FarmPro 2430

[HankC]

Hi, My FramPro smokes quite a bit when I first start it up. After it warms up a bit (never really warms up with the stock 57deg C thermostat) the smoke subsides somewhat. I have to get it out of the garage real quick or else the smoke will kill you.
I recently put a rain cap on the exhaust pipe and now I notice there is oil (perhaps unburned diesel) condensing on the cap to the point of dripping.
I only have about 20 hrs. on it with no heavy work at all.
The smoke is grey and though it seems to run okay it is but a bit loud.
Is this normal? or should I be looking at the injectors etc.?
I'm a newbie to tractors as well as diesels so any help, advice or comments are really appreciated. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Thanks,
HankC

 

[blisterbug]

I also have a 2430 with about 22 hrs. Mine smokes and is pretty loud running ,sounds like its coming apart. This is my first diesel too, always had gas. Have had a few small problems, but nothing major. When in low the transmition is realy loud. Mine never gets warm ether. Maybe all this is there nature.

 

[HankC]

I'm slowly getting it ready for Spring when it will go out to my daughter's land. As this was a used tractor I want to get everything correct before I get it out there as the place is quite remote.
I've changed all the oil and hydraulic fluid as well as filters and cleaned the hydraulic screen. Couldn't believe what came out of that engine. The Chinese oil (if you could call it that) was like molasses.
Only problem I've had with it was that it died on me twice while doing some light snow plowing. Ended up to be a fuel problem, either gelled up on me or I had water in the line and it froze.

Apart from the smoking and the noise (which may be normal) I'm quite pleased with this toy.
Will also want to put a backhoe on it come Springtime before I go out.

HankC

 

[greg_g]

Let's not assume anything's wrong, till you actually get the engine running at the recommended temp. There's been a rash of Jinma owners lately discovering 57C thermostats, or no thermostat at all. It's supposed to be an 80C. Replace that, get the engine running up to temp, then re-evaluate the smoke/noise/condensation

//greg//

 

[TruChaos]

Greg has a good point, the engine will never run properly if it doesn't warm up.

However, my 2004 had identical problems as yours. 100 F (yes F) thermostat and lots of noise and smoke. The noise got louder and engine ran increasingly rough. I started by replacing the injectors. Finally I cleaned the fuel system and pulled apart the fuel injection pump (took the top off) and cleaned the plungers and poppets. It ran much better afterwards.

If you're getting a knocking noise don't continue to use the tractor or you'll eventually destroy your bearings.

 

[HankC]

Thanks for all your input, really appreciated.
I'm looking to find the right thermostat for this baby and will hang loose until I change it. Just hope they make 80deg C ones.

As far as the noise it's not a distinctive knock like a bearing, maybe I just have to get used to diesels as I guess they are louder then gas engines. It does become quieter when it warms up, if you consider 135deg F warm.
I just got a bit concerned when I saw the oily condensate on the rain cap suggeting that something was perhaps wrong.

Again thanks for all your advice /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

HankC

 

[greg_g]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">(
I just got a bit concerned when I saw the oily condensate on the rain cap )</font>
At the temperature your engine is running, the "rain cap" as you call it is PART of the problem. The "oily condensate" you see is a combination of water (condensation) and soot. Soot is a natural byproduct of diesel ignition, diminishing in direct proportion to rising operating temps. Running too cold permits excess soot to build up in the exhaust. Your oil probably looks like coal tar too. Condensation is a natural byproduct running warm exhaust through cold steel. The rain cap helps keep the rain out - but also keeps the condensation IN.

Condensation plus soot equals "oily condensate".

//greg//

 

[HankC]

Greg,
This I understand. Unfortunatly, and the source of my concern, is that the condensate is a clear yellowish and not sooty at all.
Also, I have probably not run for more then an hour (mostly at idle) since I installed the rain cap.
Any thoughts?

HankC

 

[blisterbug]

Anyone know where I can purchase a 185f thermostat for a 2340, I checked Napa, Auto Zone and one local nobody has any idea. Thanks

 

[ToolManRick]

I installed a rain cap on mine 50 hrs ago. There is a little soot around the hinge, but other than that no difference than the original curved pipe. I think you might be correct if the wieght of the cap where very heavy and actually restricting the flow. My cap is very light and doesn't clap at all. Once the engine is running, 5 seconds on the starter, there is a puff of rich mixture and the cap is wide open, and no more smoke. I store my little beast in the basement, so that may have something to do with the easy starts.