Diesel Gator

JimS · Jan 20, 2015

I have a diesel JD Gator that suddenly quit
running.

It had been sitting idling, was placed into
gear, and as soon as the parking brake was
released, it quit (never touched the
accelerator).

Upon trying to restart it, it turned over at a
rather high RPM rate, faster than I have ever
heard it, or any diesel turn over, when trying
to start; almost like a gas engine with the
coil disconnected.

I tried it with a little starting fluid (I
know). It started but ran briefly with a
horrible cackling sound.

Any thoughts or suggestions to figure out the
problem would be appreciated. Also, good
sources for parts, new or used would be
appreciated.

David G · Jan 20, 2015

I would never use ether if it was at all warm, easy to blow things up, that would probably be the horrible noise you stated.

It sounds like an electric interlock to the fuel supply failed.

JD Seller · Jan 20, 2015

I hope you did not damage the engine with starting fluid. On the small diesel it only take a little bit one time.

Check and see if you have power to the injection pump shut off coil/solenoid. It sounds like you lost that. At least to start with. I am willing to bet your have more trouble after the starting fluid.

As for used parts?? GOOD luck. There are not many around and they usually did not give much trouble so even fewer have been salvaged.

notjustair · Jan 20, 2015

If it is like my Gator just dig a hole and push it in. I've never had somehing with so many problems when it was bought new. In 900 hours I have replaced things that you never have to replace in the life of a farm vehicle. Some of them twice.

jimg.allentown · Jan 20, 2015

The engine spinning unusually quickly is a good indicator of a timing belt/chain/gear. If it has a belt (uncommon on diesel engines), it likely has failed. If it has timing chain, I would suspect a stripped gear, sheared keyway, or something similar.

CBBC · Jan 20, 2015

Jim, I really don't know but good advice from the other guys.

Please follow up and let us know what you find out and how you fix it. My guess you will be going to Mother Deere for parts...I'm going there tomorrow for something else incidentally.

I must say I wasn't particularly fond of our diesel gator at first, but after 5 years we haven't done anything to it but change the oil. It always starts and runs and behaves as it should.

Good Luck, Grant

JimS · Jan 20, 2015

Thanks.

I love the Gator. I know a lot of folks don't. I worked with three diesels and one gas at other jobs and eventually got two of my own (package deal, two non running).

At one job, the owner had an accident that sent one down a very long, very steep hill side (50 degree?). It jumped two roads and spun around once before coming to a stop. It bent the frame, but it never stopped running and never flipped (I have the old Gator model with no suspension). Yes it is slow. Yes it turns slow. Yes it does not drive or handle like a SUV, but my experience has shown them durable and amazingly safe.

What ever is wrong with this one will get fixed and I will let you know.

Thanks

CBBC · Jan 20, 2015

Yep, they are pretty handy rigs...spendy but you can get deals and fix most issues without too much trouble.

My old 6x4 gas had a timing gear strip and it did spin fast with no firing of course. Rebuilt and back together for another few years until the frame cracked under the foot wells. Welded back up and ran some more...kind of been sitting for a while now.

I have an old AMT running still but the transmitting isn't engaging well.

Look forward to hearing what your issue is.

GordoSD · Jan 21, 2015

So what was that horrible cackling sound?

David G · Jan 21, 2015

I would bet ether.

JimS · Jan 22, 2015

OK. You will love this.

I heard a lot about the valve train failing, so I pull the valve cover, and turn it over to see everything working.

I then pull a fuel line, no fuel. I pull the filter, OK but no fuel up to it. I swap the fuel solenoid with another Gator to no avail. I finally check for power at the solenoid, nothing. I run the wires and find an electrical connector that had unplugged itself from the ignition switch.

Had I listened to my girlfriend who was driving and paid closer attention, I would have noticed no lights and no fan, which are also indications that the connector was unplugged.

A little bit of a run around but a cost nothing fix.

Diesel Gator

JimS

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David G

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JD Seller

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notjustair

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jimg.allentown

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CBBC

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JimS

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CBBC

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GordoSD

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David G

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JimS

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