1520 running poorly

[OregonAaron]

Hello again, I was using my 1520 today and I noticed the exhaust tone changed to more of a loping tone and steadily started losing power. Then when I moved the throttle lever to make the engine run faster it wouldn't rev past about 1/4 throttle. The engine had very little power and was smoking more than normal. This steadily got worse to the point that it could barely move under its own power. This seemed to me a fuel starvation issue, so I verified that fuel was flowing from the tank- it was. I am going to pick up a new filter on Monday morning because a few months back I had an issue with junk in the tank. I am no diesel mechanic, I know alot more about gas engines. With any luck it will be a clogged filter. The fuel system has zero leaks so I don't think air is leaking into the system. Any suggestions by the YT brain trust? I know the only other items in the fuel system is the injection pump and the injectors them selfs. Also, what is the wire on the injection pump for?

 

[Dieseltech]

If the tractor has the JDB Roosa/Stanadyne pump, try loosening the two screw timing cover on injection pump side. If engine acts OK WITH the fuel leak, but acts up again
with the cover tight, it's confirmed that injection pump needs repair soon. DO NOT knock out the return fitting check ball and keep running it, or you WILL shear the
retainer pins, seize the hydraulic head and break the drive shaft. Try this test after you have confirmed good fuel flow to the injection pump..

 

[OregonAaron]

Okay, I will try this Monday when I can get a new fuel filter. Thank you

 

[OregonAaron]

So apparently my fuel tank is full of dirt or junk. I changed my fuel filter this summer and the glass bowl on the filter was full of brown scum when I took it off today. Literally the whole filter was packed full of gross brown sludge. I cleaned it all up and put a new filter on today and it runs fine. Looks like I will be changing filters fairly often for awhile. Thank God nothing is wrong with the injection pump, I really can't afford that repair right now.