Early 1970s JD 2030 Diesel will crank but not start

[JorgePR]

Hello all;

I have a 1970s JD 2030 diesel use on a 10AC Pecan Orchard (Just south of San Antonio, TX). It has been starting without problems once weekly but the other day we had weather low about 35 for a couple of hours and now it will not start; cranks but no start. Fuel tank was full had treated with stabill. And since poured Octane 911 according to instructions, still will not start. Not sure what else to do before calling in a mechanic.

Any ideas that could help, Thanks

Happy New Year.

 

[jthibodeau89]

You may eant to chsnge fuel filter. Fuel could have waxed/gelled since i doubt the fuel on SanAntonio is blended for winter.

 

[Tx Jim]

I live 30 miles South of Ft Worth & I'll bet gelling diesel is the least of your worries because #2 diesel starts having gelling problems just below 20°F & it's currently 60°F outside as I reply & Google shows 66°F in San Antonio.

Which inj pump does your 2030 have(Roosa-master or Roto-diesel)?

My 1st guess is check valve is clogged that fuel return line attaches on inj pump BUT does your tractors ign switch control fuel to injectors. If so does wire at IP have 12 volts when ign switch is turned to "run position". If there's 12 volts when switch is set at run position is a "click" heard when activating key switch? Inj pump has a strainer in plate that fuel supply line attaches to on IP accessed by removing fitting that line fuel supply attaches to.

 

[RalphVa]

I'd suspect a couple glow plugs are not working.

Ralph

 

[Tx Jim]

I'd suspect a couple glow plugs are not working.

Ralph

Ralph
You are correct because JD 2030 did not have any glow plugs when it rolled off the assembly line.
Jim

 

[savageactor7]

Take the filter out and crank it about 30 sec or longer; observe any change in fuel color/density; after you're sure the fuel is good reconnect with new filter and start. I've used starting fluid on diesels...just don't use/engage the glow plugs.

You most likely have to replace all the fuel if it wasn't treated.

 

[Tinhack]

Does this pecan orchard happen to be near Luckey Rd in Atascosa county?

When you try to start it, does white smoke come billowing out of the exhaust pipe? Not just little puffs. It should be a lot.

 

[Tx Jim]

IMHO utilizing starting fluid should be a very last resort to get this engine started. Spraying too much starting fluid into intake can beak top piston rings/lands. If there is good fuel flow to injection pump & fuel control on IP is in the correct position engine should start.

 

[JorgePR]

Hello all;
I been in the hospital for a while sorry for the delay, I am hopefully back for a good while. Thanks for the input.
I am on Medina Co. side on Canal Rd.
No smoke out the exhaust pipe, I checked the air filter was dirty blew it out with some compress air, checked the fuel filter it looks clean/clear. Oh I have the Roosa-master inj pump; Today I cranked it again still will not start - took a small video but don't know how to upload is in mp4 format.

 

[Tx Jim]

Has screen(key 10) been checked to be sure it's not clogged? Can you hear fuel control solenoid on IP make a click sound when ign switch is turned to ""on position""?

Try starting engine with the 2 timing window screws loose on IP allowing fuel to drip. Performing this task relieves a possible excessive internal IP pressure created by a clogged fuel return check valve or line