Jacobsen Turfcat Issues

cgutenschwager · May 12, 2013

Hi, I joined this forum because there appears to be several knowledgeable people here along with some fellow Turfcat owners. I recently bought a Turfcat at auction, it sounded great as they drove it across the block, only to find it has issues. I am not afraid of a little work, I'm pretty knowledgeable in mechanics and maching - enough to be dangerous! - I just need some help figuring out what to do. Here are the issues I'm working on first:

- pto will not stay engaged, I hooked a bungy cord on the lever to keep the blades on. Seems to be cutting fine once I do this. Is there a loss in flow or pressure to keep the valve engaged?
- Last time I mowed, I got about an hour into the job and the engine tried to die out like I ran it out of fuel...I changed the fuel filter and filled it with fresh fuel after unloading it from the auction. I have read posts that suggested changing the fuel line due to internal blockages or small cracks that could let in air. So I'll do that and update you all.
- I noticed a fair amount of engine oil leaking from the oilpan gasket when I run it for a few hours, so I'll be changing that in due time. Unless someone thinks it more of a priority.

I look forward to any input you all might have - Thanks, Cory

cgutenschwager · May 12, 2013

I guess I should post a picture.... here she is:

Xfaxman · May 12, 2013

Looks good, I know you will like mowing with it since it is designed like my TORO, and like the Kubota F series.

Can't help with the PTO, but next time it starts to die, remove the fuel cap. If it picks up and runs, the fuel tank vent is plugged.

If you don't get any answers here try: General Lawn & Garden

cgutenschwager · May 12, 2013

Thanks Xfaxman, I already do like mowing with it, I knew that before I bought it. I was cutting my yard with a 42" lawn tractor, and just purchased a couple acres next to me, so I needed something bigger. I worked for a company while I was in college who ran 2) NH CM274's and a Hustler 440 with range wings and a host of other equipment. I will try the vent trick, but it ran for 4+ hours a couple days earlier.

Don87 · May 12, 2013

If it's like a regular hydraulic valve(like a log splitter or something), it should have a detent ball and spring. if the spring is worn out, it will let the ball slip out of the detent on the shaft.

cgutenschwager · May 12, 2013

Don, that is exactly the type of valve!! I don't have must experience taking these apart, but am mechanical and willing to try. How would I know if the spring is worn out? Should I expect lots of fluid? Should I just take the valve off and send it to a hydraulic shop ($$$$)? I appreciate your guidance here.

-Cory

Don87 · May 12, 2013

Actually, I don't think any fluid contacts the detent. it usually runs dry, and the major problem is that water gets in causing rust. without actually seeing yours though, I can't be positive.

But if you look at your valve carefully, you may be able to see where the detent should be, and it may just be a screw that holds it in place.

But just to be sure.........JJ, hangs out in the Hydraulics forum. He may be able to tell you more than me.

Don87 · May 12, 2013

Which turfcat do you have? we may be able to get parts diagrams online to help diagnose your problem.

cgutenschwager · May 13, 2013

Don, I have a t422d. I have found all the manuals on jacobsens website, they use product codes and mine ends in 129.

cgutenschwager · May 14, 2013

Xfaxman said:
Can't help with the PTO, but next time it starts to die, remove the fuel cap. If it picks up and runs, the fuel tank vent is plugged.

Well it was a rough night, I went out to mow a bit and it took several cycles of cranking and heating with the glow plugs to get her started - but - finally, she fired up. As the smoke was starting to clear, and the engine was warming up, she slowed down, sputtered out and died. I had the vent cap loose, so it wasn't that simple.

I did change a couple fuel lines and bled the system. When I was doing this, I noticed the valve on the filter bowl seems to have an odd side-to-side movement, could this be letting in air? I also noticed that no fuel was coming out of the fuel bowl when I had the hose off (I just wanted to check). Should this be pouring out, or does it get sucked through by the injector pump?

Any ideas would be helpful - or a D950 replacement! :thumbdown:

DT86 · May 14, 2013

It sounds like the fuel line is plugged up. You could blow air back through the line into the tank as a temporary fix. Then when the tank is near empty use a shop vac with a short piece of water hose duct taped to the end to suck all the crud from the bottom of the tank.

Arc weld · May 14, 2013

The mower deck is hydraulic driven?

cgutenschwager · May 14, 2013

Arc weld said:
The mower deck is hydraulic driven?

Yes it is. The PTO lever engages a detent valve, but it pops off as soon as you take your hand off of it. I have it bungied on for the time being when I mow. We got a few days of cold weather and this fuel issue has become a priority. Not much sense worrying about the PTO when the engine wont start and run! :banghead:

cgutenschwager · May 14, 2013

DT86 said:
It sounds like the fuel line is plugged up. You could blow air back through the line into the tank as a temporary fix. Then when the tank is near empty use a shop vac with a short piece of water hose duct taped to the end to suck all the crud from the bottom of the tank.

