GC2300 sounds "off"..any ideas?

[44trxfun]

My tractor has been running great all winter (or the two months we've had of it). Yesterday I noticed it wasn't sounding normal and seemed just a bit underpowered. I was blowing snow (and inadvertantly, ice chunks) since things warmed up here, rained, and then froze up and snowed again.

It starts great. It doesn't cut out, but just doesn't sound like it normally does. There is no clanking, clicking or other odd noises, but the engine doesn't sound as loud as it normally does. The fuel is not gelled, although I did get 5 gals. from a different, but busy truck stop a couple weeks ago--that's the fuel that's in the tractor now. I'm wondering if there's something to that, but I know they sell a lot of fuel.

Today I blew 2-3 ft. drifts with no problem, but it just seemed "off". It's cold here now--we're getting the artic blast out of Canada, but we've had these temps before and I don't remember the tractor doing this.

Any ideas?

 

[JerryG]

If it is just pulling down some and isn't fuel, then there is a chance that is a hydraulic quick coupler. If you have one that isn't connected good, it can bog the engine down some. Once in while, I will knock the power beyond hose lose and my engine will be doggy.

 

[MFRED]

Agreed on the hose being off. Sound like that woulkd be it, however depending on how old your 2300 is that might not be an option as the valve is stationary and doesn't quick disconnect from the tractor. Do all your functions work properly? Did you run over any of these hard drifts? I've seen the suction tube on the left hand side of the hydro unit get pushed up and crush the rubber line a little causing loss of power & a little noise.

 

[44trxfun]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check the hoses. Right now I have the front blower on and it functions normally--hydraulics working OK. I did go through some nasty ice buildup and some old snow that had been packed and refrozen through the winter. If I'm understanding you right, the valve is stationary but I will check all the connections. I checked the garage floor for leaks and didn't see anything but I'll take a closer look.

 

[loulblades]

Are you saying the engine isn't spinning up when not under load or is this when blowing snow?

I also have been blowing some of this icey snow and it can really lug the engine down. I normally blow snow in high range but with the ice mixed in, I have to put it in low. Of course it still works great, just have to go slower.

This has been an pretty decent winter for us owners of 2300 mounted snowblowers. The lights I have mounted high on my ROPS really comes in handy for blowin' snow at night. What fun .

 

[44trxfun]

Are you saying the engine isn't spinning up when not under load or is this when blowing snow? .

It's weird; it sounds like it's not fully functioning at any time (under load or not). At the same time, it's able to blow snow with no problem. I checked for hydraulic problems--bad hoses & connections--couldnl't find anything. Site glass is about 3/4 full--no sign of loss anywhere. I'm stumped.

 

[loulblades]

Did you check the air filter?

 

[JerryG]

I checked for hydraulic problems--bad hoses & connections--couldnl't find anything.

I have had them look and feel like they were connected and still not be seated good. When that would happen, I would have to take them apart and then put them back together. Then they would work. If this is the problem, it will be doggy whether you are working it or not. The engine will even accelerate slow from idle while in neutral. I know I post about the quick connectors a lot. The reason is that it seem to be the number one problem that happen to compact tractors and the most over looked. Even as long as I have had tractors, it is the first thing that I check anytime that my tractor isn't acting right.

 

[44trxfun]

Well, you know I appreciate all the ideas. Crazy as it sounds, it seemed better today. When I shut it down yesterday, it just below a half-tank. So I topped it up with fuel from my usual source. I don't know if I got a weird mix or what, but I think I'm back on the road again. I will definately keep the hydraulic connectors in mind Jerry. The dealer asked about the air filter too Lou. I checked that this morning and it seemed OK. So I guess it might have been the fuel. Thanks for the input guys!

 

[JerryG]

If it was indeed a bad batch of fuel, you might add a little bit for a gray bottle of PowerService. It seems to help when the fuel is below standard and need some help.