Mower will run OK for about half an hour then starts losing power to the point where it can no longer mow. I replaced the fuel filters withous improvement. Temp guage stays in the normal range.
I have a 1984 kubota diesel and the electric fuel pump will lose its ground. I always listen for the clicking sound before starting. It acts like it starves for fuel when this happens I just reach underneath on the frame and turn it slightly I need to do a permanent repair.
I have opened the fuel tank to relieve pressure with no change.
It starts fine, and initially runs well. Although when I first noticed the problem it was after I hit a good bump so fuel pump connection is definetly a possibility. I initially thought it may be a bad safety switch but a loose fuel pump connection is something I had not considered.
Keep the good ideas coming, I'll be working on it tomorrow and post an update for anyone that is interested.
When I changed the fuel filter, I did not get soaked with diesel, I will blow out the line to fuel tank tomorrow and see if that makes a difference.
You may have a fuel contamination issue. Hitting a bump and it goes could be the fuel pump, but could be water contamination as well. The bump lets the water rise in the fuel, allowing to got through the line. If not contamination, I would suspect the fuel pump.
It sounds like maybe you have trash in the tank or the line, ot you may have a small leak that is letting air in the line. I would start as you have suggested, blowing out the line and then look down into the tank opening with a small flashlight, sedd if there is trash in the tank. I've read a number of threads in other forums where trash was intermittently blocking the outlet in the tank, causing the engine to starve out.
I got a chance to take the cover off the mower. After blowing out all of the fuel lines and putting everyting back together, I was able to mow for about 5 hours with not problems.
Knock on wood, I think the problem is solved. Thanks for all of the comments, I was just about ready to send it to the dealer. This time of year, it would have taken weeks to get it back.
Your discussion thread jumped out at me. I have a Century 35 hp. diesel with the same symptoms. Changed filters, fuel pump and all fuel lines. Tractor would start ok but after it heated up for 30 min or so it would slowly loose power and die. I'd let it set in the field for an hour or two and it would start right up. Installed a clear fuel line on discharge side of pump to the injector pump and noticed small bubbles which would indicate a leak in the pump or suction line. Retightened all fittings and clamps . That was last spring and havent' noticed any loss of power so far this year but haven't actually loaded it up much, i.e bush hog. One of you said he noticed the problem after a bump occurred. Same for me. I hit a large rock without damage but a definite bump when the problem started. The elec. ground loosening might be worth pursueing. thanks,