Thanks, this is my project for tomorrow. It's supposed to be 80degrees and the grass is LONG! so I will flush the tank and lines. I'll keep you all posted.

cgutenschwager · May 16, 2013

DT86 said:
It sounds like the fuel line is plugged up. You could blow air back through the line into the tank as a temporary fix.

Well I had some time to get back to the Jake... I was changing all the rubber fuel lines and noticed the filter bowl shutoff was tilted to the side. I pushed on it and saw bubbles, so I removed it and discovered the valve was broken. I attempted to find a replacement with out any luck from the Kubota dealer. Does anyone have a good source for Jacobsen parts? The deere dealer had one that was close, is it crucial that the filter bowl is the OEM one?

In removing the filter bowl, I noticed there was no fuel coming from the line, maybe just a drip... so I dialed my airhose pressure WAY down and blew a little air in the take...THE FLOOD GATES OPENED! :cool2: So I need to clean out the tank. I can't really tell if this solved one of my issues because I left the key on all day when I was looking for the filter bowl :duh: I will charge the battery and get some mowing done - grass is getting deep in Michigan!

cgutenschwager · May 16, 2013

DT86 said:
It sounds like the fuel line is plugged up. You could blow air back through the line into the tank as a temporary fix.

Well I had some time to get back to the Jake... I was changing all the rubber fuel lines and noticed the filter bowl shutoff was tilted to the side. I pushed on it and saw bubbles, so I removed it and discovered the valve was broken. I attempted to find a replacement with out any luck from the Kubota dealer. Does anyone have a good source for Jacobsen parts? The deere dealer had one that was close, is it crucial that the filter bowl is the OEM one?

In removing the filter bowl, I noticed there was no fuel coming from the line, maybe just a drip... so I dialed my airhose pressure WAY down and blew a little air in the take...THE FLOOD GATES OPENED! :cool2: So I need to clean out the tank. I can't really tell if this solved one of my issues because I left the key on all day when I was looking for the filter bowl :duh: I will charge the battery and get some mowing done - grass is getting deep in Michigan!

cgutenschwager · May 19, 2013

cgutenschwager said:
Well I had some time to get back to the Jake... I was changing all the rubber fuel lines and noticed the filter bowl shutoff was tilted to the side. I pushed on it and saw bubbles, so I removed it and discovered the valve was broken. I attempted to find a replacement with out any luck from the Kubota dealer. Does anyone have a good source for Jacobsen parts? The deere dealer had one that was close, is it crucial that the filter bowl is the OEM one?

In removing the filter bowl, I noticed there was no fuel coming from the line, maybe just a drip... so I dialed my airhose pressure WAY down and blew a little air in the take...THE FLOOD GATES OPENED! :cool2: So I need to clean out the tank. I can't really tell if this solved one of my issues because I left the key on all day when I was looking for the filter bowl :duh: I will charge the battery and get some mowing done - grass is getting deep in Michigan!

UPDATE--

I had some time yesterday to work on my machine and cleaned out the tank, removed the drain and fuelline port (they are in rubber grommets). On the inside of these ports there is a mesh bag that acts like a prefilter. I washed them out and put everything back together, with new line and new filter bowl (i was able to order on from Jacobsen for $40) The whole time I was working on the fuel system, I was charging the battery, and I fired right up!! I mowed for a couple hours and tried to start it, but it was dead again. So I'm guessing there is a charging issue...

I know it's not the battery, or the alternator - had both of them tested. What else prevents the battery from charging? I'm thinking regulator. I can upload a schematic if anyone wants to take a look. Thanks in advance.

I may be able to get back to the hydraulics sometime.

Xfaxman · May 19, 2013

cgutenschwager said:
UPDATE--

I had some time yesterday to work on my machine and cleaned out the tank, removed the drain and fuelline port (they are in rubber grommets). On the inside of these ports there is a mesh bag that acts like a prefilter. I washed them out and put everything back together, with new line and new filter bowl (i was able to order on from Jacobsen for $40) The whole time I was working on the fuel system, I was charging the battery, and I fired right up!! I mowed for a couple hours and tried to start it, but it was dead again. So I'm guessing there is a charging issue...

I know it's not the battery, or the alternator - had both of them tested. What else prevents the battery from charging? I'm thinking regulator. I can upload a schematic if anyone wants to take a look. Thanks in advance.

I may be able to get back to the hydraulics sometime.

Bad connections on the ground cable.

DT86 · May 19, 2013

Xfaxman said:
Bad connections on the ground cable.

I agree, that is where I'd start looking first.

cgutenschwager · May 20, 2013

DT86 said:
I agree, that is where I'd start looking first.

I moved the battery ground cable a few days ago to the chassis. Previously is was attached to thin body metal, and I moved it. Do you recommend I replace it? or move it closer to the engine block? I looked up a new regulator ($120) so I will do some testing before I spend that. There is also a small ground in a harness that clips into the alternator... could this be it? I appreciate your thoughts.