[hitefox1]

I need some help in troubleshooting my JD 455. A little history. Tractor has 240 hours of use. Still like new. Has loader and deck attachments. I use this tractor for its loader for my landscaping around my house. Today, the engine was bogging down right after I removed it from the garage. After pushing full throttle it would hesitate to respond.
Never would reach full throttle. Backed throttle down to it lowest position. It stayed running at low throttle, but just did not seem correct rpm.
Moving throttle control from low to high position
did not change rpm of engine. Now the engine will crank over, but will not start. Black smoke exits the exhaust pipe when turned over. Normal, I guess.
This is my first diesel engine not sure where or what to look for in troubleshooting. Yes, tank is full of fresh diesel fuel.
thanks Bob C.

 

[jkw]

Have you ever changed the fuel filter? That is what it sounds like.

 

[hitefox1]

Keith
Yes,the fuel filter was changed Sat. after the trouble of no starting. Previous filter looked okay, but installed a new one. No change, no start.
thanks Bob C.

 

[flymo]

Bob, check the fuel shutoff solenoid to see if it's opening all the way. I think you should be able to see the plunger move when you turn the key. Check the fuse too.

Did the new fuel filter fill right up on it's own, or did you "pre-fill" it?

Tim

 

[kencombs]

Also, make sure the tank pump is working. If not, see if there is power to the pump from the controller.

 

[hitefox1]

Tim
Filter cone was three quarters full when new filter went on. Shutoff solenoid seems okay.
Ken
This afternoon, I took off the fuel line from fuel tank to inlet of filter housing. I inserted fuel line into a glass bottle and did not see a lot of action from pump. Is the pump pressure very noticeable when working correcting? Any thoughts? Ever replace a fuel pump on a 455?
thanks, Bob C.

 

[vbosch]

Bob,
Before you replace the fuel pump, check the fuel pump fuse. Inside the dash tower by the circuit board is a loose red wire with an inline fuse, this is the fuel pump circuit. Clean that fuse holder really good, or even replace it.

 

[hitefox1]

Thanks Randy
The fuse was checked and was good. I will try a elevated fuel source, to bypass the pump.
Bob C.

 

[kencombs]

The pump is easy to change, but you need to make sure it's needed first. You'll need to pull the fender deck to access the pump and wiring for testing and/or pump removal. Once you get the fender off it is obvious what needs to be done.

You can unplug the wire connector to test for power to the pump. If it's got power, remove the pump. If not, let us know and maybe we can help check the cause.

 

[hitefox1]

Ken
In my troubleshooting methods, I removed the fuel line from the fuel tank and capped the end. I then took another fuel line and attached it to a remote source of fuel. A WaWa milk bottle. See picture. Engine started right up and ran fine. I then drove it into the garage for a later replacement of the fuel pump. I purchased a new pump. Will replace when I have some more time for the repair. Perhaps Saturday, when its cooler.
I will keep you posted.
Thanks, Bob C.

(Message edited by treed on July 12, 2011)

 

[flymo]

Nice shade tree diagnosis, Bob! Now you just need to run your milk bottle setup for a few months to get full "bubble gum and baling wire" recognition...

Tim

 

[hitefox1]

I replaced my fuel pump today in the JD 455. Works flawlessly, starts instantly. I put it to work right away, moving topsoil. Love the loader.
Thanks for the input guys. Bob C.

(Message edited by treed on July 16, 2011)