IH 656 crank, no start. Wits end.

[NEPA ED]

Past few years I've let a guy cut and take the hay from about 18 acres of fields. Three years ago while he was cutting he couldn't start his 656 diesel. I don't know if he shut it off and couldn't restart it or if it shut off on him while in operation. One of the rear tires leaks at the valve stem and he had a jack in the field next to the tractor so I'm thinking he shut the tractor off to attend to the tire then couldn't restart it ?? None-the-less he ended up leaving it sit in the field and bought a new tractor. After 3 years and me contacting him to inquire as his plans for it he never came to get it. I pulled it out of the field this spring (not hydro) and up to my garage and have been trying to get it started but am pulling my hair out - if you saw my head you'd know how frustrated I am. The following is what I've done:
1966 656 D-282. 6300 hours.
Two new NAPA 12V batteries - both old ones tested bad and wouldn't take a charge.
Cranks but doesn't start. Some, but very little white smoke and I can smell diesel exhaust when cranking.
There was very little fuel in the tank initially but looked clean. Added 10 gal.
Changed both fuel filters.
Have fuel flow through both filters to the pump.
Return line is clear to the tank - blew into it and can hear it bubble into the tank.
Removed the injection pump inspection window - transfer pump is rotating.
Removed top cover of the injection pump - metering valve seems to be working.
Bled the system and have fuel going to each injection line.
All glow plugs are working. Verified by test light and by taking each one out and connecting to a battery to see them glow.
All this and still won't start.

Some observations:
When I removed the glow plugs one had quite a bit of carbon the entire length of the shaft but still functioned fine. The other 5 were relatively clean.
Disconnected one of the injection lines completely to see the force of the fuel going through the line while cranking - drips out the end of the line. Not high pressure ?
Glow plug meter goes up to halfway when pushing the button. Pretty much dead center between both ends ?

At this point I'm thinking it needs a pump rebuild and/or new injectors? Thing is it's really not my tractor and if the guy ever comes back for it he can have it as long as he compensates me for the batteries, filters and fuel. So I really don't want to sink money into a pump and injectors if not needed. If there are any other suggestions I would appreciate it.

By the way, I'm new to all of this. I'm no mechanic. What I've done and have been able to figure out I got from other threads on this site. Appreciate you all.

 

[SadFarmall]

It might be worth checking injection timing before spending too much.
SadFarmall

 

[NEPA ED]

It might be worth checking injection timing before spending too much.
SadFarmall

Thank you. I'll do it. Should the fuel just drip out the end on the fuel line? Shouldn't it be under significant pressure ?

 

[Jim.ME]

Thank you. I'll do it. Should the fuel just drip out the end on the fuel line? Shouldn't it be under significant pressure ?

Fuel will not spray from a high-pressure line. The pressure has to build in the line until it reaches the pressure that "pops" the injector open. The spray is from the injection nozzle.

Keep hands, fingers and body parts away from the high-pressure side of injection systems. Fuel injected into/under the skin has serious health implications and can even be fatal.

 

[NEPA ED]

Fuel will not spray from a high-pressure line. The pressure has to build in the line until it reaches the pressure that "pops" the injector open. The spray is from the injection nozzle.

Keep hands, fingers and body parts away from the high-pressure side of injection systems. Fuel injected into/under the skin has serious health implications and can even be fatal.

Yes. I've read that and appreciate the response. Everything I've read or seen tells me it's a fuel issue. Watched videos of guys starting diesel tractors that have been sitting outside for decades with trees and brush growing all around and they get those things started. Just doesn't make sense not be able to get this one running. Even if it ran poorly at least it would fire up. But no. Timing maybe? Next step.

 

[Mrfred54]

Air filter, I’ve seen them plugged tight after setting for a couple years. Mice can be a nuisance. The return fitting check valve clean?? Unhook the return line from the top of the pump and fitting, that’s the return check and try starting. It will make a little mess but if it starts then you know your problem.

 

[miangus]

Maybe it jumped timing. Does it run just giving it a light shot of starting fluid. Is the pre-heat system working correctly.

 

[Jim.ME]

Maybe it jumped timing. Does it run just giving it a light shot of starting fluid. Is the pre-heat system working correctly.

Unhook the glow plugs before using starting fluid!!! Glow plugs working and using starting fluid can lead to a bad big bang, not just inside the engine.

 

[NEPA ED]

Have not used starting fluid. Air filter is clear. Going to check timing next couple of days.