All of a sudden my 3400HST (2008) is straining to go up even a slight incline. It had a complete service last summer - filters, hydraulic oil, engine oil, etc. I used it very little this winter and it ran fine when I started using it a few days ago. Now it's struggling. It slows down and if I give it more pedal the engine slows right down with no increase in speed. Hydraulic oil level is fine. Any clues?
Engine Straining on Hills
- Thread starter molon labe
- Start date
Pressing the pedal is like shifting to high gear or overdrive, not what you want when going uphill.
Is the throttle wide open?
Does it smoke when this happens?
Have you checked the air filter?
JasonW has a point....high range for travel, low range for work....by the way, Bowers still lives.
Dunslandloy
Member
Equipment
B2400HSD, 20 Kawasaki Teryx , Woods brush cutter, Befco tiller, Kodiak blade
Was fuel filter changed also. Diesel can develope fungi slime (sometimes called cold slime) over long periods of inactivity or from bad fuel. It can clog fuel filters, injector pumps and injector nozzles causing low power due to lack of fuel delivery. I run dyed off-road diesel from a single supplier just for this reason.
Start by running your finger under the neck inside the fuel tank and see if it feels slimy there, then check your fuel filter. If nothing there (wear safety glasses) do a bleed from the banjo fitting on injector pump till stream of fuel comes out, then crack all injector nozzle lines at injectors about 1/2 turn and crank until steady fuel comes out, tighten and try an uphill test again. Safety first and always!
