Hydraulic filter change, then engine issues. Coincident?

[dcdtn]

Well I thought I had all issues worked out with my 2016 PT425 and was getting ready for an updated post to sing its praises. But...

Presently I'm in the middle of large trenching project for electrical conduit at newly purchased home. Ive opened up about 200 feet of trench in my yard and noticed the hour meter at 55 hours and decided to take a break and change the hydraulic filter.

Everything seemed to go ok with the filter change. If I messed up anywhere, it was not disconnecting the fuel shutoff solenoid during the bleeding process - wasn't sure if this was required and didn't want to mess up the waterproofing of the connection. I did disconnect the spark plug wires (by hand).

Then I lubed grease fittings and started machine so I could lubricate the various moving parts.

It ran great for about 10 minutes and then it started making funny noise - like vacuum sound and tapping noise and emitting some black smoke and then dies.

It won't start again until i let it sit for a while and remove air filter. Then it starts but doesn't sound exactly right and has very little power. It also restarts now with air filter, but still runs poorly.

I'm not a mechanic, but suspect it may be an electrical issue since when I pull the right plug wire it dies but there is no noticeable difference when I pull the left plug wire. Swapping plugs makes no difference.

When swapping plugs I may have damaged the rubber boot on left side by using channel locks... it was too near exhaust to use bare hands. I noticed damage (cracks all the way through) but don't know if it was preexisting?

Other thing I'm not sure if it is just electrical, if that could explain the mechanical noises and black smoke i noticed earlier.?

Anyway, would sure appreciate some advice/help from the PT gurus here. I just wish I wasn't in the middle of a big project!

Thanks

 

[BobRip]

If disconnecting a spark plug wire does not change how the engine runs then you may have a problem in the spark plug wiring, connector or coil. Get a spark tester from your auto parts store. You could also connect a spark plug that is not installed in the engine, connect the threads of the plug to the engine and see if you get a spark when cranking the engine. This is a pretty new engine so the coil and wire are probably alright. However weird things could happen.

 

[BobRip]

Look at this link http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/power-trac/378278-pt-422-hard-start.html to see my problem. The coil in question was 17 years old. I will bring it to the top.

 

[BobRip]

Removing a spark plug wire can damage the wire or connector so it is possible your hydraulic work caused the problem.

 

[MossRoad]

As mentioned, if its running badly and pulling the left plug wire changes nothing, while pulling the right plug wire makes it die,,,, concentrate on the left plug wire. That's the "most likely" with highest percentage of being the issue so far.

 

[dcdtn]

Good points. I think I will focus on the spark plug wires/connectors. I already know it needs new boot since it is cracked (don’t know if I did it or pre-existing). I’ll try calling my local Robin dealer tomorrow to see if they can work it in quickly. Unfortunately they mainly sell JCB heavy construction equipment and I’m sure I’ll be low priority.

 

[dcdtn]

Well so much for taking to the local Subaru Robin dealer, at least under warranty. Guess my 5 year engine warranty is about worthless now... There used to be 3 or 4 authorized Robin service centers nearby just a few months ago but now closest is several hours away... they are dropping like flies!

 

[MossRoad]

What town are you near?
Do you have just about any small engine/lawn mower repair shop locally that you trust?
Can you take the spark plug wire off yourself? If so, take it to a NAPA store and see if they can make you one of similar size and lenght. The hard part for you may be getting to the end of the wire that connects to the coil.

 

[MossRoad]

There's also a bunch of on-line resources for parts.

 

[MossRoad]

What model is your engine? EH72? Is it carbureted or fuel injected? Got a model number off the engine with any part or revision numbers? Post em up here. There's a bunch of guys that enjoy searching this stuff out. The PT forum is very helpful.... :thumbsup:

 

[dcdtn]

Thanks, Moss.

It is the EH72-2 carbureted (side-draft)version. Full model number is EH722DS51909702. Serial number 6012302.

I'm in Chattanooga, TN. I'm sure there are several small engine shops nearby I can try, but the Robin service centers are disappearing. They're even gone in Atlanta.

I may call a few places tomorrow to see if they can get to it quickly and if that fails I'll attempt to remove the wire and perhaps order another or have one made locally.

 

[BobRip]

Thanks, Moss.

It is the EH72-2 carbureted (side-draft)version. Full model number is EH722DS51909702. Serial number 6012302.

I'm in Chattanooga, TN. I'm sure there are several small engine shops nearby I can try, but the Robin service centers are disappearing. They're even gone in Atlanta.

I may call a few places tomorrow to see if they can get to it quickly and if that fails I'll attempt to remove the wire and perhaps order another or have one made locally.

I think the wire is permanently attached to the coil. Correct me if I am wrong.

 

[dcdtn]

Quick update: I've got an appointment to take it in tomorrow. I bought a spark plug tester which shows it is getting spark in left cylinder. The service guy also suggested smelling the oil to see if it smells like gas... says that can make them run bad. It does smell like gas at the fill cap. But this cap is right above the suspect cylinder suspected of not firing and the oil level is not high. Anyway, I guess I'll find out what they say tomorrow.

 

[MossRoad]

I think the wire is permanently attached to the coil. Correct me if I am wrong.

I looked around at a parts manual and it appears it is. There is no part number for just a plug wire.
See page 24...
http://www.subarupower.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/subaru-engines-eh72-fi-parts.pdf

 

[MossRoad]

There is a separate part # for the plug terminal on the plug end of the wire and a # for the spark plug cap.

 

[dcdtn]

Thanks, Moss. Took it in today but not sure when they’ll get to it. Unfortunately I’m competing with $450k forestry mulchers.

 

[MossRoad]

Maybe they'll think the PT is a cute little machine and have pity on you! Everybody seems to like them.

 

[dcdtn]

Update: I found out today that it has a broken rocker arm. They’ve ordered parts and they should be here and installed on Monday if I’m lucky.

 

[MossRoad]

Well, at least they found a definite problem. That take the mystery away.

 

[woodlandfarms]

So that is why you got 10 good minutes and then failure. Odd that a rocker arm would let go.