Intermittent shut down, at high RPM only

Laminarman · Jun 11, 2005

I'm experiencing a problem for the past three days with my NH TC40DA. I'll post it here as it may not be brand specific. About six times at higher RPM's (2300 to 2500) the engine seemed to suddenly lose fuel (?) and almost shut down, then it would race right back up. It almost resembled when you stall the tractor under too heavy of a load and high of gear, but much, much quicker than that. The only thing is that it was not under any significant load. Three times while using a landscape rake, twice while lifting something with the bucket (not heavy) and once just riding along dragging a chain harrow. All the times it happened it was near mid 90's out and the tractor was hot. But temp guages were fine and fuel tank full. Any help appreciated.

Soundguy · Jun 11, 2005

I'd look at fuel.. fuel filter.. water seperator..

Soundguy

Charolais · Jun 11, 2005

I had that happen some years back on two different tractors. Both were fuel related. The IH was an older tractor. It had enough trash or what ever in the fuel tank that when the throttle was open for higher rpm's it wasn't letting enough fuel to the pump. Cleaned the tank out and no more problems.

The second tractor was my 2610 Long. It was new at the time. At the factory they had gotten paint in the fuel tank. That paint started breaking up and tiny pieces would get in a wire screen in the primary fuel pump. After 4 or 5 times the little lift pump was shot. Dealer replaced it. No charge. I added a fuel filter between the tank and the first pump and never had a problem again. BTW I only change the one spin on filter now. The other two stay clean.

Anyway I'd start looking at the fuel system first. From what you wrote it sounds like it's starving for fuel when it needs more.

Laminarman · Jun 11, 2005

Thanks, you guys have been helpful. I'll look closer at that. My dealer is absolutely awesome and I'll call them if it persists or I can't solve it. It has 120 hours on it.

AntrimMan · Jun 11, 2005

I'd check the simple things first. Any chance you don't have your seat belt on and that maybe the seat is lifting up causing the safety switch to close the fuel solenoid? Can you hear the loud click at the same time the engine dies? It happened to me while on a downhill tack.
Best of luck, Martin

frank_f15 · Jun 12, 2005

i would look at a fuel problem, as it only happens when you are at high RPM did you ask the service dept at your dealer for their opinion?

Laminarman · Jun 12, 2005

frank and AntrimMan: thanks for the help. I certainly thought about the seat and operator presence system, but the seatbelt was on and butt planted. Also, I've nearly stood in the seat with the tractor running and it hasn't shut down. But it knows somehow that when I move my feet I'm about to get off and it shuts immediately. I'll run the problem by the dealer.

v8dave · Jun 15, 2005

A fuel starvation problem was had by another TBNer here a short while ago. He found the vent in the fuel cap wasn't working. Try loosening your fuel tank cap next you have the problem and see if the engine power returns. If so, replace the fuel tank cap.