Runaway Kioti DK 45

Oleozz · Dec 5, 2013

Three weeks ago while picking rocks with the 45, for no apparent reason, the engine started to race out of control. I couldn't shut it down or control the speed. Eventually I got it back to the shed and was able to stall it out. Thinking it might be water in the fuel line?? I replaced it with a new filter.
It worked well since then, on Tuesday my Mule konked out at the end of my farm. I decided to tow it back with the tractor, big mistake. My wife was going to steer the Mule but I had an uneasy feeling about the tractor so I asked her to stay back until I hooked the chain up. All of a sudden the engine started to race again with white smoke billowing out of the exhaust. Not wanting the tractor at the end of the farm I managed to get it back close to the shed but this time I had one heck of a time getting it to shut down. I was really concerned about blowing the engine. Finally, after what seemed like hours, it stalled.
I have a very good local tractor mechanic, after talking with the local Kioti dealer he believes that a piece broke off in the injector pump. He got the feeling after his conversation with the dealer that this is not the first time it has happened to a Kioti engine, but who knows. Have about 900 hrs on the tractor and up to this point it has been reliable.

ovrszd · Dec 5, 2013

Bummer. That would freak me out as well.

I'd suspect something wrong in the injector pump as well. Please report your findings when you get it figured out.

I'd definitely not use it again until it's fixed. Sounds a bit dangerous, beyond possibly damaging to the engine.

kiotiken · Dec 5, 2013

This has been a widely reported problem here on TBN. I believe Kioti has extended the warranty on that part. I'd start by searching for similar problems on TBN (use google and enter "kioti injector pump site:www.tractorbynet.com" - no quotes). You may get lucky and find it's been recalled or still under warranty. It's a several thousand $ repair from what I've read.

Interesting read about the problem.
http://kittrellcommunitywatch.dyndns...ti_IP_Data.htm

Coyote machine · Dec 5, 2013

Sounds like the rack jammed/ broke teeth inside the injector pump. I would not start it again and get it to whomever you want to fix it. Is it under warranty? If not, look at the recent threads in Kioti's owner/operator forum for one about an injector pump repair place that can rebuild your pump for far less than a new replacement from Kioti.

Here's the link: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=296793&p=3547548#post3547548

If I were you I'd repost this thread in the Kioti owning/operating forum to get more responses aimed at your issue....
This is the buyer's forum.....

If you have to start it for some reason, here's what you can do. First, before starting it see if you can remove any implements. And, know that the only way to stop it now is to starve it of air. To do this you would have the hood opened and the air cleaner outer cover removed and a 2x6 block of wood ready and handy to cover the air intake to shut down intake air flow. Normally when you turn the key off the stop fuel supply solenoid acts electrically and mechanically to push a piston to shut off fuel to the injection pump. That part of your pump is not working, so your only alternative is to choke the engine to stop it from running until it blows up; which it could if you aren't able to stop it from the runaway condition caused by the injection pump malfunction. Be careful when doing what I suggested, obviously, but this gives you a more effective way to shut it down if you have to start it to get it on a trailer to go for repair.
I would try to get the loader removed too if you do run it at all, to make access to the engine easier for the upcoming repair. Check the warranty the repair place offers against what Kioti gives you for a new pump, and weigh that against total costs. Kioti might be able to comp some of the costs depending on how far out of warranty you are.
Post back progress, results. Good luck.

AGRIMAN · Dec 5, 2013

You are one lucky guy to have been able to shut in down twice. They will often build RPM until a rod turns loose or it just locks down. It's not often, but I have seen water in the fuel cause the inside of the pump (rack) to rust/corrode and stick/run away, but more than likely something is loose in the pump. Being it did run normally for a while between the two times it could be water/moisture.

About the only way to shut it down if it does run complete away is to cut off the air flow by blocking the air intake, but I also would suggest that you don’t run it anymore until you get it checked out. If you do, I have used the wood block method many times. I would go straight to the intake on the engine and by pass the filter all together.

Katahdin · Dec 5, 2013

Dumb question, are there no safety switches in a cabbed tractor that would close the fuel-shut-off solenoid if you get off the operator's seat in gear? What about a fuel shut-off valve on the primary filter?

I also keep a block of wood around for the intake if my 66' truck starts running away, but that's only if its sucking in engine oil from the turbo or elsewhere. If the engine isn't burning oil you should be able to shut it off quickly from the fuel system.

Coyote machine · Dec 5, 2013

Katahdin said:
Dumb question, are there no safety switches in a cabbed tractor that would close the fuel-shut-off solenoid if you get off the operator's seat in gear? What about a fuel shut-off valve on the primary filter?

I also keep a block of wood around for the intake if my 66' truck starts running away, but that's only if its sucking in engine oil from the turbo or elsewhere. If the engine isn't burning oil you should be able to shut it off quickly from the fuel system.

No. Key is method of shut off and it's not working. Could shut off fuel at filter petcock on engine, or as I stated earlier use a block of wood at air filter housing, or directly at intake as mentioned above.

Gittyup · Dec 5, 2013

Sure sounds like the injector pump. Mine failed in a similar way. But, it is a manual tranny. So, it was easy to stall it. Mine occurred at 300 hours and was fixed under warranty. TBN was a big help for me, as I had been reading about others having the issue and knew immediately what it was. Dealer fixed mine at my house. I've used power service ever since to ensure I have good lubrication. Not sure if it helps, but I figure it can't hurt.

When this occurred I complained that the tractor should have a manual shutoff. Imagine having that happen with cruise control on and getting close to a turn or something. I think it's required in Europe because I've seen them on some of the foreign postings on here. I guess if they make it, one could find the part number and install it. If I had HST I'd definitely think hard about doing that.

I doubt you'll get much help from Kioti, but it never hurts to ask. I'd definitely go the rebuild route if it's all on your nickel. And I wouldn't start it again until you get it fixed.

Oleozz · Dec 5, 2013

Thanks for all the replies and advice. I have no plans to start it again. It will be hauled to my mechanics shop and he will get the injector pump rebuilt at the Kioti dealership. (I've used Power Service in this tractor ever since it was new--2006)

Oleozz · Mar 19, 2014

Finally got the tractor out of the field and hauled to the mechanic and what a time we had. Had a rollback come in to load the tractor and we couldn't get it on because of the mud. My neighbor came up with his IH 1086 and we pulled it up to the road to load but the rollback had a hydraulic hose rupture so my tractor and the rollback were sitting incapacitated along the road. My neighbor had a pusher bar that we used to push the 45 up on the trailer and with some makeshift repairs we were able to send the tractor on its way.
Not sure if I want it back!!!!