Backhoe Ford 655D air cleaner restriction warning light

Red Arrow · Nov 22, 2015

Just bought a 655D in what we think is pretty good shape. About 2 hours into the first use this weekend, we got the yellow "air cleaner restriction" light warning. We checked the owner's manual and the fix seemed simple...clean/replace the filter. We open it and find a very clean filter. We pull the filter and run unit without to see if the light will go out. It stays on. Further, we notice a very definite loss of power, just as you would expect it to react when starved for air.

Any ideas what to look for?

Thank you for your advice.

TractorTech · Nov 23, 2015

Welcome to TBN.

TractorTech · Nov 23, 2015

Did you notice a power loss after or when the light came on but before you pulled the filter? Did more or mostly black smoke come out of the exhaust?
The air restriction light on most Ford tractors rarely come on before the filter is clogged to a point of replacement of the filter or performance reduction. I would think that the indicator switch is at fault in that sense.
Air filter clean and/or removed AND performance reduction probably a fuel problem, but would not exhibit the symptoms asked about above.

Red Arrow · Nov 24, 2015

the light came on after about 20 minutes of using the hoe. No noticeable power loss while digging. The power loss was very noticeable in a short 200 yard drive up a 5% grade. The engine rpm dragged (tact not function so specifics hard) and speed certainly slowed. Their was noticeable black smoke but not huge quantities during the ascent. Oddly, if I worked the loader hydraulics while driving up hill, the rpm's would increase while cycling the bucket. All the time the filter light was on.

Thanks for any help!!

Jerry/MT · Nov 25, 2015

If the air filter is fine and the light stays on with the air filter removed, make sure there isn't something in the intake manifold, down stream of the air filter. If there isn't your intake manifold pressure sensor is bad and you should suspect a fuel delivery issue restricting the power output.
Start at the tank and make sure that you have adequate fuel delivery at every section of line between the tank strainer and the injector pump.