John Deere 4230 Problems

Tx Jim · Jul 30, 2015

Sump screen is located between rear hyd filter cap & rear axle housing. No more that those hyd filter cost I think I'd change them if it were my tractor.
AR75603 Filter Element - ELEMENT,OIL FILTER ADD 8.20 USD

buickanddeere · Jul 30, 2015

On a different topic . Is the engine slow to crank and a lousy winter starter ?

bound2needhelp · Jul 30, 2015

True, it is a very cheap way to eliminate a potential source. I'll look for the sump screen tonight.

bound2needhelp · Jul 30, 2015

Somewhat slow but I swapped out the 2 6volts and put in 2- 12 volt batteries and that made life a lot better. I always have to use starter fluid in the winter. I have in the last month added fuel system cleaner during refueling to try to make sure my injectors were clean. This tractor has always been a pig about starting until I did that. compared to what it was I feel like I have a new beast.
If the tractor has sat for a few days I can expect 10-15 seconds of cranking before it starts

Tx Jim · Jul 30, 2015

bound2needhelp said:
True, it is a very cheap way to eliminate a potential source. I'll look for the sump screen tonight.

To inspect sump screen either oil needs to be drained or insert the nozzle of an operating shop vac into hyd filler hole to create a vacuum to limit oil draining out.

buickanddeere · Jul 30, 2015

bound2needhelp said:
Somewhat slow but I swapped out the 2 6volts and put in 2- 12 volt batteries and that made life a lot better. I always have to use starter fluid in the winter. I have in the last month added fuel system cleaner during refueling to try to make sure my injectors were clean. This tractor has always been a pig about starting until I did that. compared to what it was I feel like I have a new beast.
If the tractor has sat for a few days I can expect 10-15 seconds of cranking before it starts

Ground the battery cable under a start mounting bolt instead of on that crusty stud on the right side of the engine block . It makes a world of difference .
I would use a hydraulic pump destroker and a block heater before hammering the engine with ether .

bound2needhelp · Jul 30, 2015

I do have the battery grounded to one of starter bolts. I am hoping things will be better this winter since using the fuel system cleaner and when it is below zero I do plug it in. I have an engine block heater and an inline water heater ( not so eloquently said)
the 2-12 volts have made a significant difference to the cranking quality

buickanddeere · Jul 30, 2015

bound2needhelp said:
I do have the battery grounded to one of starter bolts. I am hoping things will be better this winter since using the fuel system cleaner and when it is below zero I do plug it in. I have an engine block heater and an inline water heater ( not so eloquently said)
the 2-12 volts have made a significant difference to the cranking quality

Looks like you have it well covered. You are three steps ahead of the usual operator.