Need help 4500 ford tractor/backhoe will not start

DLking · Dec 17, 2014

I was digging with the backhoe and the tractor just stopped running. I assumed i ran it out of fuel. we have changed the fuel filter and tried getting the air out of the system. for a while there was no fuel coming out through the overflow but now there is. the tractor will start and run for a moment or two then stops running again. any suggestions i'm frustrated. the tractor has been sitting now for about 4 weeks.

Ecnerwal · Dec 17, 2014

Well, if your question asking reflects your troubleshooting, you'll need lots of luck.

You might start by telling us if it's gas or diesel...eh?

JF in MI · Dec 17, 2014

I do this all the time on my 4500. The common
mistake most folks make when trying to bleed the
system out is cranking the engine with the throttle
at idle. Crack all the fuel fittings up at the
injectors and crank with the throttle full open.
When you get a good messy flow then tighten the
fittings and try starting normally. If it starts run
it fast for a while.

Jim

DLking · Dec 17, 2014

(quoted from post at 10:48:26 12/17/14) Well, if your question asking reflects your troubleshooting, you'll need lots of luck.

You might start by telling us if it's gas or diesel...eh?

Sorry its diesel,

DLking · Dec 17, 2014

Thank you Jim,
I will try that right now. How can i tell if the fuel pump is working ok?

DLking · Dec 17, 2014

We cracked all 3 fuel injectors, throttle wide open and cranked. fuel came out all injectors but it would not start. used starter fluid so it cranked for a few moments but still will not stay running on its own.
Were we suppose to crack all fitting all the way back to the fuel filter?

JF in MI · Dec 17, 2014

There is a bleeder screw on the fuel distributor
housing but I assumed you bled that out first.

Jim

Ecnerwal · Dec 17, 2014

I learned to avoid running out of fuel the first time I needed to prime mine. They are a pain to prime. I plan fuel filter changes far in advance, as that's the only reason I need to prime, if I'm careful.

You need to get all the air out of the system. When air gets into an injector line, very little if any of it comes out (because the injector pump is high pressure but low volume, and the bubble "squishes" rather than being pushed through the injector to any great extent.)

If you can pull-start the tractor (not usually practical with a backhoe) you can get it past this. Otherwise you need to keep the battery charged and limit starter time so you don't fry it.

Once you have bubble-free fuel at each injector, tighten them up and try to start. I do them one at a time front to back.

Use extreme restraint with ether. Hot air is a lot safer.

Need help 4500 ford tractor/backhoe will not start

DLking

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Ecnerwal

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JF in MI

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DLking

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DLking

New User

DLking

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JF in MI

Well-known Member

Ecnerwal

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