Tractor loses power and dies

Jeff Pistole · Feb 26, 2018

Hello,

I have a Kubota B2150 HST. Recently, while i was working it it started acting like it was going to die. The fuel gauge was getting close to empty so i thought it my running out. I filled it up and started working and again it started losing power. So i turned it off and let it cool down. First i checked the air filter and it was really dirty. I thought for sure this was my problem. However, I started it up only to discover the same problem. Next, I changed the fuel filter. Note: I bought this tractor used and someone had removed the original filter fuel ,bowl still there just no filter, and replaced it with an in line filter. The in line filter was between the fuel bowl and the fuel injection system. I went ahead and purchased the proper fuel filter, cleaned out the bowl and put it back together. I also removed the after market filter and replaced the fuel line. Still same problem. Wen the tractor is cold it starts fine and after about 5 minutes of operation it will begin to lose power and it will eventually die. I can let it set for a minute or two and restart it and it will run about another 30 seconds to a minute. The cooling system is leaking somewhere but it is currently full and the oil is topped off. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Jeff Pistole
Clinton, AR

CobyRupert · Feb 26, 2018

If not a fuel filter/delivery problem, which it might be, next time it starts to die try twisting fuel cap and listen for sucking sound, or if tractor comes back to life.

Mendonsy · Feb 26, 2018

The fuel cap breather being plugged up as mentioned above is a common problem.
If that's not it then there is probably something blocking the fuel flow from the tank to the filter. Algae or crud in the fuel can cause that.

Jerry/MT · Feb 26, 2018

Mendonsy said:
The fuel cap breather being plugged up as mentioned above is a common problem.
If that's not it then there is probably something blocking the fuel flow from the tank to the filter. Algae or crud in the fuel can cause that.

I second that.

Jeff Pistole · Feb 27, 2018

Okay i took the fuel tank off and cleaned it out and blew out the fuel line (it was stopped up) and put everything back together. The problem is corrected. The tractor is running fine. Now I have a new problem or 2 new problems actually. The first one is minor and that is the fuel gauge is reading incorrect. It stays on full no matter how much fuel is in the tank. My second problem is the big one. The the three point lift has stopped working. I don't know if I knocked something loose or what. I did notice that there is a small metal rod attached to the top of the right lift arm that looks like it hooks up to something below the lift control lever. I don't know where might find a diagram of the tractor that might show me where this piece goes. Thanks for the help with the fuel system. I hope someone can tell me whats wrong with the lift.

Thanks

Jeff Pistole
Clinton, AR

Agvg · Feb 28, 2018

What happens if you pull of the cable on the sensor in the tank?

Jeff Pistole · Feb 28, 2018

I haven't tried that. I'll do that and get back to you.

PILOON · Feb 28, 2018

I did notice that there is a small metal rod attached to the top of the right lift arm that looks like it hooks up to something below the lift control lever.====

Probably a component of the depth control mechanism. (happened to me but I managed to re create the rod)

As to fuel gauge, check all contacts, the system is basically a variable resistor (tank unit) and a meter that will read 'full' when 12 volts is applied. Appling 12 volts will confirm the meter.
The tank unit is a float (cork or plastic*) that moves on an arm to activate a variable resistor.
Some early units have a brass 'bubble' as the float and those can corrode and fill up with fuel.

I venture to guess a bad connection or ground.
Good luck!