3020 Diesel Injector leak?

MNBobcat · Jul 4, 2018

Hi All,

Was mowing today and I noticed diesel dripping when I shut the engine off. It seems to be coming from the area of the fuel injector. It would be the most rearward injector and behind the generator. I didn't have a decent flashlight but near as I could tell it wasn't the rubber hose going to the injector. I think it was coming out around the base of the injector. I know it could likely be any number of things and I won't know until I work on it, but I was wondering if there was something common that typically causes this? It looked like there might be a bracket and a bolt holding the injector in? I was wondering if that bolt might need tightening.

I've never worked on the injector on this tractor before. Just trying to get some info before I tear into it.

Thanks!

jd110 · Jul 4, 2018

If the bolt holding injector in were loose, you most likely would see a compression leak. Most often when there is a fuel leak there, it is the rubber "boot" on top of the injector. A loose fitting at the fuel line, cracked fuel line or bad injector are likely causes.

beenthere · Jul 4, 2018

You can go to jdparts and put in your model no. and pick the choices by s/n and fuel injector schematics. With the schematics, are parts and no's for a pretty good description of what you are trying to sort out.
John Deere - Parts Catalog

There is more knowledge and experience behind member jd110, so follow his advice.

MNBobcat · Jul 4, 2018

Okay, that helps! Thank you!

jd110 said:
If the bolt holding injector in were loose, you most likely would see a compression leak. Most often when there is a fuel leak there, it is the rubber "boot" on top of the injector. A loose fitting at the fuel line, cracked fuel line or bad injector are likely causes.

Tx Jim · Jul 11, 2018

It would help to know if your tractors ""engine serial number"" is below or above 068000. Earlier SN had large Bosch injectors & later SN had pencil injectors with a rubber boot(R34765) that has a long history of leaking when they get old & brittle. If your tractor has rubber boots if you need to replace one you're much better off to replace ALL of the boots.

MNBobcat · Jul 11, 2018

Jim,

Thank you for the info and for the advice. My tractor has the rubber boots. I did purchase all of them for replacement. I've never replaced one before and I suspected I may need to loosen the tube (rail?) that they all connect to and I figured if there was any movement at all the other boots would probably start leaking.

Any tips on how to replace them? Am I correct that the feed tube (rail?) may need loosening?

Thanks!

jd110 · Jul 11, 2018

Yes, you need to remove the fittings on each end of the line completely or else you will bend the line and possibly cause it to crack and leak. I like to take the line all the way off and then remove all the old boots. Slide all the new boots down on the injectors and secure with clamps. Then install the second clamp down near the lower one. then fit the line down into the boots and tighten the fittings on each end. Then position the upper clamps into place.

Tx Jim · Jul 12, 2018

Ditto what jd110 stated. If utilizing factory spring type clamps having correct pliers helps when installing the clamps

MNBobcat · Jul 12, 2018

Those clamps really are annoying! I got everything apart and will put it back together a little later today. Meanwhile I'm going to make some calls to see if I can find a spring clamp pliers. There was a bit of cussing going on taking it apart!

Tx Jim said:
Ditto what jd110 stated. If utilizing factory spring type clamps having correct pliers helps when installing the clamps

beenthere · Jul 12, 2018

Google "spring clamp pliers" and lots of hits show up..

MNBobcat · Jul 13, 2018

None of the auto parts places had the pliers but the local hardware store (old timey store with everything) had a pair that looked like they had been hanging in the store for 30 years! I was so excited!

Even with the special pliers it was a bit tough going but I got 'er done. For anyone ever doing this job who might read this...don't even bother trying to use a needle nose pliers, vice grip or any other kind of pliers other than the special hose clamp pliers. Without the special tool you will be cussing a lot and it's not worth the grief! If you're in a jam you could make your own but for the $15 for the proper tool it's not worth making one.

I soaked the new boots in dish washing soap and then blew off the excess. That made slipping them over the injector easy. The soap just dries up and doesn't hurt a thing.