Oil & Fuel Branson 3510i High Altitude Adjustment

reguy · Apr 16, 2019

I own a Branson 3510i. Bought it new. While doing the transaction the dealer and I were talking about various thing and when I mentioned I lived at 9000 Ft., he said that he would install/adjust/modify don't remember his exact words, the tractor so that it would run better at my elevation. From the day I received delivery the tractor has smoked while under heavy load, and while starting. Not being diesel savvy I was not sure what was "normal" for a diesel, but as time goes on I think it is smoking too much. The smoking at startup is heavy as I would expect because the engine is not up to temperature. But the smoking under load, upon reflection is likely too much. I realize this is subjective, but I know another man who lives at the same elevation, owning the same make and model and a year older and his tractor shows almost no smoked up loader frame like on mine. I forgot to say that the loader frame which is downstream of the exhaust pipe is where the smoke has really done it's deed. I will enclose a photo of the frame. I would appreciate any Branson dealer or anyone who has direct knowledge of how Branson adjust these engines giving me their 2-cents worth. Is there adjustments one can make on the injectors?

Well... can't seem to retrieve the photo at the moment but will keep trying.
In the meantime, thanks in advance.
John

ruffdog · Apr 16, 2019

A gas engine depends on a precise air/fuel ratio but a diesel has a open intake and regulates rpm by fuel delivery. The problem non-boosted diesels have at high altitude is the atmospheric pressure is lower, which affects engine compression. Lower compression means the fuel may not burn completely and will show more smoke. A gas engine's fuel should be adjusted a bit leaner because there is less air. A diesel will automatically burn what you provide it with the throttle position. If I was at 9000+ft, I would have a turbo to help adjust to the lower air pressure.

LouNY · Apr 16, 2019

Your dealer should be able to cut back on the fuel easily, you will also lose a bit of HP.
But the smoking should be reduced as well as the fuel consumption.

ruffdog · Apr 16, 2019

I know the earlier GM diesel trucks had specific adjustments to the fuel pump for high altitude use. You would pull the injector pump and send it in to re-calibrated, then, reinstall. It would smoke less but like Lou said, would be down on power.

reguy · Apr 16, 2019

Thanks for the replys. Branson dealers are becoming scarce in this part of the world. Closest is about 70 miles away. I would think that reducing fuel would make sense. As to reduced power I would not think it would be that different than now. After all the engine is not tuned properly, and wasting fuel. I will look into what it takes to get the fuel pump set correctly. Thanks again. I thought it wasn't right.
John

LouNY · Apr 17, 2019

Any good tractor shop should be able to help you.
Many of them have a pto dynometer with that connected and loading your tractor they should be able to adjust your pump on site.
Looking at the parts lookups the same pump is used on many models it should be just set different;

HRD130010DA1 [PUMPFUELINJECTION] is used in Branson Models: 2910, 2910I, 3510 AC37110, 3510H, 3510I AC34510, 3520R, 3520H, 20C

Slowpoke Slim · Apr 17, 2019

Either a local tractor shop, or a diesel repair shop should be able to fix you up. Your Branson has fairly common diesel parts, as far as fuel pump and injectors go. Any shop that services Cummins or Onan diesels should be able to retune your tractor fairly easily.