Kioti DS4110 won't start after refuel

[rsisco]

My DS4110 has an inoperable fuel gauge, so I rely on visual inspection of the tank to determine fuel level. The other day, she wouldn't start, but cranked fine. The fuel looked low, but certainly not empty. I grabbed a can of diesel (filled last summer and stored in the unheated shop all winter), and filled the tank up. This definitely stirred the tank up and aerated the fuel. Turned the key, started right up, I completed the 5 minute task at hand, and parked her. The next morning, just cranked, no start.

My assumption was that air, sediment, or both were introduced into the system. I purged any air from the filter housing using the "air" position on the petcock, nothing. When I loosen the bleeder bolt, fuel just runs out, so I don't think it's a problem between the tank and the injection pump. I disconnected the first fuel line coming out of the injector pump, turned the key, and it started, but I shut it right back off. I then reconnected the fuel line and turned the key, just cranked, no start. I've not gotten it to start again since.

I do notice that when I disconnect a fuel line or two from the injector pump and crank the engine, I don't really see any fuel coming out of the ports - although when I disconnected the first line for the first time, fuel ran out of the line itself.

Maybe worth noting is that the fuel looks and smells fine to me, but what do I know? Do I need to drain and flush the whole system and start with fresh fuel?

I'm kind of at a loss at this point.

Here's a picture for reference:

 

[sandman2234]

That bleeder bolt looks like a banjo fitting to me, and while it will allow a bleed function, I don't think it was made to be "bleed here". It sounds like you have introduced air into your system, which is a pain in the rear for diesels. You are probably going to need to follow the proper bleeding procedures to get it to run. (which is rough on a battery and starter, so be easy on them!!) I suggest a charger hooked to battery, and a lot of patience to make it easy on the starter. You will need a helper to run the starter and another person at the injectors to loosen the nut while cranking. Once you get diesel coming out of the injectors, tighten the nut while still cranking. Then give the starter a rest, go get a drink of water and go on to the next one. (read your manual for proper way to do this)
David from jax

 

[rsisco]

Thanks for the quick reply. Actually, using that bleeder bolt is a step in the manual. When you say to loosen the injector nut, do you mean on the top of the injector pump where I have it noted in my photo or at the injector itself?

 

[rsisco]

I roped my wife into coming out to help by being a key turner. I put her in the seat, throttled the rig ALL the way up, turned the key, and BOOM, it started right up! I kept it running for about 30 minutes with no issues whatsoever. We'll see if my luck holds later when I go out and start it up again.

 

[Robin Veerman]

….and keep the tank topped off, or fix the fuel gauge

 

[rsisco]

Well the saga continues. Yesterday I hopped on the tractor, cranked, no start. Waited a second, then it worked. It was about 65 degrees out so I was certain it had nothing to do with engine temp. Ran it for a few minutes and shut it off. A few hours later, same thing but more stubborn to get running. Rinse and repeat a little while later.

I do have a new avenue I’m pursuing though: the fuel solenoid. Every time I go to start it, I hear what I’m pretty sure is a relay clicking for the glow plugs. The last time it successfully started, I noticed a much louder click that occurred one position earlier in the key turn that can’t say with certainty had been present before. I’m assuming that much louder click is the fuel solenoid. I plan on paying closer attention the next time I start it up (or attempt to) and I already have a replacement on the way. It’s kind of difficult to troubleshoot a tractor model that doesn’t seem was incredibly popular. When someone or something says “listen for a click of the solenoid”, well, I’m hearing a click.

As I own the tractor longer and fix more things on it, I will become more in tune with which click is what. I’ll report back for posterity’s sake once I have a sure fix. Thanks!

 

[RjCorazza]

I think you are on the right track!

 

[Snezzy]

I do have a new avenue I’m pursuing though: the fuel solenoid.

Got that with our 1992 Cummins D250 pickup. The solenoid is what shuts off the engine. No volts to it, engine stops. The wire to the solenoid was loose. I crunched the hard-to-reach connector with pliers. Hasn't failed again, but holding my breath. Hate intermittents. Give me a solid failure!

 

[HFK Farms]

All the little compact tractors have an electric fuel pump on the, wonder if that is what you might be functioning intermediately? it is usually located on your fire wall, you used hear it come on when you turn the key on at least feel it running?

 

[LouNY]

I don't know on your tractor but my little Kioti when you turn the key to run, it is not ready to start. You pause just a bit and all the gauges will sweep and return then the "glow plug" light will illuminate when it clears it is time to rotate the key to the start position.
Trying to run the key right to the start position will result in starting issues.