Komatsu forklift down

[bamatoolmaker]

Hello guys,
Its been a while since I have posted here but I do need your help.
I have a Komatsu FG25T-12 type LP forklift with only 400 hours on it.
We bought this machine new in 1998. It has been taken care of
but quit 6 months ago and has not run since. I dont know the
first thing about this machine or LP gas in general. I live out in the woods
and have tried to get a tech out here several times. I have done a little
research and think the problem might be the vacuum fuel lock filter.
It appears I am going to have to learn how to repair this machine
myself. Do any of you have any advice?
Thank you for your time,
Scott

 

[diesel lover]

Hi there. Fleet truck mechanic here that also helps maintain opperation of 115 toyota lp forklifts. Nothing that different when it comes to an lp engine. Works similar to a Chevy throttle body. If your regulator has gone out/ or needs adj your machine will not start but crank. The regulator on an lp machine uses hot engine coolant to change the state of the liquid propane to a vapor propane. Its everything when it comes to fuel mixture and they can have issues.

I need more information. What is the situation? Cranking and no starting? Do you have a nice bright blue or purple spark? Please tell me more

 

[bamatoolmaker]

Sorry for the tardy response but I just started a new job. Its one of those where you leave home in the dark and its dark again when you get home. Yes I do have a good blue spark at the plug. It does crank and will attempt to start. It always seems to flood before I can ever get it to run. I have went as far as to try ether but that too has been unsuccessful. One thing I do recall is months back for a short time it was hard to start during the summer. It would start and idle but if you touched the throttle before it warmed up for 15 minutes it would die. Thanks for the reply,

Scott

 

[diesel lover]

Sorry for the tardy response but I just started a new job. Its one of those where you leave home in the dark and its dark again when you get home. Yes I do have a good blue spark at the plug. It does crank and will attempt to start. It always seems to flood before I can ever get it to run. I have went as far as to try ether but that too has been unsuccessful. One thing I do recall is months back for a short time it was hard to start during the summer. It would start and idle but if you touched the throttle before it warmed up for 15 minutes it would die. Thanks for the reply, Scott

sorry as well for my tardy response as I am switching jobs. I can easily help you with this matter. It sounds a lot like a regulator issue to me! A regulator works as a heat exchanger. The regulator works to covert liquid propane to vapor propane using heat from the coolant. When the engine is just started up in cold weather it will run rough. Raw liquid propane is tough to ignite especially when cold. I believe liquid propane has a higher volume which would cause flooding to occur. In my experience 2 weeks ago trying to get the Toyota forklifts running on the dock even with a new battery they would not want to start. These things start awful when cold and trying to ignite on liquid propane due to the volume of liquid propane being much larger! With excessive cranking they will still not start. I would use carburetor cleaner to help them start. Why would I do that? On a high compression engine like a propane combustion engine the compression engine ratio is much higher. Higher compression engines do not like ether. It is too volitle. I find carburetor cleaner ignites safely even on a -20 F engine. It ignites noticibly better than liquid propane does. On many regulators is an ADJUSTMENT screw. It man be covered by a small cap. Before starting or even while starting this screw can be adjusted to change the ratio of propane being injected into the engine. Try turning the screw clock wise to tighten the screw only adjust a small amount and try to start. Try to adjust further in the tighter adjustment. If tightening does not work you can loosen the screw and it may start! If needed I can call you to help over the phone. Not a problem what so ever. While the engine is running you can adjust the screw to get the mixture correct! Tighten screw while idling till engine runs rough or dies then loosen screw till engine starts running rough or dies. It's easy to find the place in the middle where the engine runs well! Again you can get assistance from me over the phone. I am searching for a new job as well. Just found a job repairing propane forklifts for a carpet company. Good luck

 

[melizaarora]

if you're trying to ID parts, the most common regulator is called a model J. Right on the unit itself with have 'impco model J' You can replace the entire unit or you can get repair kits for it. Pictures here:

http://store.intellaliftparts.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/jb-lr.jpg

There's also a lockoff called a VFF30. Same deal, can replace entire unit or just rebuild it. picture here:

http://store.intellaliftparts.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/vff30.jpg

There are different types of material in each version but they all serve the same purpose. You can get model Js and Vff30s made from silicone or hydrin. Silicone is best for cold weather climates but most techs probably don't even know there's 2 types available but I digress...

 

[bamatoolmaker]

Thank's guys,
The weather is finally improving and I will do my best to evaluate the lift this weekend. The new job is great but the 10 hour days are working on an old guy.
Thanks again and May God Bless!

 

[ashwood486]

I hope you were able to get your forklift repaired. I have almost the same problem with a Nissan forklift and would like to know if you were able to get going or had to try something else. thanks Jay