AC 160 lacks power, or something, I think

[mundamanu]

I used my new old tractor (Allis Chalmers 160) this weekend to mow the pastures and the first thing that I noticed is that even with the throttle wide open, the RPMs would barely get above 2000, whereas the PTO-speed is marked at 2200 and the max RPMs are at 2700 (maybe 2500).

Going downhill the RPMs would bump up to PTO speed, but on the flats and uphill grades, the RPMs would drop to around 1800-2000, especially in 3rd gear, but also in 2nd and 1st.

The other thing that I noticed was that going uphill, there would occassionally be a loud quick "pop pop" sound.

I don't know if I have provided enough information, but anybody have any guesses why this might be so?

 

[sweettractors]

Gas or Diesel?--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *New Hay Tedders, Disc Mowers, Sickle Bar Mowers and Hay Rakes*

 

[mundamanu]

Diesel.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Since you asked for guesses and not a diagnosis, here are mine;

1) fuel delivery problem (fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, etc.)

2) restricted/blocked exhaust system (critters nesting, etc.)

Good luck and let us know what you find. Is there a prize if I guessed right??? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[sweettractors]

The first couple things that come to mind is fuel injection timing may be off and or throttle linkage needs to be adjusted for more travel on the injection pump control lever--If some some of these simple adjustments dont help, The alternatives are not good or inexpensive--Ken Sweet


Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *30 Used 2 and 3 Bottom Turning Plows (Ford,Oliver,MF,IH,Deere*

 

[MikePA]

Another possibilty would be (I think) a restricted air filter.

 

[mwood]

All of these are good suggestions.

I think they general theme here is ...

Engines (gas or diesel) need fuel, air and some way to ignite the fuel. They also need a way to get rid of the air and burnt fuel.

Now i know this sounds very simple, but I've solved more engine problems this way /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Start simple and if you run out of ideas, I guess there is always a service shop!

 

[mundamanu]

Thanks for the advice. I will not be back up to the property for a couple of weeks, but I will look into all of the things that you have mentioned. Here's hoping it is something simple. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[wisconsinguy]

I'm not sure what the prize is but my guess is gonna be fuel problem with one cylinder. If it just had a general lack of power it may be starving for air. The popping indicates to me that one cylinder is misfiring, now ya just gotta figure out which one and why. I think a plugged fuel injector would be a prime canidate, could also be a valve or compression problem. I'm not sure if you could run the engine for a bit and feel the injectors to see if one is cooler then the others that would be your bad cylinder. Thats what we do on aircraft engines. Good luck and let us know the fix.

Phil

 

[CMunger]

I think that tractor has a Perkins engine. Is it a 3 or 4 cylinder? If the poping noise is coming out of the exhaust it probably is a burnt or tight valve.
Chuck M.

 

[mundamanu]

It is a Perkins 3-cylinder. The popping noise is coming out of the exhaust.

Is a burnt or tight valve one of those not good or inexpensive things that Ken Sweet mentions above? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[CMunger]

The camshaft lifters are in the cylinder head on a 152. The least expensive thing to do first of all is to remove the valve cover and check the valve to rocker arm gap, adjust the valves, as it would be refured to. The adjustment bolt is in the top of the lifter and is a simple procedure. The gap is .010 cold .012 hot. To be honest with you it my gut feeling you have a broken intake valve spring, or a burnt intake valve, or the valve could have something under it not allowing it to close.
Chuck M.

 

[MMM]

I'd do a cyl power test first. Loosen each inj line and listen for rpm drop or rough running. Cyl that doesn't make a difference is culprit. Notice fue delivery to each inj also. If you find bad cyl, swap inj to different cyl and see if problem moves. Look for wet tip on inj, dribbling can cause pop aslo. Not sure about your engine, but might want to drain water when you pull inj as sleeves will sometimes come out with inj and flood cyl.......water in oil etc.