Taskmaster 426 E Power Issue

[kttaskmaster]

I have a Taskmaster 426E that has power issues. Hydraulic lifts work fine. I recently added hydraulic and transmission oil (NAPA brand) into the front middle axle via the dip stick bolt opening. It has a small oil leak at the front drive axle. At start up, it will drive fine for about 5 minutes and then it comes to a creeping crawl, and if I hit the smallest of a grade, it literally stops moving. Never have changed the gear oil. Engine sounds good. It has 187 hours on it. What's my next move?

 

[Gramps in NM]

I'm not experienced in these diesels having just acquired a 425A, 2005, Taskmaster last month. What year is your machine? I have been reading some posts and do have some ideas for you. First I see no correlation between your adding/changing oil, unless you perhaps also added engine oil and over filled. It seems to me the fuel system itself should be chec ked first.

Just below your tank the main fuel line coming out should have a T handled valve in it. Mine does but strangly enough the valve indicator (T part) is across the line yet I get plenty of fuel. Have not to date fooled with it to see whats going on but I would check that first. You could be getting a vapor type lock on your tank but I suspect it would take longer than 5 minutes. Try leaving the cap loose for a test. You might check the injector pump oil level, from what I've read thatcould create your problem. Dirty filter, or I believe some of these fuel filters have a sort of check valve in them. Check your air filter, you may have ample fuel flow but insufficent air.
Follow your entire fuel system for ample flow. It's possible you have air in the system but since it runs for 5 minutes that does not seem to be the culprit.

After it dies how long does it take before you can restart? Do you have full throttle when you first start it?
Hope some of this helps. Might be a long shot but are you sure your firing on all cylinders. Check your kill switch, might it be loose and somehow shutting off supply.
Gramps, a new owner

 

[Diamondpilot]

If the motor continues to run and sounds fine it has to be the clutch. Do you smell any burning of it?

Chris

 

[Bob Rooks]

You could be getting a vapor type lock on your tank but I suspect it would take longer than 5 minutes.

FWIW, diesels don't get vapor lock. :thumbsup:

 

[Gramps in NM]

I said a vapor type lock. However any fluid will not leave an enclosed sealed area unless air or something else displaces it. Hence the old straw trick with your finger over the end. Remember that one?

 

[Rich Waugh]

I think we need more information for diagnostic purposes. When it slows to a creeping crawl, is the engine still running at full rpm, or is the engine slowing down and making the tractor crawl?

If the engine is slowing down after coming up toward operating temp, then I'd suspect something binding with heat expansion.

If the engine maintains rpm but the tractor slows forward progress, then I'd suspect the clutch is slipping as it warms up.

 

[doxford jim]

Keep it simple and start with the basics !

Fuel system - regardless of how it runs - put in a new fuel filter. Check that the fuel outlet from the fuel tank is clear. If you haven't already, it would be a good idea to make sure that the fuel tank is clean - free of any debris or matter that might get drawn into the tank outlet. Make sure you have good fuel supply to the injectors from the injection pump ( loosen injector fittings a turn or so).

My first guess would be a fuel related problem somehow.

After that ensure that your fuel pump rack has the proper movement - that when you move the throttle, that the fuel pump regulating rack has a corresponding travel. If you are not get the rackmoving freely - i.e. it is binding etc, then there is a problem.

Try the basics first.

Jim