JD 2020 Power Loss

[SDavisH]

I was mowing with my 2020 yesterday and after about 30-40 minutes it suddenly lost power. RPMs dropped and a puff of black smoke came out of the exhaust. It didn't stall and if I sat at idle for a minute I could continue mowing. Then it would occur again after only a few minutes of mowing. The tractor seems to run fine at idle. Any ideas on what could be causing this? I checked the sediment bowls on the fuel filter and didn't see any water. The front of my tractor is actually a 2120 and has a CAV Roto-Diesel injection pump. Are there any known issues with those pumps?

 

[thepumpguysc]

It sounds as if u didn't change the filter.?? CHANGE IT & report back..
Those inj. pumps will run, + or - a bucket of dirt in the fuel system.. but they gotta HAVE THE FUEL to run..
IF it has a lift/supply pump on it that feeds the inj. pump.. check it too..
IF it has a removable top on it, small screw in the center, check that too.. theres a screen in it..
Good luck & let us know..

 

[SDavisH]

Thanks, pumpguy. I did not change the fuel filters, so I will go ahead and do that. There is a fuel pump that supplies the fuel filter, but I don't believe it is the type with the removable top that has the screen you can clean out. I will report back once I've replaced the filters.

 

[Tx Jim]

I agree with thepumpguy that you should change fuel filter & also check for good fuel flow from tank to inj pump.

 

[SDavisH]

Tx Jim. What's the best way to check the flow from the tank to the pump? Disconnect the inlet line?

 

[Tx Jim]

Yes that's correct. Another thought is fuel tank isn't venting creating a vacuum. Try operating engine with a shop towel covering fuel tank filler neck.

 

[SDavisH]

Will do. Thanks, Tx Jim.

 

[SDavisH]

Okay, Fellas.

I have done the following:

- Changed the fuel filters and bled them

- Tested the fuel transfer pump. Disconnected it from the fuel filter and cranked the motor. Fuel squirted from the line.

- Checked the fuel inlet line into the injection pump. Disconnected it and fuel poured out.

- Replaced the gas cap.

I was again able to mow for about 30 minutes and then lost power (white smoke out of the exhaust and rpms dropped). The tractor seems to run fine at idle and will operate/drive at 1500 rpms. Loss of power occurs at higher rpms (ex. 2100) whether under load or not.

Any other suggestions for diagnosing this issue?

 

[Tx Jim]

Sounds typical for deteriorating inj pump drive coupler. Loosen both screws on IP timing window,be sure gasket is pried loose from IP housing. Start engine & if it operates correctly then remove check valve on IP that fuel return line attaches to. More than likely cheek valve is clogged with debris from drive coupler causing pressure inside pump to rise too high therefore pumping ceases. IP will need a new drive coupler installed which requires IP disassembly.

 

[SDavisH]

Sounds typical for deteriorating inj pump drive coupler. Loosen both screws on IP timing window,be sure gasket is pried loose from IP housing. Start engine & if it operates correctly then remove check valve on IP that fuel return line attaches to. More than likely cheek valve is clogged with debris from drive coupler causing pressure inside pump to rise too high therefore pumping ceases. IP will need a new drive coupler installed which requires IP disassembly.

Thanks, Jim

That’s a bummer. Is that an expensive repair? Do you need to worry about the engine timing before you remove a CAV IP (i.e. does the no. 1 cylinder need to be at TDC before removal)?