B6100 Power Loss

[Jesse]

Hi,

I have an older Kubota B6100 that has seems to lose lots of power once it warms up. The engine has even slowly idled down just yesterday when I had only mowed for about 30 minutes even though the thottle was still in full position. The hour meter shows 1500 hours and is in working condition. I am beginning to wonder about he real number of hours and if this engine is wore out. Any ideas? This is getting very, very frustrating. I am a gas engine guy, not diesel.

Thanks,
Jesse

 

[ZackaryMac]

Before panic sets in, there are at least 3 things I can think of for you to check.
1) Be sure the radiator is full of coolant (close anyway, as there is no overflow bottle), and that there is no grass or other obstructions blocking the cooling fins. The fan is quite strong and can easily pull grass/leaves etc against and into the fins, blocking cooling air from flowing through.
2) Make sure the gas tank is venting properly, allowing air to enter as fuel leaves. Also check the little filter where the shut-off is on the right side of the engine (follow the fuel line).
3) Less likely a problem, but still possible, are valves set a bit too tight - they may not be closing all the way when the engine gets hot, lowering your compression and power.

These are very durable little engines, good for MANY hours. I heard a B6200 the other day and the engine was quieter than mine. I believe I have something worn or loose in mine, though after 140 hours, it hasn't gotten any louder.
FWIW, I run my tractor at about 3/4 throttle when mowing. I found it didn't mow any better at full throttle then less, and it uses less fuel this way. Snowblowing is about the only time it gets the WFO treatment (or almost full throttle anyway) when the snow demands it.

 

[Egon]

Maybe also check the air filter.

Egon