Sputtering 2501

[beaterboss]

OK..Not my first tractor. I've had several diesel tractors, but never experienced this.

The tractor sputters and loses power at higher RPM. (1900-2200 RPM). When it does this, I have to slow the motor down to 1500 RPM until it smooths back out. After smoothing out, I have lost much power and really have to slow down blowing snow. (Almost to the point of stopping).

I have checked the following....
Replaced air and fuel filters.
Bled the system several times.
Verified good fuel and added conditioner.
Did the first 50 hour service 2 weeks ago.

The tractor has been doing this since it had about 20 hours. I say this because I had never run it over 15 or 1600 RPM because it was still new. Noticed one day last Summer, when driving up a hill at full throttle, it started to sputter and miss, losing power. I didnt think much of it at the time, but since Winter has set in and I am working it a little harder, it is becoming really annoying. Tractor now has 62 hours on it.....Still on warranty but dealer is a long way away. Any quick ideas? I wanted to check the Injector fasteners but I cant get to them because of the way the tractor is built.
It's embarrassing having a new piece of equipment that runs like poo...especially when you are doing snow removal for other folks.

 

[JerryMT]

OK..Not my first tractor. I've had several diesel tractors, but never experienced this.

The tractor sputters and loses power at higher RPM. (1900-2200 RPM). When it does this, I have to slow the motor down to 1500 RPM until it smooths back out. After smoothing out, I have lost much power and really have to slow down blowing snow. (Almost to the point of stopping).

I have checked the following....
Replaced air and fuel filters.
Bled the system several times.
Verified good fuel and added conditioner.
Did the first 50 hour service 2 weeks ago.

The tractor has been doing this since it had about 20 hours. I say this because I had never run it over 15 or 1600 RPM because it was still new. Noticed one day last Summer, when driving up a hill at full throttle, it started to sputter and miss, losing power. I didnt think much of it at the time, but since Winter has set in and I am working it a little harder, it is becoming really annoying. Tractor now has 62 hours on it.....Still on warranty but dealer is a long way away. Any quick ideas? I wanted to check the Injector fasteners but I cant get to them because of the way the tractor is built.
It's embarrassing having a new piece of equipment that runs like poo...especially when you are doing snow removal for other folks.

Power loss is usually indicative of reduced fuel delivery. Clogged tank strainer, ice or wax (so called "jelled fuel")accreting on the filter, obstructed fuel lines, weak or non-functioning lift pump, clogged fuel filter head, missing or extra o-ring on filter, restricted return to tank line, etc.

Make sure that you have good flow out of the fuel tank and then work forward through the lines and other delivery components to the injector pump. Resist the temptation to blame the injector pump. It's usually something simple that is restricting delivery to the pump that causes a power reduction

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

#1 Crack the fuel cap and see if your tank is not venting.

 

[beaterboss]

Had not thought about the fuel cap, that would be a nice easy fix. I checked for doubled up O-ring and didnt find anything. Since it had been doing it in Summer I doubt it's gelled fuel. The clogged or restricted lines could be a possibility, but I am extra careful when fueling, but you never know. That will be my next step. After that, it's back to the dealer. Hate to be without the tractor for a couple weeks though, especially with the back to back storms we have been experiencing lately.

 

[Bulldog]

Wolfman, does that model vent thru the cap or does it have lines that vent the tank?

I use to have a terrible time with my M9000's vent lines.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I'm not sure, but I figured that if that does cure the issue, I could then look it up and figure it out.

 

[beaterboss]

OK..Ran with the fuel cap loosened yesterday during snow removal operations, with no change in problem. Was a good idea though that I hadn't thought of. Thanks for all the help guys. I guess it's back to the dealer to have them investigate further.

 

[007kubotaguy]

Hello
One thing I would check is the shutoff valve in the fuel filter housing. When you unscrew the fuel filter on this tractor it shuts the fuel off. It does not have a fuel shutoff at the tank. This valve can get trash in it , and restrict the fuel flow to the lift pump. Remove the fuel filter and push up on this valve inside the filter housing. You should have good fuel flow if the valve is not plugged. Also are you closing the blender valve after bleeding the system.
Good Luck Lance

 

[beaterboss]

If the Bleeder valve was open a bit, would that explain what is happening? (picking the long shot!)

The first time I bled the system, I found the bleeder valve to be marginally tight. After bleeding, I tightened it as much as I could finger tight. Ran it for a while and it still was sputtering. Bled the system again, but tightened the valve with pliers this time and got a full turn out of it. Still same result.

On a side note, (and this is funny though)..Went to the dealer today and discussed the issue with them. I had overheard 2 mechanics talking about being swamped with work, having to go in early and leave late, and that the shop was always full. After explaining my issue to one of the mechanics, and stating my endeavors to stop the issue, his reply was.."Thats weird, we never see those problems with Kubota's"....MY reply was..."And I suppose thats why your shop is full and you guys are swamped with work"....I'm sorry but that was funny. He got a quizzical look on his face, and they scheduled an appointment for Feb 12th. Don't get me wrong, I love my tractor, things like this happen with any piece of equipment. I just couldn't let the opportunity pass to convey my displeasure with the situation.

 

[Bulldog]

The first time I bled the system, I found the bleeder valve to be marginally tight. After bleeding, I tightened it as much as I could finger tight. Ran it for a while and it still was sputtering. Bled the system again, but tightened the valve with pliers this time and got a full turn out of it. Still same result.

Not trying to be a smartass but did you turn it right or left?

 

[beaterboss]

Not trying to be a smartass but did you turn it right or left?

LOL!! Righty tighty Lefty loosy...No offence taken either.