4300 suddenly won't climb

pat32rf · Apr 9, 2007

Went out back today to check the pond and generally look around. Snow is almost gone but it is still just below freezing. Tried to take the other way home but when I got almost to the top of a rather steep hill I lost traction then while trying to find a better path up the hill "John" started to loose power. Seemed like it was running out of fuel. Quickly backed down and headed home the normal route. This time I had to climb a longer, less steep hill. Sure enough, when I had almost reached the top the same thing happened but I made it over the hump and down to the fuel tank, where I filled up. I then tried another trail right by my shed and the same thing happened. About 100yds up I started to loose power. This time I could turn around so I tried backing up the rest of the way. No problem.
Whatever it is, it only happens with the nose up and seems like fuel but it happens with the tank 1/4full and completely full.
I have a 100gallon tank which was filled around Christmas and JD conditionner added. (this is the first winter away from those plastic 5gallon cans)
I am due for a spring oil and filter change as soon as it gets a little warmer but I don't know where to begin to look for this climbing problem. Could there be ice somewhere? I've had no problem at -30 all winter but I don't climb those hills with snow on them. Any suggestions welcome....

paulss · Apr 9, 2007

You might check the fuel filter bowl for water & make sure your air filter is not dirty. I had the same problem when the engine was under load pulling a shredder, I replaced the air filter (it was pretty dirty) and saw the ring in the fuel filter bowl was floating (indicating water in fuel). After replacing the fuel filter and air filter, it ran like new.

jd110 · Apr 9, 2007

Different things come to mind. First, when you lost power going forward, did the engine actually lug down or did you just lose ground speed? If you are only losing ground speed, you could have a relief valve for forward drive getting weak. If the engine lugged down, did you try backing off of the hydro pedal a little to see if the engine regained speed? In reverse, you don't have as much speed which would lessen the load on the engine. If you have a definite engine power loss when traveling forward uphill, then maybe you have some obstruction in the fuel tank that is floating around and blocks the fuel flow when going uphill.

Birdhunter1 · Apr 9, 2007

Did the shipment of fuel you got around Christmas hae any biodeisel blended into the fuel? Reason I ask is I have known alot of people who are having that exact problem and their fuel that was delivered had a bio deisel blend and it is clogging up filters left and right.

RoyJackson · Apr 9, 2007

"Reason I ask is I have known alot of people who are having that exact problem and their fuel that was delivered had a bio deisel blend and it is clogging up filters left and right."

I recently did some research on biodiesel (due to the lessened lubricity of low sulfur road diesel...posts concerning this are on TBN).
One thing I did note was biodiesel at certain blends can cause filters and injectors to clog:

Myth: Biodiesel causes filters to plug.
Fact: Biodiesel can be operated in any diesel engine with little or no modification to the engine or the fuel system. Pure biodiesel (B100) has a solvent effect, which may release deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from previous diesel fuel use.
With high blends of biodiesel, the release of deposits may clog filters initially and precautions should be taken to replace fuel filters until the petroleum build-up is eliminated. This issue is less prevalent with B20 blends, and there is no evidence that lower-blend levels such as B2 have caused filters to plug.

The above is from this FAQ. This site has a wealth of information for those of you who are considering the use of biodiesel.

That may, or may not be the problem since Pat never stated he was using biodiesel.

So, I would replace the fuel filters now. I suggest Pat syphon the fuel currently in the tank. Then I suggest buying a few gallons of diesel and trying that.

Let us know how this works for you, Pat...

RollingsFarms · Apr 9, 2007

"So, I would replace the fuel filters now. I suggest Pat syphon the fuel currently in the tank. Then I suggest buying a few gallons of diesel and trying that."

I was thinking the same thing Roy.

pat32rf · Apr 11, 2007

Up here if you have your furnace oil tank indoors you get one type of fuel oil. If it is outside you get another type which is also sold as "dyed-diesel", which is what everyone burns in off-road vehicles, skidders,tractors etc. This is what I use. Apparently it has a higher sulphur content than the new on road stuff but this might change as stocks depleat.
I dug out a new fuel filter and started to change it. First problem-the shut-off valve at the filter was stuck and I didn't want to force it so it was vice-grips on the hose time. I tried to open the fuel tank drain but it was also stuck(the handle broke loose). I did manage to remove the separator bowl and didn't find any water but a tiny bit of sediment in the bottom and a jet black filter element. Replaced the filter and started the tractor with the filter bowl only 1/2 full of fuel. Fired right up, then died. About twenty times(I thought these were self-priming). Battery died. Got booster battery from basement and hooked it up. This time it took right off and kept running. Replaced side panels and put tools away then went for ride. Problem solved!!!!
More snow coming tonight but maybe next week things will get warm enough to do the rest of the spring oil changes and put on the skidding winch for fire-wood.(and free up those stuck valves)