Crank no start - 2002 Branson 3520

[danpalka243]

Hi, I have a crank no start issue with my tractor. I’ve had issues with air in the system before when I’ve let it get too low on fuel. This time, full tank, went to start tractor and it only cranks. I replaced the fuel pump for good measure as it was older.

Before I replaced it, I had my dad crank while I bled at the injectors (nothing at either of the three). We have fuel from the tank, pump, filter, and to the injector pump. Not sure why it’s not making its way all the way up. Going to try and crank with the new pump today and see if there’s fuel at the injectors after bleeding. Any help is appreciated!

 

[Zork]

Hi, I have a crank no start issue with my tractor. I’ve had issues with air in the system before when I’ve let it get too low on fuel. This time, full tank, went to start tractor and it only cranks. I replaced the fuel pump for good measure as it was older.

Before I replaced it, I had my dad crank while I bled at the injectors (nothing at either of the three). We have fuel from the tank, pump, filter, and to the injector pump. Not sure why it’s not making its way all the way up. Going to try and crank with the new pump today and see if there’s fuel at the injectors after bleeding. Any help is appreciated!

There is a banjo bolt on the fuel line at the IP and I have used this to bleed air. Listen to the sound of your fuel pump, is it slow/fast and does it sound light and raspy or heavy and solid? My pump runs real fast and sounds light and raspy when I initially turn the key on, then in a second or two it slows a bit and sounds heavy and solid-as it fills with fuel and satisfies. The stock pump on my 2004 has very tight tolerances and the slightest debris slows or stops it, causing a stall/no start- When I changed my pump, I put a clear auto filter before mine to prevent that from happening again. You may not have enough volume of fuel. If I remember correctly, there is also a return line at the last injector. Once you bleed the banjo bolt you should get fuel up to the injectors, but you might have to loosen a bit and move the injector pipe just enough so the air comes out.

 

[danpalka243]

Thank you for the reply. The new pump sounds good and solid after a few seconds. I did have my wife crank the tractor while I bled at the injector pump. And it started right away thankfully. The info you shared is helpful for me in the future should I have repeat issues. Thanks!

 

[Zork]

I forgot, my '04 has a fuel cut off solenoid that sounds like a sharp clunk noise when I turn the key on. If that is not moving the IP lever to open/run/on position, you won't get any fuel to the injectors. Yours probably has one also. I hope this helps, keep us posted.

 

[bernardcuziillo]

Glad you got it running. My suggestion would have been to bleed at full throttle with the injector lines disconnected. They don't say that in the manuals.

 

[Rtintwo]

Is this a repeat problem?

 

[danpalka243]

It’s a repeat problem for me. I just started it no problem this morning, then went to start it 15 minutes later and nothing. I’ll try opening up the injectors and bleed at full throttle. The solenoid you guys talked about is that right by the Injector pump? Pretty big looking?

 

[danpalka243]

Glad you got it running. My suggestion would have been to bleed at full throttle with the injector lines disconnected. They don't say that in the manuals.

Do you disconnect at the injectors or at the pump?

 

[LouNY]

I don't believe that you have a bleeding problem. To start good one time then not start just a little bit later sounds more like the fuel shutoff not working or a different fuel issue.

 

[bernardcuziillo]

I wouldn't rule out air entrainment. Mine got worse; everyday I have to bleed it to start. And from the manual linked below, "The most usual place for air to enter the fuel system is between the inlet of the lift pump and the suction tube in
the tank." Fuel shut off can be an external lever, solenoid actuated. Or it can be an internal solenoid with no external moving parts. Still others can be just a reverse throw of the throttle. Check the service manual for your tractor.

10-20 Series service manual.pdf

drive.google.com