L3400 started after long layoff, then died, now just cranks..

[jrprice]

Started up my L3400 (4WD) this past weekend after a long layoff (a year). Battery was dead, but after replacing it, it started right up. :thumbsup:

But...

The throttle was sticking, so I parked it (running) to apply a little WD40 to the linkage to loosen it up. While it was running, it sputtered and died. Now it cranks, but won't catch/turn over.

Thoughts?

1) Fuel and/or filter?
2) Plugs

anything else jump to mind as the probable problem and steps to resolve?


thanks for any insight...

 

[MikeInEburg]

Certainly start with fuel as this is a very likely culprit. Inspect the contents of the fuel bowl. Clean/replace filter. Make sure you have a steady stream of clean fuel coming from the tank.

Plugs? As in spark plugs? Extremely doubtful in your machine.

 

[jrprice]

Thanks for the quick response.

I was leaning that way. Seemed to be the most obvious thing to me, but after sitting for so long...

So, the filter only has about 120 hrs on it, but replacing it makes sense. But, any particular things to look out for when doing so? Is it as simple as unclamping it, changing it and reclamping it? Will it "prime" on its own or is there something manual I have to do? Questions, questions...

I'm reasonably handy with a car (for the very simple stuff) but have never tackled anything beyond fluid (oil, hydraulic) replacement on a tractor, so it is a bit intimidating. Strictly a weekend warrior.

 

[Bluegill2]

How old is the fuel? Is the tractor kept inside or out in the weather? Water in the filter bowl?

Fresh fuel and filter is likely all it needs, but you may have to bleed the system.

 

[jrprice]

Fuel... over a year (though I topped it off with fresh) in the tank.

Tractor is kept outside under an open shed/roof.

Haven't checked for water in the filter housing, but plan to change the filter cartridge anyway.

Bleed the system? Tips? Not sure I know how to do that.

 

[ccsial]

Will it "prime" on its own or is there something manual I have to do? Questions, questions..

It may not. But there is a bleed screw that you can open. See your owners manual.

Was is stored outside? You may have water in the fuel tank.

 

[jrprice]

Yes, stored outside but kept under a shed (open, no walls) roof.

I'm thinking I can cut off the suction side of the fuel filter, disconnect the fuel line at that point, and drain fuel and fuel/water from the bottom of the fuel tank. Probably dump a 1/2 gallon or so of fluid. Then, replace the fuel filter cartridge and clean out the bowl. Hopefully, won't have to bleed the injectors (found a good YouTube video on how to do it.)

ccsial - you mention a bleeder screw... where would that be located on the L3400?

 

[k0ua]

Yes, stored outside but kept under a shed (open, no walls) roof.

I'm thinking I can cut off the suction side of the fuel filter, disconnect the fuel line at that point, and drain fuel and fuel/water from the bottom of the fuel tank. Probably dump a 1/2 gallon or so of fluid. Then, replace the fuel filter cartridge and clean out the bowl. Hopefully, won't have to bleed the injectors (found a good YouTube video on how to do it.)

ccsial - you mention a bleeder screw... where would that be located on the L3400?

Up above the injector pump.. its a gray knob as I remember it.. (I don't have one to look at any more)
fill tank with fuel, turn air vent knob counterclockwise, to open it, crank and start engine, let it run for 30 seconds, shut off engine, close the knob, clockwise. restart engine and go on. Hope this is right.. I don't own the tractor anymore.

James K0UA

 

[ccsial]

K0UA is correct.

The knob is about 1/2 inch in diameter, it is knurled, and located just above the oil fill port by the injection pump.

It may take a bit to get it running but mine always finally starts. Then I run for 30 seconds, shut off, and close the valve.

The manual suggests the tank be less than half full before removing the fuel filter. I fill the filter bowl with fuel before installing.

 

[jrprice]

My thanks to all who responded. I'll be giving it a go Friday (with a printout of this thread in hand).

Any others thoughts, advice and suggestions are certainly welcome.

jrprice