HST or engine issue

[Mtsoxfan]

So I have my new tractor, but keeping the TC29D for other tasks. 1800 hours, I've been noticing a slow, steady decline in power from one or the other. Is there a way to determine, without special tools, which direction I need to start looking? I'd have to borrow tools like compression tester, as mine is made for gas engine. I do not have a fluid pressure tester either. For over a year, I've had no luck finding anyone willing to work on it without leaving for 6+ months. Really rural area.
Since acquiring used, I've changed the HST and hydraulic filters with OEM every 200 hours, and recently did a hydraulic fluid change. It may or may not have started after changing fluid. It is not OEM fluid, but met requirements. I use Power Service silver, injector cleaner and cetane boost on every tank. Hydraulic fluid full with no bubbles.
Going up my road with hills, I've always had no issue with running mid range. Now, I have to feather pedal, and eventually shift to low range.

Just looking for advise on a starting point. Thanks.

 

[ptsg]

Can you tell if the engine is bogging down when it starts losing power?

There is still a dry clutch between the engine and the transmission, used mainly to engage the PTO. Could be the culprit as well, so something to keep in mind.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

Can you tell if the engine is bogging down when it starts losing power?

There is still a dry clutch between the engine and the transmission, used mainly to engage the PTO. Could be the culprit as well, so something to keep in mind.

it does feel like it bogging down, or struggling..

 

[oldnslo]

If engine is losing RPM then HST is still doing its job. If tractor slows down but engine does not loose RPMs then it is clutch or HST or less common but happens a wheel is spinning inside the tire. This is normally noticed more at lower speeds and higher torque requirements

 

[Mtsoxfan]

If engine is losing RPM then HST is still doing its job. If tractor slows down but engine does not loose RPMs then it is clutch or HST or less common but happens a wheel is spinning inside the tire. This is normally noticed more at lower speeds and higher torque requirements

Thanks. It's bogging down. Loses RPM. And I did replace the fuel filter as well. I thought I bled air out, but after running a minute, it died. I bled system and it started up.

 

[ptsg]

What's the condition of the air filter as well? Might be worth taking a look.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

I took it out, it was lightly sooty. I blew it off with compressed air, and I could see light through it, but not like new. It might be time, I'll give it a shot.

 

[ericm979]

Does it have a lift pump? That may be getting weak. Though they usually fail entirely.

The shop manual may have a spec for fuel flow into the injection pump. If yours is below spec then that would narrow down the search space.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

Thanks. I checked the air filter with a vacuum cleaner, and it is not plugged, no change in vacuum when I applied. I'll see if fuel spec available.
I will continue reading through repair manual and see what else I can learn. Good thing its rain for a couple of days. Gives me some good dry project...

 

[IndyIan]

Check the governor? Probably mechanical I assume, It may not be reacted enough to decreasing rpms?