CK 20 Operation Question ?

Darrel · Jul 16, 2011

I have a CK20 Hydro Diesel that has 110hrs on it. I bought it new. The other day I was mowing my yard with the 60" finish mower. I run the tractor about 2500 rpm and it just started to loose power . It went down to less than 500 rpm and then after about 15 to 20 seconds would go back to 2500 rpm. I would mow about 4 to 5 minutes and it would do the same thing again. I add the additive for Diesel engines every time I add fuel. Before I was finished mowing the tractor finally died but started right back up. I just had the filters and all fluids changed a few hours ago. I called the dealer and talked to a repairman he just said it could be several things...Otherwords $$$$$ . Anyone have any ideas or have had this problem. Thanks

bearhawk · Jul 16, 2011

Check the simple things first..

Make sure the air filter is clean and installed properly..

Change the fuel filter.. Again if it was done..

Drain and put new fuel in it from a different supplier.

If it still has a problem then you will give the dealer a head start in the troubleshooting..

VictorW · Jul 16, 2011

You do seem to have a fuel or air problem if the engine just decides to go from 2500 to 500rpm and then back up. I'd start with the fuel first. You mentioned 110 hours but how long have you had it? The dealer may not have changed the fuel or air filter, normally not really needed with 110 hours, and just did the engine and hydro filters. The air filter can be cleaned some if not very plugged with dirt but for the price of a fuel filter, I'd just change it.

Dmace · Jul 16, 2011

Certainly sounds like a fuel issue, I would start with checking the fuel filter bowl for clarity. You should see the filter clearly and if it's "foggy" at all, then you have dirty fuel. The additive should take care of this but some don't work as well as others.

Is the engine temp staying normal when you lose power? When you let off the HST pedal, does the engine still drop rpms?
Push in the clutch when it drops rpms to see if the mower is putting too much strain on the engine. You will hear a loud clicking noise but that is just the overrun clutch that slows the PTO implement when the clutch is depressed.

Darrel · Jul 17, 2011

Dmace said:
Certainly sounds like a fuel issue, I would start with checking the fuel filter bowl for clarity. You should see the filter clearly and if it's "foggy" at all, then you have dirty fuel. The additive should take care of this but some don't work as well as others.

Is the engine temp staying normal when you lose power? When you let off the HST pedal, does the engine still drop rpms?
Push in the clutch when it drops rpms to see if the mower is putting too much strain on the engine. You will hear a loud clicking noise but that is just the overrun clutch that slows the PTO implement when the clutch is depressed.

It is not the mower pulling it down I have clutched it and it still goes down to 500 or less rpms. And all the filters and fluids were changed when I had the breakin period did. It was down to less than a 1/4 tank when I started to mow and yes it had been a few weeks since I had run it last. I will check the bowl to see if it is clear. Guess I will just drain the tank and put in new fuel. Thanks

Dmace · Jul 17, 2011

If you were below 1/4 tank of diesel and mowing on uneven ground (hills or slight inclines) then you could have possibly sucked up a little air causing a momentary loss of power.

laurencen · Jul 22, 2011

had a similar issue on a Cat 420, fuel filter was not full when installed, just took off the filter and filled it with fuel and worked fine, it sometimes does not pull the air out

Gittyup · Jul 22, 2011

Also, try loosening or removing fuel cap. Sometimes, if the vent is clogged a vacuum will occur in the tank where you can't get fuel consistently.

wallace · Jul 22, 2011

Sounds to me like its going to be the fuel filter. I would check to make sure the o-ring was put back in correctly. Also if the changed the fuel filter and they didn't pay attention to the o-ring inside of the filter it self, you could have 2 o-rings and that won't seat properly.

If you look inside of a new fuel filter you will see a 0-ring. when removing the old filter sometimes the oring will pull out of the filter and you won't even realize it.
Also when tighten the nut up be carefull that the o-ring does not stretch out.