from the way I understand it, if a runaway situation does occur, about the only thing that will stop it is completely shutting off the air flow. Some runaways will consume the oil in the crankcase if they don't have fuel.

 

[mrmikey]

.....bout the only thing that will stop it is completely shutting off the air flow...

.
Yup, the fuel can come from the sump oil. I think it was a Chinese tractor that a fella was telling me about quite a while ago, had back in the woods and was running it sideways on a hill, the sump oil got sucked into the crankcase breather and she went nuts, till the oil was down low enough to starve it for fuel............Mike

 

[hillwood]

I would not worry about your diesel engine running away on you. They usually run away from engine oil blow buy into the intake air system.
Blocking the air intake is the only way to stop it if this happens.

 

[RNeumann]

I haven't seen or heard about a run away diesel for years. The last rig we had with an "emergency fuel shutoff" was from the early 1980s. With the computer controlled engines it would be near impossible.
If you have the time and desire go for it. But I don't think you will ever use it. Someone a few decades from now will sit on the machine and think WTH?

 

[SedonaDave]

I've been looking at videos of runaway diesels and noted that I have no fuel shutoff on my 3016. I've been looking at electrically operated valves that would simply require a flip of a switch to stop the fuel coming from the tank. But then I thought, I can't see how this thing could runaway given that it has a gravity feed supply and only a high pressure injector pump which will shut off when the 'ignition' switch is turned off. I suppose it is technically possible that the IP relay could somehow fail and jam in the contacted position. But understanding how a relay works, that seems very unlikely and would take something like the relay covering collapsing on the contractors jamming the insides, which I just can't see happening.

Am I correct in saying that it's virtually impossible to have a runaway on my tractor? Should I stop thinking about this?

"electrically operated valves"....Your looking for a 12 volt solenoid valve.

-NEW- Solenoid Valve 1/4" Normally Closed (N.C.) 12VDC Nylon (NEW Improved Crack-resistant Polymer) Blue Cap by U.S. Solid: Industrial Solenoid Valves: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Not sure what diameter your fuel line is?

 

[Billrog]

I had a Case tractor run away when the fuel rod in the pump stuck turned the valve off at the sediment bowl to stop it because it was the quickest way with that tractor.

 

[Egon]

In situations where the air is combustible runaways can occur. Many industrial sites will require a positive air on any Diesel Equipment.

 

[oldpilgrim]

I haven't seen or heard about a run away diesel for years. The last rig we had with an "emergency fuel shutoff" was from the early 1980s. With the computer controlled engines it would be near impossible.
If you have the time and desire go for it. But I don't think you will ever use it. Someone a few decades from now will sit on the machine and think WTH?

Check youtoob. Theres lots of them.

 

[oldpilgrim]

I had a Case tractor run away when the fuel rod in the pump stuck turned the valve off at the sediment bowl to stop it because it was the quickest way with that tractor.

There is no shutoff anywhere and having to remove the side of the 3 piece hood is not easy with a runaway engine screaming at you just inches away.