TC29D won't start.

[tj2]

TC29D won\'t start.

Help! I live in New Hampshire, and we got some snow last night. I went out to feed the horses, and fired up the tractor so it could warm up while I was taking care of the animals. Started fine.

When I came back, I started to plow, but the tractor had no power. Then it started to run rough, then it died. "Hmmmm", thinks I, "acts like a fuel problem". So I checked the fuel filter and sure enough, there was ice in the bowl, and some gelled diesel. I use anti-gel in the fuel, but it's been around 0 Farenheit here lately.

So I took the filter off, and went inside to clean it out. Got all the ice and gelled fuel out, washed it clean, then went out and put it back in the tractor. Turned the petcock and saw the bubble fill up with nice, liquid diesel. Tried the tractor again, same result! I tried pulling one of the fuel injector tubes to see if there was something blocking it, but it was good. The engine was still somewhat warm from idling, so I didn't think anything should have frozen.

After putting it all back together, now the darn thing won't start at all. It cranks, but it won't fire at all. I seem to be going at this the wrong way. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

So, to summarize, the fuel isn't gelled in the tank, the filter is clean, and I'm lost. Any advice will be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[RoyJackson]

Re: TC29D won\'t start.

Sound like it's air bound (but, that's a self bleeding system, isn't it?) or might still be some ice in the lines.
If possible, I'd tow it inside a heated garage or throw an electric blanket over it. Anyway, get it warmer somehow.
If you can get in into a heated garage, that would give you an opportunity to diassemble the fuel filter and re-install it...just in case you didn't get the fuel filter installed correctly.

 

[mahlers]

Re: TC29D won\'t start.

This may be a dumb question - but is there any chance you accidentally put some gasoline in the tank? The symptoms you described are classic gasoline-contamination symptoms.

 

[LAGEORGE]

Re: TC29D won\'t start.

Did you bleed the system all the way? I know on my NH TC 24D you have to bleed the fuel system if you run out of fuel unlike those green ones that auto bleed.
Our 20KW gensets also have the same problem. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

George

 

[thcri]

Re: TC29D won\'t start.

Roy,

My TC29D is not a self bleeding system. I got that one from experience. I do know that when you refilll that bowl make sure it is totally full and when sliding it up over the filter even having spillage is good. It doesn't take much to create and air spot right at the bowl from what I am told. As I said this is from experience from the 1st time I changed my filter. They had to come out and bleed the injectors. 2nd and 3rd time I did ok.

Also my dealer told me that in the winter even if you do use fuel conditioners it is still good to throw in one of the little yellow bottles even though they list for gasoline only??? Not sure I really want to do that but that was his suggestions. I am having problems keeping my started once I get it started and my dealer told me to do that. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

murph

 

[frank_f15]

Re: TC29D won\'t start.

i think now u have air in the lines, don't think that is a self bleeding unit(may be wrong) look at manual for bleeding the system.

 

[art]

Re: TC29D won\'t start.

We've had it here in central NY to so you are not alone. They are right about bleeding the lines and there is one more thing you should remember. When tractors and cars don't start people often leave them with the batteries dead or weak. This is an ideal time for the battery to freeze. Do not leave the battery in a state of less then full charge when in severe cold or even around 0 degrees. You can if you want, I'm sure someone be glad to sell you a new battery to go along with the rest of your problems. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[tj2]

Re: TC29D won\'t start.

Thanks to everyone for their input. I'll try bleeding the lines when I get home tonight, and let you know what happens.

 

[tj2]

Re: TC29D won\'t start.

Success! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Bleeding the lines did the trick. Thanks to everyone for helping out.

 

[Mosey]

Re: TC29D won\'t start.

These guys are good! They've helped me a lot too. Glad you got it resolved.