Tc18 losing power

[Mowedover]

I have a Tc18 that will start and run perfectly for 15-30 minutes and then will start losing rpm's and power and will barely pull it's own weight. I can let it set for 20-30 minutes and it will start and run fine again. So far I have drained and cleaned fuel tank, new, fuel, new rubber fuel lines, new fuel filter, new air filters, took apart the exhaust system and blew out/cleaned also.

 

[jwstewar]

Check your fuel cap, maybe it is creating a vacuum and not letting the fuel out of the tank. Run with the cap loose for awhile and see what happens or run it until it dies and then loosen the cap and see if it'll restart immediately. I would try the first method though.

I know you said new air filters, but is the hose going into the air filter assembly free of any obstructions? What about when you close the hood? When I first bought my TC-24D the operator's manual was stuck up in the hood and was actually pinching the air intake off and causing the tractor to stall.

 

[Mowedover]

Thanks for the tips. With the cap off and I kept the hood open just to make sure the air intake hose wasn't getting warm and collapsing it's still losing power. I did notice that when it starts acting up it's white smoking a little. I also tried bleeding the fuel system when it started with no improvement as well.

 

[dlaport1]

Did you find your issue ? Mine started doing the same thing ??

 

[Mowedover]

No I haven't still same thing

 

[RickB]

Most recent fuel fillup was gasoline, not diesel fual.

 

[rcadile]

I am having the same exact problem. I found that cleaning out the fuel filter, replacing fuel filter, bleeding fuel and injectors still did not fix the problem. Yesterday I drained fuel tank, cleaned fuel tank from above with a wire bottle brush, noticed something rattling around inside the tank (I think this is a internal filter - couldn't remove it with pinchers) - in any case, what did you do to get yours back up and running? Richard rcadille@rochester.rr.com

 

[dlaport1]

I still have the same issues. Soon I will get to looking at it.

 

[brenth561]

I am having the same issue. Changed the fuel filter last night but still loosing power after about 15 minutes of run time. I noticed that when I remove the gas cap it will help bring power back for a few minutes. I guess my next step would to drain and clean fuel tank.

 

[thepumpguysc]

IF loosening the cap brings it back to life, then you have a vacuum situation..
The pump is TRYING to suck the fuel from the tank & cant..
Start looking for collapsed rubber fuel lines.. sucking down..
You might not be able to see them externally..
You could wait till the problem shows its ugly head & inspect the lines & try to SEE if they're collapsing..
BUT.. it might be "internal"..??
IF 3 people are having the SAME PROBLEM.. I'd say it was poorly purchased fuel lines.. OR tank caps, clogged vents..
Let us know how you guys make out.. Thanks.

 

[Jcichy71]

Did any of you ever solve this issue? My TC18 is doing the same and I’ve done the same steps as everyone else, fresh fuel, new filter, cleaned air filter ect

 

[Gotrek]

I'm new just posted a thread about my tz24 which I think is fairly similar. I'll update when I fix it but mine is almost for sure poor fuel lines. Diesel is hard on rubbers even those made for diesel and they swell/weaken and eventually collapse on their own. I'd start checking for obstructions in the fuel path. Tank, lines. In my case the lines are bad and the tank has debris in it (glue from the filler neck)... Good luck and I'll come update once I put mine back together.

 

[Jcichy71]

The most likely culprit being the line from tank to filter housing? Or to the injection pump? Or just do it all?

 

[Gotrek]

Just finished re-assembling, runs mint. Going to throw the mower on and mow for couple hours tomorrow and will let you know.

I removed my tank, washed it out with soap and boiling water, rinsed, rinsed, rinsed. Dried it to a week or so, replaced all my soft fuel lines with good quality one rated for diesel and all my filters. Cleaned out the front filter housing as well.

Also found my electrical issue that made it so I had to jump start the thing. It was the small diode in the harness that had gone bad. Replaced that and now I can start with the key.

Next project is figuring out the lighting. The PO had ripped off the lights... Only my front headlights work.

 

[Gotrek]

Mowed about 2 hours, regular stuff. then did a dozen pass in the ditch/tall grass. No more power issues here. So I suggest you take a look at the same thing. It was a simple process. If you need help PM me or post here. I'm not online too often though.

Got all my lights sorted this morning. Both front headlights, tailights now work. I found the wire for the turn signal/flashers.

Anyone have a wiring diagram for this model I have a bunch of extra bullet connectors by the tailights I'm not sure what they are for. Does this tractor have brake lights?

 

[Jcichy71]

Thank you, I’m going to shoot you a PM for some specifics