fuel/power issue

[chiz]

century 3035 fuel issue

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I have a Century 3035 with only 145 hrs. Recently, after an hour of using a bushhog, the engine gradully lost power and shut down. I tried to restart and had to 'feather' the accelerator to even get it to run back to the barn. It finally died and wouldn't restart.
4 hours later it started and ran w/o problem. The next day I started it and ran it for about an hour and the whole process repeated. I've changed the fuel filter,(there's only one on this tractor) checked for any obstructions in the fuel lines and tanks. I disconnected the fuel pump (discharge side) and it showed good pressure.
Now it's a week later and I have run the tractor a half dozen times with the same result. 1/2 hr. of running perfectly then nothing. It seems to gradully loose power. I added some fuel additive to get rid of any water that might be causing the problem. I called a mechanic and he suggested I check the elec. fuel solenoid. It appears to be working ok.
Today I installed a pressure gage inline with the discharge of the fuel pump and it was approx. 3-5 lbs when the engine was running properly. After 1/2 hr of running the bushhog it again bogged down and died. Not much change in the pressure reading..still about 3-5 lbs.
any ideas???

Chiz

 

[Lunk]

Air Filter plugged???

 

[devlin57]

I was thinking you were building up a suction on you tank. You are still showing pressure after the failure so probably not. But you could try opening and closing the filler cap after the failure and see if that fixes it.
Bill

 

[YanmarFever]

I would think that you have some dirt in your electric fuel pump.
I replaced one already with the same problem.

 

[firemen122]

I would replace fuel pump. I replaced mine and installed filter before pump, it is the see thru in line. You would be amazed what trash is caught in it. Advance auto carries a fuel pump in the hot rod section just for diesels it is green in color and half the cost of branson pump. Also check your main filter for air entering the system if air is in the filter housing will cause loss of power, one of my lines had loose clamp. Also if your air filter is dirty it will cause substantial power loss.. Good luck

 

[Zork]

Yeah, the fuel pumps do not seem to tolerate debris very much. If the pump can be disassembled, take it apart and clean it, then put an in line filter just before it. Let us know.

 

[chiz]

Thanks for all the ideas but I've tried all of them. Fuel filter change, fuel line replacement, fuel pump replacement. I finally trailered the tractor over to a mechanic and it has even stumped him. He's had it a week.
any more suggestions are appreciated.
thanks,
Chiz

century 3035 fuel issue

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have a Century 3035 with only 145 hrs. Recently, after an hour of using a bushhog, the engine gradully lost power and shut down. I tried to restart and had to 'feather' the accelerator to even get it to run back to the barn. It finally died and wouldn't restart.
4 hours later it started and ran w/o problem. The next day I started it and ran it for about an hour and the whole process repeated. I've changed the fuel filter,(there's only one on this tractor) checked for any obstructions in the fuel lines and tanks. I disconnected the fuel pump (discharge side) and it showed good pressure.
Now it's a week later and I have run the tractor a half dozen times with the same result. 1/2 hr. of running perfectly then nothing. It seems to gradully loose power. I added some fuel additive to get rid of any water that might be causing the problem. I called a mechanic and he suggested I check the elec. fuel solenoid. It appears to be working ok.
Today I installed a pressure gage inline with the discharge of the fuel pump and it was approx. 3-5 lbs when the engine was running properly. After 1/2 hr of running the bushhog it again bogged down and died. Not much change in the pressure reading..still about 3-5 lbs.
any ideas???

Chiz

 

[SnowRidge]

Assuming it isn't overheating, it sounds like a restricted fuel supply. Have you checked the fuel line going to the injection pump for crud, possibly from the line itself deteriorating?

Some injection pumps have an inlet screen, which can clog. I don't know if such a screen exists on your machine, but it would be something to check.

 

[devlin57]

I didn't see you if you tried opening the gas cap after a failure to see if it built up a suction. It sounds like it... runs for a while then slowly loses power and after 4 hours runs no problem. After sitting the suction could slowly be correcting itself. Not sure how these tanks are vented. We recently had this same problem on an ATV. Every 20 minutes it would quit and we would have to open the gas cap to relieve the pressure and it would run great for another 20 minutes.
Bill

 

[chiz]

Just a quick update on the Century fuel issue.
We have changed everything on the fuel system except the injector pumps, i.e. all fuel lines, fuel pump, fuel filter and sediment bulb. I cleaned the bleed off valve internal parts and finally trailered the tractor and left it a a diesel mechanic for about three weeks. He worked with it almost everynight and still couldn't find the problem. Now it works perfectly ! The only difference is the outside temp. It's now fairly cold. I'll be back with any updates.
thanks for all your suggestions.
Chiz