JD 5303 RPM problem

budlite · Apr 26, 2019

I was cutting this morning, and after about an hour when I re-engaged the PTO to power the rotary cutter the rpm would not recover to 2400 and the engine started smoking. I applied full throttle and the rpm still did not recover. Is this a fuel problem?

I'm going to check the air filters, fuel lines, etc. The tractor set a while over the winter, so maybe its an old fuel issue?

budlite · Apr 26, 2019

Changed air filters (dirty but not filthy). drained some fuel from tank (fuel looked good) and fuel filter (fair amount of sediment) and added more fresh fuel. Hoping this does it, going out to see if I can finish cutting.

budlite · Apr 26, 2019

Worked great - for about 10 mins then same problem.

joecdeere · Apr 26, 2019

sounds like trash in the tank stopping up the flow, I'd drain the tank and remove the shutoff valve in it, it has a strainer that I'd bet is clogging up

Tx Jim · Apr 28, 2019

If the 5303 was my tractor I'd install a new fuel filter & check for good fuel flow from tank to inj pump. Also check to be sure fuel tank is venting.

Zebrafive · Apr 28, 2019

joecdeere said:
sounds like trash in the tank stopping up the flow, I'd drain the tank and remove the shutoff valve in it, it has a strainer that I'd bet is clogging up

This or old fuel gone bad is my guess.

budlite · Apr 30, 2019

I did drain more sediment from fuel filter until it ran clear for a bit. I also removed fuel drain plug and drained about a gallon of fuel (it was clear, no sediment. After this it was much better, but bogged down slightly in thicker grass Not sure, but seems to be using more fuel than usual. About to go cut a bit more to see how it does. Thinking some sort of injector cleaner additive might help, but not sure what to use.

budlite · Apr 30, 2019

Ran well for about an hour, then rpm would drop as before, but not as much. Also would started emitting gray smoke once problem reappeared

Tx Jim · Apr 30, 2019

Did you check for good fuel flow from tank to inj pump????????????? Did you check to determine if tank is venting???????????

joecdeere · Apr 30, 2019

joecdeere said:
sounds like trash in the tank stopping up the flow, I'd drain the tank and remove the shutoff valve in it, it has a strainer that I'd bet is clogging up

Did ya clean off the strainer on the valve?? Most times the suction of fuel leaving will stop them up, them when motor dies or is shut off the trash floats off, until you go again