emissions

[chsdiyer]

Forgive the likely dumb question but every time i start my xg3025h a small cloud of black smoke comes out. After that the exhaust is clear but I can smell it and i will typically have my throat irritated the next day or two after using the tractor. I'm coming up on 250hour service and now sure if there is something i can do to fix this or is that normal and maybe i need to wear, dare i say, a mask while riding the tractor?

 

[jaydee325]

Since this tractor is under 25hp, it does not have any diesel exhaust after treatment such as diesel particulate filter or diesel oxidation catalyst.

I would check the inlet air filter to ensure it is not dirty/obstructed. Also, make sure you have clean fresh fuel. The fuel injection pump could be out of calibration but I doubt that is the case and would be expensive to validate.

Sorry you are physically irritated by the exhaust. Besides a mask/respirator, you could look into rerouting the exhaust in a vertical arrangement to get the fumes above your head.

You also have the option to trade into a greater than 25hp tractor that does have exhaust after treatment.

 

[Avenger]

Black smoke is the uncompleted burn of a too rich mixture of fuel-to-air ratio. Older diesel trucks, when the go peddle is mashed, will spew black smoke. This is called "rolling coal" and in some people's opinion, cool. I do not share this opinion.

So either you have too much fuel and/or no enough air. As stated by jaydee, check your air cleaner, and while you have it out, blow it out really well. However, since your tractor does this during startup and clears out, makes me think an injector is stuck open. Check your oil for diesel (you can small it). Fuel can bypass the rings on the piston and leak down into the oil. The fuel inside the combustion chamber is too rich, causing the black smoke, but clears after the excess fuel is burned up. Check out this ChrisFix video:How to Clean Out the ENTIRE Fuel System (Vandalized with Sugar in Gas Tank) - YouTube
This video is of a vandalized gas car, but he removes and checks the fuel injectors. Its a good place to start and Chris is quite entertaining. Start about the 15 minute mark if you dont wish to watch the entire video.

Hope this helps, and please update us on what you find.

 

[chsdiyer]

Thank you for the insight and suggestions. I was actually thinking more of trading in for the smaller one with a backhoe attachment, but I really like the size of this one. Not sure I could justify the cost of a larger model. I'll see what I can figure out. It will also put out noticeably dark exhaust if i'm doing something and it gets bogged down and is about to stall, when i stop and the engine recovers it will put out a little cloud.

I certainly didn't do my lungs any favors when started woodworking years ago i was building a vanity with walnut counters and cutting everything inside with no ventilation. It got to the point where I would get completely winded just walking up the stairs. Now if I don't use a respirator when wood working I really feel it. I guess tractor exhaust is another irritant. Trying to be smarter these days.

I'll let you know what I'm able to find...will probably have more questions on the way.

 

[jaydee325]

It got to the point where I would get completely winded just walking up the stairs.

Have you taken this issue up with a health care professional? This could be an indication of a serious underlying respiratory issue.

 

[chsdiyer]

I did a while back. I guess I should have added that my respiratory situation improved after i started using a respirator and ventilation for wood working. I did get allergy tests because walnut dust will definitely mess my throat up. They determined i was allergic to dust/dust mites/insect parts, things like that. But otherwise nothing else of concern. I didn't think the tractor would be an issue being outside but i've noticed i consistently get a swell in my throat when I spend a good bit of a day on it or around it while it's running.

 

[PCABE5]

The puff of smoke at startup and a strong smell raises no alarms with me. Pretty normal for the description you gave.

 

[chsdiyer]

well there was a lot of debris (leaves/dirt) in between the radiator screen and the battery, but I opened the air filters and it is dirty but nothing large in there. I beat out a lot of dirt from it but didn't seem to stop the smoke on turn on/off. I'll have to get a new filter and also check the oil, injector, etc. The oil does look dark on the tip stick so good time to do the service I suppose.

 

[Bearsixty7]

well there was a lot of debris (leaves/dirt) in between the radiator screen and the battery, but I opened the air filters and it is dirty but nothing large in there. I beat out a lot of dirt from it but didn't seem to stop the smoke on turn on/off. I'll have to get a new filter and also check the oil, injector, etc. The oil does look dark on the tip stick so good time to do the service I suppose.

Better to use an air wand (at low to medium PSI) to blow out the air filter from the inside. Of course replacement is the best option.

Also, what oil are you using? Different oils can reduce or contribute to blow by.

 

[chsdiyer]

Good question. i'm not sure. It would be what ever type the LS recommended in the manual and purchased at tractor supply. I haven't changed it since the 50 hour service and i'm at 230 hours now.