JD 4100 won't start

[Xjdigger]

Hi
I have a JD 4100 compact that will not start. Cranks over and produces smoke but no fire. It is not the fuel shut off, produces white gray smoke as it turns over, have removed air cleaner to try starting. Tractor has been running fine never a starting problem. went out in the morning (Not cold) and did not start, just cranking over with no response.

3/4 tank of fuel

3 cyl diesel not complicated, what should be looking at?

 

[Navasot]

Air in the fuel lines would be my first thought. Is it gear driven? Have you tried pull starting it?

 

[Katahdin]

Check your fuel filter for water and sludge.

 

[DFB]

I second the fuel filter check

 

[skyhook]

It is not the fuel shut off,

when you say this, are you referring to the solenoid on the injection pump.

 

[Navasot]

Check your solenoid on the starter and the plugs on the alternator to make sure nothing popped off

 

[Xjdigger]

Hi Sorry it took a while to get back. I just changed the fuel filter and it has not started yet. Battery was getting slow and I have it charging from boost.

I have the auto fuel shut off removed. has been for a while because something was wrong and it not opening the fuel valve. Been running like this since last year.

When I changed the fuel filter it was real dirty and ice frozen in bottom (not much) but I don't think it was to restrictive from allowing fuel to pass through.

fuel flows through the filter and then to a mechanical pump (like mini) chevy fuel pump.

how do I check fuel flow to determine that fuel is injected into the cylinders. There is smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe, but no attempt of igniting fuel?

 

[Xjdigger]

Can I use starting fluid?

I don't know if this tractor has glow plugs. The manual does not show it in any starting procedure. I don't use starting fluid in my JD5300 never needed to anyway the glow plugs always work to get started.

 

[skyhook]

These things don't need much to run, fuel, air and a good turning engine and your off.
Giving it a little shot of either wouldn't hurt, have someone give it a "little" shot while you turn her over.
You'll see if it wants to start with the either.

 

[Xjdigger]

I know fuel air ignition and when it doesn't start there is a problem. I'm getting plenty of smoke so I assume it is getting plenty of fuel.

The tractor has been starting with no problem and it is not too cold around 30 - 40f. the 5300 burns the same fuel and starts right up. I did change the fuel filter and charged the battery for a good fast turn over and still not running. It is a pisser when you needs something to run when you need it and this is not typical with any John Deere I've had. I'll go down to the shop and get some starting fluid but I never had to use it before in a tractor and was afraid to spoil the glow plugs.

 

[4310]

I just read a thread in the John Deere owning/operating forum about a 4400 I think not starting. Someone said to check the thermistor. It's behind the fuse box in the mess of wires somewhere. Should look something like this




Also do a search for thermistor on here. I've read a couple different threads talking about it and I think it caused the problems you're describing. I'm not sure how to check it when you find it. Might need a voltmeter or something. Might be able to tell just by looking at it, I don't know.

Anyway I'd look there before I starting shooting ether.

 

[4310]

I remember them saying the thermistor is small, about the size of your fingernail so you might have to look for it a little bit.

Ok I did a little looking and there was another thread on here about a 4200 not starting. They replaced the thermistor and it took care of the problem. Said the part # was LVU10323. Cost $4

 

[Xjdigger]

Thanks but I had trouble with the fuel shut off and had to remove it until I can figure out how to fix it. I've read about the Thermister also.

The Tractor seems to be getting fuel because it is producing smoke (exhaust)

QUESTION: Can I be having a fuel pump problem? How would I check if the fuel pump is pumping right.

 

[pat32rf]

Those three cylinder engines have a heater in the intake manifold. This is why the instructions warn against ether. The relay for my heater didn't work from day one but at the 1000hr check the dealer fixed it. I seldom use it, preferring to plug in the tractor when the temp drops below -10C. Make sure that you do not have the preheat turned on when you use ether as the resulting fire will be in the manifold, not the cylinders...
How do you control the fuel valve with the solenoid removed? Any chance that something in there has changed?
When my solenoid burnt up I made a cover with a threaded hole for a bolt that would hold the valve open, just needed a screwdriver to shut things down. Since then I have run a wire so i can bypass my thermister if it doesn't fire on the first turnover. This normally only happens on the first cold start of the day.

 

[Xjdigger]

Its the fuel solenoid I had to remove in order to start it. I need to explore this thermister for this problem.

Does anyone know how to check the fuel pump. I'd take it to a service shop but we don't have one in this area that works on diesel tractors.