I am having difficulty starting a John Deere 870 which has been idle for several years. Engine starter and battery are in good condition. I have been manually purging air using the manual lever on the fuel injection pump. I have loosened the fuel lines (3 cylinder engine) at the engine fuel injector. Small amounts of fuel have been seen in two of the three fuel lines. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
John Deere 870 Starting Problem
- Thread starter Tylko
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Wolfy
Veteran Member
You need 2 people. First loosen a bleed screw or injector. Then remove the air filter. While one person trys to start the tractor, the other would spray either (as little as possible) into the air intake. There will be a lot of choking and sputtering but the diesel should catch. Then you can tighten the screw and put back the air cleaner.
RoyJackson
Rest in Peace
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I believe the 870 uses a heater in the intake system (not glow plugs). Use of ether is not a good idea.
IIRC, the 870 has a self bleeding system, so you should not have to break any lines loose. Since the tractor has been setting for an extended period of time, the fuel may have degraded and the seals at the fuel filter and water separator may also be bad (pulling in air).
We have a couple members on TBN who have or had 870's and I hope they chime in on this thread.
Wolfy
Veteran Member
Good info Roy, that I didn't know. Thanks
RoyJackson
Rest in Peace
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2001
- Messages
- 23,144
- Location
- Bethel, Vermont
- Tractor
- John Deere 4052R Cab,, Deere 855D UTV, Z920A Zero Turn Mower and assorted implements
No problem...
With that tractor setting around for a while (maybe years?), Tylko could have a multitude of problems...it could be something as simple as the fuel tank vent blocked up or a fuel line kinked or degraded.
Even with a battery that shows good, it may not be cranking fast enough (try jumping from a known good battery).
It could also be the timing is off a bit.
Put a chain on the front and pull it with a truck. Nothing crazy. Slow speed, select 2nd (mid) range and 1st or second gear. It may take a hundred yards or so, but the oil pressure will be up. When it catches, don't ram the tow vehicle. Make sure the key is on.... Tach should be working, but power steering won't likely be any good. But it ought to catch because of the piston speed (chamber heat).
Rpawnboy
New member
I know this is an old post but when I needed help this was were I ended up. I had the same problem jd 870 been sitting and no fuel to injectors. All the help with fuel filters and just checking for fuel flow was great but when I still had no fuel at injectors and nothing more from a goggle search I started to think on my own. It's been sitting and diesels are dirty as it is, I decided follow the fuel flow. First was the lift pump, a 2" wide circular bodied screwed to the bottom of injector pump with Phillips head screws. Also has a sping loaded thumb activated lever on it. I was careful as to save the gasket. It comes apart in two pieces. First is the cover little bit of garbage in it. The next piece the body has two plastic round disc that have a rubber fittin in the center to hold it there. They both were filled with garbage. I took them apart and cleaned them up but probably didn't have to take apart. It was a little difficult but unnecessary as I know now. Still no fuel at injectors. I then take top three fuel lines off top of pump. Then I remove the connector underneath them. Cleaned them up carefully and put back. Still no fuel at injectors. Above the lift pump and below the three fuel lines there is a cover with four Phillips head screws. Took that off to expose three spring plungers? One was stuck, I got it going up and down with carefull precision strikes with a flat head screwdriver and a hammer, a bit of pb blaster and patience I got it unstuck and yes I now had fuel and got it started.
dreed1195
New member
Taking the 4 phillips head screws out....does the 3 pistons with the springs on them raise from the bottom orlower from the top. Cant get them to move either way.
thepumpguysc
Elite Member
Dreed.. The pump has a camshaft in the bottom that lifts up the springs.. once the lobe passes, the spring tension pushes the spring back down.. SOMETIMES, as in the above posters msg, they can be "knocked" down.. MOST TIMES not..
I'm working w/ a fella off TBN right now that tried & messed up pretty bad.. the pump is on its way to me..
The part that is actually stuck, is in the middle of the springs.. called the pumping plunger.. its stuck because of old gummed-up fuel..
DO NOT go thru the top or loosen anything on the top of the pump without step by step instructions..
I'm working w/ a fella off TBN right now that tried & messed up pretty bad.. the pump is on its way to me..
The part that is actually stuck, is in the middle of the springs.. called the pumping plunger.. its stuck because of old gummed-up fuel..
DO NOT go thru the top or loosen anything on the top of the pump without step by step instructions..
Doc Snerdley
New member
The little Yanmar powered Deeres have the most miserable fuel filter in the universe, too small, passes moisture through the fuel, and clogs easily. If you are absolutely certain the filter is clean and clear, the lift pump is properly working, and you have tried priming the injection pump without success, it is time to send the injection pump off for service. In the future always use a fuel additive like Power Service Diesel Clean to keep the pump clean of fuel varnish.