Pasquali 986 not starting

[HolaTracta]

I've got a Pasquali 986 which is used a couple of times a week and hasn't been any problem "up to now".

Now however it's just not starting. It was bought in Spain and has seen a lot of use with half the lighting controls and some of the levers doing nothing, I guess as successive owners have decided they could do without certain functions. Yesterday however it died and wont come back to life.

I'm not a mechanic, but I have changed the fuel filter and checked the fuel flow which is fine, cleaning the air filter and starting it without the air filter in place for maximum air. changing the diesel and bleeding the fuel system. I've got the original owners manual for it (translated into English) but that's no help at all. Now I think this model might have been one of the very early electric start pasquali tractors as it has the alternator bolted on the outside of the engine compartment without any cover, like an afterthought. I'm wondering if it could be a wiring problem as like most of the bits there's house wiring and all sorts of random bits in it.

My question is, am I missing something obvious or are there any little quirks or generally weird things I need to look at with a 986?

If anyone has one of these and could pass on the benefit of their hard earned experience it would be massively appreciated

 

[ptsg]

These tractors are very simple tractors with simple and reliable air cooled Lombardini engine and basically don't need any electrics to run, other than the starter. Unless you feel sporty and need a workout on pulling the pull start rope

When you say it's not starting, does the engine turn over? Also, if it's turning over, do you see any signs of smoke? Having the fuel system fully bled is key on these engines to start.

If you're getting fuel at the injection pump, the next step, is to loosen the nut at the injector and see if you're getting fuel there while cranking the engine.

I can't remember if this engine stops by a Stop lever or by simple move the throttle lever all the way back. If it's by Stop lever, make sure it's not stuck in the stop position.

 

[HolaTracta]

Thanks ptsg, The engine turns over but doesn't catch if you get my meaning. I tried a bit of instant start sprayed into the air filter and it fired, but stops again. It does get fuel to the nut on the connection to the injector, but since the line from the tank to the pump is just a bit of rubber hose without even jubilee clips at the ends, I guess that would be worth looking at.

To stop the engine you just push the throttle to its lowest speed until the engine cuts out.

 

[ptsg]

This things are very simple. As long it has good compression, air and good supply of fuel, it should start.

I'm sure you'll get it going once you sort out the fuel supply.

 

[HolaTracta]

What can I say, you were spot on it was an air leak on the union of the pipe from the fuel pump to the fuel injector. Many thanks

 

[ptsg]

I'm glad you got it going again!

One thing though, be careful with these articulated tractors, because you can easily get your leg pinched when turning or getting caught by the tire. Specially on this older models without all the sheet metal covers protecting the operator.

 

[HolaTracta]

Very true and this particular model is also very fond of falling over on fairly gentle inclines. The good news though is that our place if totally flat and it's perfect for running around between the olive trees with what the locals call a fresa (nothing to do with strawberries). I don't know what the English name for this would be since I've never seen one anywhere but here in Spain. It's like 6 small tines that disturb the top 4 inches of soil which helps to keep the weeds down and also lets air and water into the soil.

 

[ptsg]

In English it's a called a rototiller or simply a tiller.

It's probably the most used attachment on those tractors, along with a bottom plough and a trailer.

These tractors also had a proprietary rear hitch, instead of the more common 3 point hitch found on most tractors. So finding attachments for it can be a task, depending on the area you live.

 

[HolaTracta]

I've got a tiller, and a flail mower that came with it as well as a towing ball that fits, so I just use a standard trailer.

The situation with the air in fuel problem isn't good though as I can't find a supplier for the steel pipe from the diesel pump to the injector. Do you happen to know any good tractor component supply places? I might have to get the pipe sent from the US if I can't locate the part in Spain.

Life is always complicated, but I guess it's still much better than the alternative

 

[ptsg]

Those hard lines up to the injectors don't usually go bad.

If you know the model of your engine, you may find something online.

I just bought a gasket set out of these guys for a Slanzi engine. They are located in Spain and are OEM parts supplier from Kohler which owns Lombardini. And Lombardini owned Slanzi.

Here is the link: Agriculture, Industrial and Construction Engines Store - Asvarta

Lombardini engines are very popular, if you search by the model number, you might find a lot of stuff for them.