Kubota l345 stalling problem

[rchristo]

While bushhogging over the past several weeks, my tractor would stall and not start for several minutes. This would happen after at least an hour operating the machine. The fuel level would be somewhere around a half tank, and the engine was not overheating. I could get it to turn over, but it wouldn't "catch". After letting it sit for a bit, it would then start and gradually get back to normal after about 30 seconds. The most recent time happened when I was going up hill, but I can't remember if that was the case the other times. Any ideas on what might be causing this or suggestions on troubleshooting?

 

[Baby Grand]

Safety switch adjustments? - seat or PTO (almost on) - this has happened to me.
Clogging fuel filter or some foreign object in the tank that moves & blocks the tank outlet under suction, then moves away when the suction stops?

 

[rchristo]

Safety switch adjustments? - seat or PTO (almost on) - this has happened to me.
Clogging fuel filter or some foreign object in the tank that moves & blocks the tank outlet under suction, then moves away when the suction stops?

I will check to see if there is a safety switch. That's a good idea. I was running the bushhog when this occurred, and shut it off to restart, and am not sure if there is one, but will check. I intend to change the fuel filter, so perhaps that is the issue (bought it last year with apparently recent fuel filter). I've been using fresh fuel, and the filler neck has a screen, but maybe there is residue left behind (I've been putting additive in the fuel that perhaps loosened gunk in the tank).

Thanks for your help. I very much appreciate it since I'm more than a little clueless with diesels.

Rob

 

[rbargeron]

The only safety switch on a L345 is on the clutch pedal for starting. More likely obstructed flow out of the tank or thru the filter. On L345's there is a small valve on the right side near the injector pump that allows more or less fuel flow to bypass and go back to the tank. It's a convenience for venting the injector lines if it runs out of fuel. Try opening that valve. It should start and maybe run rough until the valve is turned toward closed. It's ok to run anywhere the engine seems to get adequate fuel. (I think my first L345 was only happy with the valve open half a turn.)

 

[rchristo]

Well, I replaced the fuel filter. I had a heck of a time getting it to start again. I bled the fuel filter housing and opened the stopcock above the injector pump. After that failed for several attempts, I bled the filter housing again and left the stopcock open while cranking. After closing it and trying several more times, I got it running again. I think if it happens again, it must be some kind of blockage in the tank. Hard to tell since I keep it full. I'll let it run down and look inside with a light.

Interesting that you had to leave the stopcock open a little. My 345 has run like a top until a few weeks ago. I'll keep this solution in mind.

Thanks again folks.

 

[rchristo]

Well, I replaced the fuel filter. I had a heck of a time getting it to start again. I bled the fuel filter housing and opened the stopcock above the injector pump. After that failed for several attempts, I bled the filter housing again and left the stopcock open while cranking. After closing it and trying several more times, I got it running again. I think if it happens again, it must be some kind of blockage in the tank. Hard to tell since I keep it full. I'll let it run down and look inside with a light.

Interesting that you had to leave the stopcock open a little. My 345 has run like a top until a few weeks ago. I'll keep this solution in mind.

Thanks again folks.