karlhubner
New User
The old gal, a delightful 1971 John Deere 350B Diesel Crawler Bucket-Loader, had a bit of a heart attack recently. Before delving _too_ deeply into her inner-workings, I'm wondering if anyone might have thoughts as to where to focus my attention.
The story goes...
A few months ago, after letting her rest for a couple of weeks, I started "Scoop" to do some work around the yard.
While I busied myself removing the backhoe, I heard a fairly loud "bang" accompanied by an engine slow-down (from around 18,000 to a loapy, barely-running 8k).
Thinking that my troubles might be fuel-pump related (I had rebuilt it a couple of years ago, getting rid of those pesky, fibrous washers), I busied myself investigating throttle-position, etc.
After just a few seconds I realized that the oil pressure had also fallen (to near-nothing, as far as I could tell).
I raised the bucket, to facilitate engine hoisting, and shut her down.
Draining the fluids, I found the engine oil black, instead of its usual honey-color, but am pleased to say that the engine still turns. After dropping the pan, there appears to be no obvious lower-engine anomalies, either. The trouble, affecting the oil pressure as it does, and the oil pump being prominent, prompted me to investigate the oil pump first. In keeping with the local John Deere dealer's insistence that he's "never seen a diesel's oil pump die", I realized that there was nothing apparently wrong with mine, either.
Would any of you, seasoned equipment-doctors, care to share insights?
Most 350B "bangs" seem to be attributed to the drivetrain springs, but in this instance, this is not the case.
The patient awaits, on her engine-stand down stairs, and I anxiously await any opinions.
Thanks for your time, and consideration.
The story goes...
A few months ago, after letting her rest for a couple of weeks, I started "Scoop" to do some work around the yard.
While I busied myself removing the backhoe, I heard a fairly loud "bang" accompanied by an engine slow-down (from around 18,000 to a loapy, barely-running 8k).
Thinking that my troubles might be fuel-pump related (I had rebuilt it a couple of years ago, getting rid of those pesky, fibrous washers), I busied myself investigating throttle-position, etc.
After just a few seconds I realized that the oil pressure had also fallen (to near-nothing, as far as I could tell).
I raised the bucket, to facilitate engine hoisting, and shut her down.
Draining the fluids, I found the engine oil black, instead of its usual honey-color, but am pleased to say that the engine still turns. After dropping the pan, there appears to be no obvious lower-engine anomalies, either. The trouble, affecting the oil pressure as it does, and the oil pump being prominent, prompted me to investigate the oil pump first. In keeping with the local John Deere dealer's insistence that he's "never seen a diesel's oil pump die", I realized that there was nothing apparently wrong with mine, either.
Would any of you, seasoned equipment-doctors, care to share insights?
Most 350B "bangs" seem to be attributed to the drivetrain springs, but in this instance, this is not the case.
The patient awaits, on her engine-stand down stairs, and I anxiously await any opinions.
Thanks for your time, and consideration.