Yanmar 186D quit running and now won't start

[gasmodesto]

I was running the tractor a couple of weeks ago (tractor is located on property about 60 miles away). When it quit running it was a gradual stop running. Had the throttle opened to max and it was like I was decreasing the throttle until the point it quit running. I was at the property today and tried to start it. I gave it about 10 seconds of preheat, pulled the compression relief and cranked it for about 5-10 seconds and then released the compression release. I could smell diesel and it seemed like it wanted to start but never did. Repeated it several times before giving up. A little background I haven't really run the tractor for 2 years. I was diagnosed with cancer in Dec. 2018, usual story chemo radiation surgery recovery. Anyway the diesel has been in the tank for over two years. I didn't have the manual with me (I do have the manual for it along with the service manual and parts manual). Thinking perhaps the first thing I should do is drain the tank and start out with fresh fuel. Yes there are kids around who might have been on it. Thinking drain the tank fresh fuel, and a new fuel filter for it. Looking in the fuel filter globe I can't see through it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Gary

 

[winston1]

Based on your experience I would agree with your idea on fuel. Any chance it over heated?

 

[HoyeTractor]

We have had several tech support calls just like that lately and they pretty much all ended up being bad fuel.

 

[Altona]

Glad to hear you are feeling better now and back at things. IF no kids or anyone monkeyed with anything in your absence I'd be pretty sure it is old fuel. In my experience, with is small compared to Winston or Aaron from Hoye, diesel does go "gunky" in 3-6 month range and I think a little less viscous. I always add a stabilizer additive to mine because, like you, it does get run frequently or consistently. Once you change the fuel (and the filters) it may take a bit of cranking but it should be fine is my bet. Please let us know how it ends.

 

[Roadworthy]

If you've got fuel to the cylinders check the air filter and the airway path.

 

[RalphVa]

Could be globs of wax have come out of solution, particularly if its off road diesel. Had this happen with the only time I used off road. Think there may be a problem with the red dye interfering with wax solubility.

I had to syphon out the fuel and then grab the wax globs at the fuel outlet with a 3 finger grabber tool. Could use hot kerosene to dissolve it.

Otherwise, replace fuel filters.

Ralph