855 no start

[hillbilly2]

I just purchased a non running 855.

The previous owner said it quit running while they were using it so they replaced it with a new one.

So far I have figured out that it needs a fuel shutoff solenoid but I can manually bypass that to get fuel to the injectors. I’ve bled it at each injector and it will somewhat fire on one cylinder.

The other issue that I didn’t see right away is one of the freeze blocks is missing. It is the one directly behind injection pump. Would the missing freeze plug mean maybe it was overheated?

Currentlly I’m thinking it could be one of two problems.
1. It possibly was overheated and doesn’t have enough compression to start.

2 Injection pump timing is incorrect.

Thanks

 

[lfnel]

Wow, this could get to be a long list.
1. You should be able by sound when cranking with starter if there's compression.
2. Is fuel filter totally plugged or full of water? There could be water accumulation in the bottom of the fuel tank. Tank need cleaned?
3. Is there fuel in the filter's sediment bowl or does it need primed?
4. Is manifold heater working? - see light on dash when you turn key to heater position.
5. I don't think overheating should blow a frost plug. That's more likely from freezing. I wonder if the head or block may be cranked.
6. Etc., etc., etc,.

 

[hillbilly2]

The intake heater is working. I can see and feel it getting warm.

It has good fuel flow to the injection pump. It need a new fuel filter assembly so I temporarily bypassed filter so fuel is going directly from electric pump to injection pump.

It definetly feels like it has compression but I don’t know if it is enough without pulling an injector and doing a compression test. I don’t have a diesel compression tester.

 

[Mike M]

Don't those have glow plugs in each cylinder ? If so they will need to work to start it.

 

[lfnel]

Are you aware that over time a layer of algae type stuff, looks and feels like snot, can build up in the fuel tank between the layer of inevitable water condensate and Diesel fuel? That stuff can plug up the intake screen that's on the end of the fuel pick up hose. There is a "fungicide" fuel additive to keep that algae build up from happening. but before using it I'd be sure my tank is really clean. I took my tank off and cleaned it. Siphoning from the very bottom of the tank every year or two will help immensely.

About the first thing I'd do is examine carefully to see if there's evidence of the block or head having cracked from freezing. Is the crankcase oil milky with coolant mixed with the oil? If cracked, you may have bought a basket case unless you get really lucky and can find replacement engine. Remember that Yanmar engine was used in several other application. Unfortunately the new on-line John Deere parts system won't let you do a "where used" search on a part number.

What is your model year and or Serial Number? Where are you located? I'm in Cedar Falls, IA and my e-mail is open. Got photos? I've run an 855 for 18 years and it's been relatively trouble free.

 

[lfnel]

If you have an electric fuel pump it's a relatively early model. I happen to have a used fuel filter assembly that I'd let go for about half JD's price.

 

[Scott 730]

(quoted from post at 10:54:24 03/13/19)
I temporarily bypassed filter so fuel is going directly from electric pump to injection pump.

.

:shock: :shock: So now if there is any crap in the tank it is now in the injector pump. :roll: :roll:

 

[hillbilly2]

This tractor doesn’t have glow plugs, just the intake heater.

The oil on the dipstick didn’t look milky but I will drain oil pan tonight and see what it looks like.

Thanks for the advice. I’ll post an update if things get better or worse with it.

 

[Russ from MN]

You should never bypass a filter on a diesel, that could cause an expensive injector pump rebuild!

 

[lfnel]

Oops, I see yours is an earlier 855 with an electric fuel pump. Mine is later with an engine driven mechanical fuel pump. The parts book gives different parts numbers for their fuel filter assemblies, but I bet they can interchange, at lest interchange maybe except for the mounting bracket. If we get to that point, we'll need to exchange some photos.

 

[Tx Jim]

(quoted from post at 22:51:49 03/13/19) You should never bypass a filter on a diesel, that could cause an expensive injector pump rebuild!

DITTO