We bought the diesel RTV at an auction (had been stored in a dry garage) and ran it without any issues for a year, then it sat for 5 months due as we waited to fix a broken front shock and axle, no thanks to a grandkid. It has about 500 hours.
After the repair, it started fine and ran for about 30 minutes. We parked it, then the next time we cranked it, it would not fire or even sputter. I replaced the fuel stop solenoid, got it started and it ran like it was un-governed at high rpms with lots of black smoke. Pulling back on the throttle cable had no effect so I shut it off by squeezing the fuel line. Here is the sequence of what I did, leading up to then:
1. The tank had been about 1/3 full. I filled it using a really fine diesel filter as I always do.
2. Replaced the fuel filter.
3. Checked for fuel flow post-filter. It was good.
4. Checked voltage to the fuel stop solenoid and got 12 volts on both wires.
5. Tried to remove the fuel lift pump to see if there was anything obviously wrong. Since it didn't want to come all the way out, I tightened it back up.
6. Opened the injector connections to bleed air. I never was able to see fuel get pumped out.
7. Ordered and installed a Chinese fuel stop solenoid for $35 compared to upwards of $130 for the Kubota OEM part. We don't have unlimited funds.s
8. Started the engine and that's when all h@#$ broke loose, no throttle control, had to squeeze fuel line to shut it off.
9. When unplugging the solenoid the whole cover came off and I realized that it had fried itself.
We do not have any reputable Kubota dealers nearby. The guy who fixed the suspension took months to work on it. So, I would appreciate advice!
I don't want to assume anything at this point. Bad fuel, clogged fuel filter, or an air pocket could have been the original issue. I could put the factory solenoid back in, but at this point I am gun-shy. I don't think there is any reason to suspect the injector pump, but please correct me if I am wrong. If running the engine briefly at high rpms could have damaged it, maybe now is the time to take it to a dealer. Should I just re-install the solenoid and give it a try? Thanks in advance!
After the repair, it started fine and ran for about 30 minutes. We parked it, then the next time we cranked it, it would not fire or even sputter. I replaced the fuel stop solenoid, got it started and it ran like it was un-governed at high rpms with lots of black smoke. Pulling back on the throttle cable had no effect so I shut it off by squeezing the fuel line. Here is the sequence of what I did, leading up to then:
1. The tank had been about 1/3 full. I filled it using a really fine diesel filter as I always do.
2. Replaced the fuel filter.
3. Checked for fuel flow post-filter. It was good.
4. Checked voltage to the fuel stop solenoid and got 12 volts on both wires.
5. Tried to remove the fuel lift pump to see if there was anything obviously wrong. Since it didn't want to come all the way out, I tightened it back up.
6. Opened the injector connections to bleed air. I never was able to see fuel get pumped out.
7. Ordered and installed a Chinese fuel stop solenoid for $35 compared to upwards of $130 for the Kubota OEM part. We don't have unlimited funds.s
8. Started the engine and that's when all h@#$ broke loose, no throttle control, had to squeeze fuel line to shut it off.
9. When unplugging the solenoid the whole cover came off and I realized that it had fried itself.
We do not have any reputable Kubota dealers nearby. The guy who fixed the suspension took months to work on it. So, I would appreciate advice!
I don't want to assume anything at this point. Bad fuel, clogged fuel filter, or an air pocket could have been the original issue. I could put the factory solenoid back in, but at this point I am gun-shy. I don't think there is any reason to suspect the injector pump, but please correct me if I am wrong. If running the engine briefly at high rpms could have damaged it, maybe now is the time to take it to a dealer. Should I just re-install the solenoid and give it a try? Thanks in advance!
