NH TC29D smokes and loss of power

RIDefender · Jan 12, 2018

Hi all, my first post to this site.

I have two NH tractors that I use mainly for snow removal at my facility. One is a TZ18DA and a TC29D. Yesterday while cleaning up around the building with the TC29D, I killed the motor when I was picking up some material stuck in the snow. The machine started back up, but very soon after started smoking (black) quite badly, so I quickly shut it down. I started it this morning and it ran moderately well, but shows a more than usual amount of grey smoke, and the RMPs drop off every couple of seconds. If I let off on the throttle a bit, the RPMs seem to come back, but will drop off again after a few seconds.

Any one able to give me some insight into what I may have done or need to be done to fix this?

Thanks
Dan

jbrumberg · Jan 12, 2018

Dan- Welcome to TBN.

Lugging is normal when the engine is straining at load at a given RPM. Black smoke is common while lugging. One can either reduce the engine strain and/or increase RPM's.

White/grey smoke = water.

RPM fluctuations could be a result of gelled fuel or water in the fuel running through the fuel filter/injectors. One should use #1 diesel in Winter. I also use additives to reduce the cloud point/gelling, eliminate water (as needed). I use a Mr. Filter water/fuel separating funnel to fill the fuel tank.

I use PowerService Winterizing additive to address the gelling and PowerService 911 as needed to remove water. Both additives can be used together.

I hope that this helps. I am sure other more knowledgeable posters will respond.

Good luck-

J

Phillip w · Jan 12, 2018

Have to agree with jbrumberg. Only thing I might add I'd try changing the fuel filter. Also, check you air breather. If you air filter is getting really plugged where it is restricting your air flow, that can make one smoke and do funky stuff. Hope this helps and welcome to.the forum.

Texasmark · Jan 13, 2018

jbrumberg said:
Dan- Welcome to TBN.

Lugging is normal when the engine is straining at load at a given RPM. Black smoke is common while lugging. One can either reduce the engine strain and/or increase RPM's.

White/grey smoke = water.

RPM fluctuations could be a result of gelled fuel or water in the fuel running through the fuel filter/injectors. One should use #1 diesel in Winter. I also use additives to reduce the cloud point/gelling, eliminate water (as needed). I use a Mr. Filter water/fuel separating funnel to fill the fuel tank.

I use PowerService Winterizing additive to address the gelling and PowerService 911 as needed to remove water. Both additives can be used together.

I hope that this helps. I am sure other more knowledgeable posters will respond.

Good luck-

J

+1...................

Jerry/MT · Jan 13, 2018

RIDefender said:
Hi all, my first post to this site.

I have two NH tractors that I use mainly for snow removal at my facility. One is a TZ18DA and a TC29D. Yesterday while cleaning up around the building with the TC29D, I killed the motor when I was picking up some material stuck in the snow. The machine started back up, but very soon after started smoking (black) quite badly, so I quickly shut it down. I started it this morning and it ran moderately well, but shows a more than usual amount of grey smoke, and the RMPs drop off every couple of seconds. If I let off on the throttle a bit, the RPMs seem to come back, but will drop off again after a few seconds.

Any one able to give me some insight into what I may have done or need to be done to fix this?

Thanks
Dan

Make sure that you have adequate fuel delivery from the tank to the injector pump. You could have some water in the fuel (try to keep the tank full to minimize condensation), make sure you have winter fuel in the tank or treat what you have with a good winter fuel additive. You can have crud in the tank that is restricting the strainer at the tank outlet and limiting fuel delivery. If you have a lift pump there maybe debris on the screen inside that pump. or the pump can be defective. Check the air filter for clogging.

jbrumberg · Jan 13, 2018

^^^^^^ +1 Another potential problem; especially if there has been bio-diesel fuel in the tank.

AWSubie · Jan 13, 2018

If the engine hasn't started to run normally after a few start stop cycles and you are still witnessing abnormal smoke, you might have blown a head gasket.

Phillip w · Jan 13, 2018

If you had a blown gasket (and it is possible) it should be hard to start, have compression problems. Generally, you are also losing coolant. Either the coolant is leaking at the head, or mixing with the oil. If it is mixing with oil, when the tractor is running pull the dip stick and your oil will have a milky appearance.