L225 Losing power under load

[PaulofChester]

Hello everyone,
I have an old L225 that has served me well for many years. It has suddenly started acting as if the engine is rated for half the horse power. I have cleaned the air filter, I recently changed the fuel filter with a Kubota brand, I have checked all the fluids. The finishing deck spins easily (I mainly cut the grass with it). I am not as savvy with diesel engines to know where to look next. Any help would be great.

Thanks.

 

[D2Cat]

Paul, welcome!

It sounds like you're doing everything right with Kubota air and fuel filters.

You said, "it suddenly started acting..." are there any other symptoms, like black smoke, hard to start? Have you put fuel you know is good, clean, no gasoline, not stale in it?

 

[skeets]

you might check the fuel, and make sure somehow GAS didnt get in to the diesel, yep it do happen, also you might want to check the rubber fuel lines they do get a bit funky sometimes and swell up or get soft and kink, Im not sure if that one has 2 fuel filters or not somebody will chime in on that. Try a tank of fresh fuel and some additives to the fuel that might help clean out the silly stuff from the lines and pump and injectors. Also check you fuel cap for mud daubers blocking the air vent hole. Check all the simple stuff first

 

[PaulofChester]

you might check the fuel, and make sure somehow GAS didnt get in to the diesel, yep it do happen, also you might want to check the rubber fuel lines they do get a bit funky sometimes and swell up or get soft and kink, Im not sure if that one has 2 fuel filters or not somebody will chime in on that. Try a tank of fresh fuel and some additives to the fuel that might help clean out the silly stuff from the lines and pump and injectors. Also check you fuel cap for mud daubers blocking the air vent hole. Check all the simple stuff first

Thanks Skeets,
I don't think it was the fuel(although good thing to keep an eye on). I will check on the fuel lines, I have not studied them closely. The injector cleaner additives you mention has peeked my interest. That could certainly be a possibility. I did not realize they sold that for diesel. I use it all the time on my gas truck. I do have problems with mud daubers all around my shop plugging up all my air lines and air tools. I didn't see evidence on the tractor. Thanks for the tips. I will look into the injector cleaner right away.

 

[Russell King]

You may want to check the fuel flow into the filter. On my similar L185 the fuel tank was rusted and blocking off the outlet. I did not have the symptoms you have though. Mine would actually just run out of fuel.


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[CapnDean]

If a diesel engine wont run, you have a fuel problem. Good advice so far: Check for a restriction in the tank. Pull a fuel line and blow compressed air back into the tank.

Barring a dirt dauber in your intake - you can bet that you will find a fuel delivery problem is the issue. The trick is to find it.

Good Clean fuel, no gas, no water, Clean filter. no air leaks etc...

 

[PaulofChester]

Thank you everyone.
Some characteristics of the issue:
• The engine starts fine
• The engine runs just fine
• Under load it seams to bog-down too easy all of a sudden.

Can anyone recommend a brand of injector cleaner for this old tractor?

Thanks everyone.

 

[thepumpguysc]

Most everyone uses Power Service.. I don't know why? easy access?
I've SEEN Lucas injector cleaner do wonderful things.. wouldn't have believed it, if I hadn't seen it..