1300D. She will not idle under 1200 rpm

jimmypick · Jun 4, 2017

This is my first tractor, so I am new to this. The folks at Hoye told me I should shim up the throttle mechanism (on my 1300D) at the front right side of the engine to get the idle speed down. Does sound right to you guys?

normde2001 · Jun 4, 2017

Not unless the folks at Hoye know why it won't idle under 1200 rpm. What does it do instead and why won't it idle under 1200?

jimmypick · Jun 4, 2017

Well, it takes a little starting fluid when the engine is cold (even in summer), but other than that it runs well. It just will not idle down to a reasonable speed (what, 6, 700 rpm?). It will die every time, (at about 1200 rpm) but will start easily. Just makes me nervous to have it running that fast if I am off of it for a short while. It was suggested to me that I should put some dimes under the corners of the fuel mechanism. The tractor is not at my home, so I have to wait till fall when I travel back to it. Is this the proper way to adjust the idle? Thanks

thepumpguysc · Jun 4, 2017

Isnt there stop screws for hi & low idle?? NEVER seen an engine w/o them.. Just follow the throttle linkage down to the fuel system..
Other than "fly by wire" engines..

clemsonfor · Jun 4, 2017

I don't think the screw adjustment would have anything to do with it. He can get it down to 700rpm but it dies. This is a timing issue is why they want you to shim the pump.

Or could be bad compression but I think it's timing.

1300 while off the tractor is not a problem that's a fast idle but you should be abe to get down to like 850 or so which is idle.

thepumpguysc · Jun 5, 2017

BEFORE we can start saying "what it is" & what it isn't.. Lets figure out what injection pump is on the machine..
IF its a PFR type, the kind that sits IN THE BLOCK and is bolted down.. the timing doesn't JUST CHANGE.. its BOLTED to the engine block w/ steel shims under the pump..
Now on the other hand, if he has an MP style pump, which has a distributer head & an inline cam shaft w/ a governor attached to the other side.. that's a different story.. the front hub might have slipped, changing the timing..
Its MY GUESS is its a PFR & the rack is bound up.. thats why its hard to start & wont idle.. but like I said.. gotta know what pump..

winston1 · Jun 5, 2017

Starting fluid is a bad thing for these little engines. Many a piston land has been broken. If you are having to use it then you have problems. Low compression is likely one. Much blow by out the crankcase vent?

Neat 1500 · Jun 5, 2017

And it's only going to get worse alot quicker using starting fluid on it.

HoyeTractor · Jun 5, 2017

I agree with thepumpguy. No reason that your timing would have changed and no reason to change it unless you have replaced the pump. It is the PFR pump. I can't imagine anyone here recommending that you adjust the timing (especially add dimes under the pump?) unless there is more to the story. Did you buy the tractor this way or when did it start doing this? A sticky rack will do what you describe but usually it will not run at a steady RPM if the rack is sticky unless maybe it is just sticky at the low speed end? None of this is going to matter though if you keep using starting fluid

jimmypick · Jun 5, 2017

It is nice that Aron of Hoye tractors has joined the conversation as well as you other interested members. I purchased this from a Deere dealership here in Salt Lake. They must have really seen me coming. It would not start when sitting out on the line, so they took it to the shop for a look-see. When I returned the next day they said it had just lost its prime. Well, it will absolutely not start without a good shot of start fluid. I have to be careful while using it that it so that it will not over heat. I put a new water temp gage on it, had the radiator cleaned and use almost pure water; just a little anti-freeze. Have purchased the owners manual as well as parts, and service books. I have tried to educate myself. The striped front wheel drive gears that I have replaced (thanks Hoye) is a whole other story. These thing and the fact that this tractor is a dinosaur and very difficult to use, not to mention, getting off and on (for a 75yr old) has put me at my limits. Has been a bad experience for my first tractor. It does not seem that it puts out much smoke.
Thanks guys. I will just have to live with it. Hope it will out last me.