L3400 power loss..

[JWR]

Hmmm... that is intriguing. With the two data points of -- GOOD operation on the flat with a full tank and trouble on inclines... I do not know if the L3400 has a lift pump feeding the fuel injection pump or not. Sounds like it COULD be a lift pump issue if there is one.

A second thought: Not that this is your problem but I had a MF 2660 delivered brand new with a fuel pickup in the tank configured such that I could not climb a 40% slope with a half tank of fuel (!!) But with a full tank no problem. The AGCO/Massey people installed a "T" in the fuel line pickup inside the tank which placed a pickup effectively in both ends of the tank. I believe it took a check-valve also to make sure that the redesigned "T" would always get fuel and not suck air from the other end. It was starving for fuel on slopes until this mod was installed.

Note: Before the mod if I only had a low level of fuel in the tank it would have cut out at a MUCH lower % grade than the 40%.

 

[RadarTech]

Hmmm... that is intriguing. With the two data points of -- GOOD operation on the flat with a full tank and trouble on inclines... I do not know if the L3400 has a lift pump feeding the fuel injection pump or not. Sounds like it COULD be a lift pump issue if there is one.

A second thought: Not that this is your problem but I had a MF 2660 delivered brand new with a fuel pickup in the tank configured such that I could not climb a 40% slope with a half tank of fuel (!!) But with a full tank no problem. The AGCO/Massey people installed a "T" in the fuel line pickup inside the tank which placed a pickup effectively in both ends of the tank. I believe it took a check-valve also to make sure that the redesigned "T" would always get fuel and not suck air from the other end. It was starving for fuel on slopes until this mod was installed.

Note: Before the mod if I only had a low level of fuel in the tank it would have cut out at a MUCH lower % grade than the 40%.

I just did some googling and it appears that there is a lift pump in it.. and one thread said it is common for it to fail…

 

[RadarTech]

Hmmm... that is intriguing. With the two data points of -- GOOD operation on the flat with a full tank and trouble on inclines... I do not know if the L3400 has a lift pump feeding the fuel injection pump or not. Sounds like it COULD be a lift pump issue if there is one.

A second thought: Not that this is your problem but I had a MF 2660 delivered brand new with a fuel pickup in the tank configured such that I could not climb a 40% slope with a half tank of fuel (!!) But with a full tank no problem. The AGCO/Massey people installed a "T" in the fuel line pickup inside the tank which placed a pickup effectively in both ends of the tank. I believe it took a check-valve also to make sure that the redesigned "T" would always get fuel and not suck air from the other end. It was starving for fuel on slopes until this mod was installed.

Note: Before the mod if I only had a low level of fuel in the tank it would have cut out at a MUCH lower % grade than the 40%.

I just checked and it appears they are less than $100….
When I get back to the property I need to check the fuel level and see if I can reproduce with less than a full tank.. maybe even pump some out and try it.. and then fill it and try it.. if it is reproduceable, just order it.. maybe the local kubota shop will have one in stock..

If this is it.. I have a feeling that this will save me from A breakdown…

Thanks!!

 

[Smokeydog]

If you have or had a black slime problem you need to treat the source too. Bulk container or 5 gallon cans. Any thing that touched the fuel. Usually takes several to many biocide treatments to fully eliminate. Hard problem to eliminate so prevention is important. Only grows where there is water in fuel so do your best to eliminate the source.

 

[RadarTech]

Update…
Yesterday I ran down the drive and back up.. nothing added to the fuel… it bogged down… came back to the shop.. this afternoon I added bioclean to the tank.. the bottle says it treats 100 gallons.. I added maybe 1/8 of the bottle … more than a splash… less than a pour..
Nothing measured..

Let her sit about 20 min.. cranked her.. took the trash down.. and came back up.. didn’t run perfect.. but much better than yesterday..
tank is 3/4 full..
I added a little bio clear to each of my 5 gallon cans..
I’m gonna have to make the same trip tomorrow to retrieve the garbage can..

The driveway is 1/2 mile long and drops 220 ft from the carport to the state road.. it is rather steep in places..

We shall see how she acts tomorrow.

 

[RadarTech]

Update.
Today I was down in SC doing some property clean up.. I had 1/2 to 3/4 tank of fuel.. after 2 hours or hard work, it starting bogging down.. on flat ground…
I remembered the lift pump note here, and went and filled the tank..
BAM.. no more issues… so I think the lift pump is it! I have a new one on the shelf .. just have to install it…