timinmichigan
New User
I was given a 1967 Case Backhoe last week. It has sat outside for 5 years, unstarted. It reportedly had new clutch, new tires, new pistons, new hydraulic lines about 5-6 years ago. I am not a mechanic, but can do some basic things. So I put in new battery (12V), drained the fuel using both the tank drain and the first filter drain, changed the first and 2nd filters, bled it to the 2nd filter and then to the injector, verified there is some spitting after the injector when the starter button is turned. So it seems to be getting fuel. I took the air filter assembly off, cleaned it (but not put it back on yet). When I try starter fluid at the air-cleaner-attachment-pipe, it turns over very easily (too easy?) and makes a little black smoke, but doesn't start (or chug or anything). A friend said he thought it was turning over too easily. Even a larger spray of starter fluid, nothing. (turns over fine). What would make it not start with starting fluid after sitting 5 years, and reportedly ran ok previously (but needed starting fluid to start it in the past). I did note there was no cover over the exhaust stack x5 years, and some water may have gotten in that way. Oil looks ok, no water in it. What moves should I try next to get it going? Any help is appreciated. (then, next question, if I can't get it going, can you load a backhoe on a trailer that won't start?) --Tim