Oil & Fuel 2445's Deutz Diesel won't start

wasabi · Sep 29, 2005

2445\'s Deutz Diesel won\'t start

I made the mistake of letting a contractor use our 2445 while I wasn't there on the assumption his extensive equipment experience was transferrable. He left me a note saying the tractor just stopped and then acted like it was out of fuel and now won't start. He also gave me a significant bill for moving some materials by hand /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

First assumption was he probably ran it dry, so I bled the injectors to make sure any air was out...no luck. Then, as the flow seemed slow, I thought perhaps it was impaired by junk in the small screen at the bottom of the tank, so I first blew back and heard plenty of bubbles, then popped the top off the tank and reached elbo deep just to make sure a leaf or something wasn't blocking outlet. Unhooking the feed tube and dropping it low results in a slow siphon...there is flow, but not a lot, but then again it is a small tube. 1/8?

Next I popped the basket strainer off to see if it was clogged...not much. Then, after refitting that, I took the filter off and cranked it to see if the pump was delivering...again not a robust amount, but there is fuel flow.

I now suspect I may have an electrical problem. I'm half inclined to take up a new ignition switch and solenoid to refit. I've got limited time and stuff to do....any ideas?

Sabi

Charlie_Iliff · Sep 29, 2005

Re: 2445\'s Deutz Diesel won\'t start

Sorry to hear of your problem, and that you've killed some time trouble shooting without success. I proved to myself a while back that the injectors on the Deutz don't need to be bled after running dry. (Air from a filter change, not running out). First diesel I've had that self primes.
I would suspect, as you do, an electric problem. Does it have a seat switch?
I have had a number of the connectors in my wiring go bad. I'd bet on that before a switch or solenoid failure. 1/4" spade connectors here and there have had to be replaced, particularly where exposed to heat and/or water. That's most everywhere if you wash it.
Good luck.

Spiffy · Sep 29, 2005

Re: 2445\'s Deutz Diesel won\'t start

I'm thinking about a new ignition switch regardless. Even if not causing me troubles, if the electronics inside mine are as hokey as the mechanical part of it [the key & "lock"], I want to upgrade.

Doubt it helps your problem, but I've noticed mine hesitant to stop [perhaps a 10 count at most] occasionally, and really puzzling: occasionaly not turn over despite a charged battery [I think the previous owner was having trouble but blamed the battery; he had the battery checked and the cable lugs coated]; a minute later it's fine. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

wasabi · Sep 29, 2005

Re: 2445\'s Deutz Diesel won\'t start

Charlie and Spiffy,

Thanks for the insights. I had a brief chat with Terry at PT who agreed it may be the ignition switch. If not that, we fear it may be the "engine shutdown switch" located behind the idler pully.

Since I won't be near the tractor until this weekend to check voltage on pin #7 to isolate the problem, I elected to go ahead and order anew ignition switch. I'd order the engine shutdown switch, but at $336, I'll not do it on a whim /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Best,

Sabi

Spiffy · Sep 29, 2005

Re: 2445\'s Deutz Diesel won\'t start

Does PT have better switches, or are you looking at NAPA or something?

I'm thinking the latter, just so I can see & feel it before deciding.

Bob999 · Sep 29, 2005

Re: 2445\'s Deutz Diesel won\'t start

I'd order the engine shutdown switch, but at $336, I'll not do it on a whim 

My understanding is that the "engine shutdown switch" is an electrically actuated fuel valve--shut off the engine with the ignition switch and the fuel valve is supposed to close. Is it possible to check for fuel flow after the shut down switch?

Sedgewood · Sep 29, 2005

Re: 2445\'s Deutz Diesel won\'t start

 I'd order the engine shutdown switch, but at $336, I'll not do it on a whim 

In my case, with similar symptoms, I regret to say it was indeed the $336 engine shutdown switch which failed. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Sedgewood

wasabi · Sep 29, 2005

Re: 2445\'s Deutz Diesel won\'t start

I'm somewhat to resigned to accept that it may well be that switch. When I looked at the tractor after the "scenario", the key was still on.

In fairness, I fault to the forgiving side as the ignition system was jerry-rigged when I acquired her....a key for "hot" and a push button for start...clearly a retrofit.

I should know by Saturday evening.

Sabi

Charlie_Iliff · Sep 29, 2005

Re: 2445\'s Deutz Diesel won\'t start

 ....a key for "hot" and a push button for start...clearly a retrofit. 
Only thing better would be a heavy-duty toggle switch instead of the key. I once had an airplane with two toggle mag switches, a master switch and a cable that pulled in the starter: no key except the doors. It was nearly foolproof -- and thieves didn't want Cessna 140s.

wasabi · Sep 29, 2005

Re: 2445\'s Deutz Diesel won\'t start

I always thought toggles were cool. I remember nearly drooling when I saw my first Jag XKE. All those toggles... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I wonder if the key left on fried the engine shutoff switch?