JD CUT engine noise level

mahlon_register · Jul 4, 2003

Has anyone experimented (successfully) with techniques of making the JD CUTengine less noisy, particularly at 2000 RPMs and greater? I have a 4210 and am very pleased with everything except engine noise at high RPMs. I could always resort to hearing protectors, but that's not very macho!

RoyJackson · Jul 4, 2003

"I could always resort to hearing protectors, but that's not very macho!"

I'm sure you could find another muffler and rig it up somehow.

Of course, you'd most likely lose power (more back pressure)...maybe screw up your injection pump calibration.

It's a lot smarter to wear that ear protection and forget about that "macho" nonsense.

JATO_RaT · Jul 5, 2003

I don't think the noise is the muffler or lack of a good one. Diesels noise levels don't really change dramatically much from the addition of a muffler with the exception of idling down. Many things contribute to noise levels including of course engine design, timing, fuel rail, pump and of course the combustion process itself. They are getting quieter all the time as I have witnessed with my new tractor. Rat...

P.S. Get some decent Peltor lightweight hearing protection, you will be "the man".

JohnMiller3 · Jul 5, 2003

...except engine noise at high RPMs... 

Huh? What did ya say? Can't hear ya... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

The primary problem, Rat touched on... is the design of the engine...

A Direct Injection by nature of its design is always "Noisier" than an In-direct injection...

Or put another way... (Rat will love this! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif):
An In-Direct Injection is always QUIETER than Direct Injection...

All of this is due to the pre-combustion chamber on the IDI... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

cowboydoc · Jul 5, 2003

You really need to go ride around on a big tractor for awhile. You won't be able to wait until you get back to your CUT. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif It's all relative. To me my 4600 is extremely quiet. But that's comparing it to my other full-size tractors.

Chief · Jul 5, 2003

A fellow Tennesseean! Welcome! If you are referring to combustion knock sound. Yes that can be a little irritating for some. Try riding around in a Cummins and the older Kubota's are much worse. Injection timing can effect this noise but in this case unless someone has been working or adjusting the pump timing, I would assume it is set correctly. The combustion knock in some cases can be related to poor quality or low cetane fuel. (not likley but sometimes the case if using fuel that has been setting for a long time) The minimum cetane rating for diesel fuel in the States is supposed to be 40. In this case the combustion knock can be reduced or minimized by the addition of a cetane rating level raising diesel fuel additive. Cetane rating of diesel fuel pertains to the delay of combustion upon completion of the ignition compression cycle. Lower cetane level fuels delay ignition longer; higher less delay and less noise. The most you can reasonably expect to raise the cetane level in most fuels is around 6 points but this can make a noticable difference depending on the quality of the fuel it is added to. Mine you, no miracle claims here; just a reasonable improvement is some cases. It is a good idea to use a good fuel additive as it is cheap insurance maintaining the fuel system as a good fuel additive will:

1. improve cetane rating (minimum should be 40 but higher is better)cetane rating is not like octane rating. It effects the delay of ignition of the fuel upon compression the less delay the better.

2. add detergents to aid cleaning the fuel system

3. stabilize the fuel (diesel is far more stabil than gas but cannot be stored for extended periods without deteriorating. A tractor or farm fuel source may sit for long periods.

4. enhance the lubricity of the fuel to ensure lubrication of injectors and pumps.

5. rust and corrosion protection from water or other contaminants that may get into fuel.

6. lowers gel/cloud point or winterizes fuel

7. provides de-ice protection in that it soluablizes water deposits mixed in with fuel with the fuel itself; allowing the water to pass through the system (still not good for it) with as little damage/problems as possible.

Some fuel additives that claim to raise cetane are Power Service (regular formula), John Deere Summer Formula, Howes, and Amalgamated Inc.

You may want to try one of these and see if you notice an improvement. In any case it is still a good maintenance practice to run a good diesel fuel additive all the time.

In time you will come to either love or ignore the sound of a diesel at work. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Hope this was not TMI.

smilingreen · Jul 5, 2003

Hey Randy,
Did you have a good 4th?? Hot enough for ya yesterday? Ya, us fellow tennesseans got to stick together. Seems like there is just a hand full of us on this site. Did you get to put up any horse fences yet since you have become a civilian like the rest of us?

Chief · Jul 5, 2003

Hi Dave, you called the weather right! It was hotter than a ........ oops, I better not say or I will get censored again. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Never know who might take offense. Anyway the humidity is horrible. Makes it tough out on the job, I am trying my hand at lawn care, firewood, landscaping, and forest/brush clearing. Still have not got around to the horse fences. I still have yet to get the Sea Ray or the Boston Whaler ready to put in the water. Business has been picking up but I am still in the learning curve stage. Looks like it is gonna be another hot one today as well. Need some rain up here, the leaves are turning yellow and dropping. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

gordon · Jul 5, 2003

( Get some decent Peltor lightweight hearing protection, you will be "the man". )

Nice but muffs are just two darn hot for summer. I'll stick with my earplugs.

Gordon