jd 5520 fuel problem

[genestan]

I have a JD 5520 tractor that has an apparent fuel problem that seems to recur. It will run normally most of the time, and suddenly start "sputtering" and losing power. Revving the engine will clear the problem and return to normal. It happens pretty frequently - like every 15 minutes or so. It seems that sudden uphill or rough terrain will make it worse. Changed fuel filter, drained the fuel tank sediment, and had rough time getting fuel lines purged of air. Got it going again and ran fine. Now it fails to start (after a couple of weeks of use). Tried purging air with no success. Anyone encounter this problem? Seems like system starves for fuel, but only at times. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[F-I-T]

Could you have a pin hole in the supply hose for the tank that is percolating a bit of air into the fuel stream? Might watch the sediment bowl when it is running. Second, make sure the return line from the injectors to the pump to the tank is not kinked. Might just unhook that and place the end in a suitable container while you trouble shoot. Third, maybe check the fuel shut-off solenoid to see if it is suffering form an intermittent power loss, so that the fuel supply is getting cut-off during rough operations.

 

[genestan]

F-I-T: Thanks for the response and leads on what to check. Will do that first thing in the morning. Couple of questions - can I just reroute the return line to the tank into a container? Does the engine depend on gravity flow of diesel? Seems like the problem gets worse when the tank is less than half full. Will check the items you mentioned and thanks again! Will post the result if/when problem is resolved.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I had a similar problem and was sure it was fuel it turned out to be air.I replaced the air filter no problem after that.

 

[genestan]

Well, the mystery deepens. Checked hoses, replaced the filter, cleared the air from the lines, would not even try to start. Checked the fuel solenoid fuse and it was blown. Replaced the fuse and it will blow immediately. So, I guess that the fuel solenoid is bad? What does a person do to replace it, get a JD tech to come out or is that a DIY project? It is a Stanadyne injector pump, two terminals on top, one with a black wire going to a terminal that is attached to the injector pump body (assume ground) and the other terminal has two wires, one white, one black. I assume solenoid is internal to the injector pump? Any help or anyone having this problem with advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[steve wyatt]

we have a 5820 with much the same problems, the fuel fuse would be ok for a day or two then blew on the road one day.direct feed to pump from battery got it home with heavier fuse inline. new electric fuel pump cured this. now it wont start. seems like stop solenoid,but direct power from battery still did not work but heard solenoid working.then bled filter. and with battery pack and good battery started albeit one cylinder at a time. we also loose rabbit gears when run for about 2 hours and hot ?

 

[genestan]

Steve:

Thanks for the feedback on the solenoid problem, or what I thought was a solenoid problem. Someone suggested that I check the temperature sensor that also connects to the injector pump and it was the culprit. Apparently had developed a short. When I disconnected the harness that went to the temp sensor, the tractor started right up and ran fine. I replaced the sensor with a new one and it runs fine now. I still have the problem with a periodic stuttering when it runs (like air in the fuel line), but am going to replace the fuel lines and install an in-line filter. If necessary, will also install an in line electric fuel pump also. The fuel lines on that tractor seems to deteriorate after a while and will allow air to enter the system. Good luck with your problem and thanks again for your help.