1725 died spectacularly tonight.

[Bonkers]

I was in the process of moving one of my project jeeps this evening. I positioned the tractor to start my move, throttled it all the way down and climbed off to start straping. The motor idled for a few minutes, then slowly stalled out like it was out of fuel. I checked the tank and climbed back on - but when i went to crank it over it billowed white smoke and the starter stripped its gearing. I havent had a chance to inspect it yet, but i figured i ask on where/what to look for before i began. I have zero experience with diesels so any advice is appreciated.

 

[JFS2295]

White smoke can be over fueling or coolant. Both can flood a cylinder leading to hydro lock, or close to it, stripping flywheel teeth, bending/breaking a rod or snapping a crank. Doesn't sound like the rod or crank took a hit, unless one is bent.

 

[Bonkers]

Coolant i could see, but would it have stalled out if it flooded? My understanding is that diesels cant be flooded like that?

Im gonna try to pull it onto level ground tonight. New starter inbound. Im guessing i can pull the glow plugs and try to spin the motor? If so, what then?

 

[kirkawilson]

I would probably engage the PTO, put it in 1-1 (lowest gear), and try to turn the engine from the PTO before chancing a new starter. If the engine is locked, you should get it broken loose before trying a new starter. Starting a tractor by spinning the PTO - YouTube

 

[Bonkers]

Okay. I ended up replacing the starter and solenoid twice, but i can no longer start the tractor with the key. I can jump it at the starter, but it just cranks and puffs white smoke at me. I tried for a couple of hours, and it started once (smoke turned black and billowed out of exhaust) and it ran smooth/no smoke for about 60 seconds. Then it slowly began to conk out again. It will not restart, and the 'Start' light on dash no longer lights up.

I figured it might be a fuel issue so i drained out the line at the filter, replaced filter, and added a few gallons of clean diesel. A neighbor farmer (who field repairs much bigger tractors) stopped by and suggested i "clean the sediment valve out and re-prime the system." I dont see a valve on the tank and no access to bleeding -

Any thoughts?