Go BottomA Little Performance - Diesel
 | 6400man
Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 5 Shrewsbury, PA 
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2004-02-29 78252
I really have two questions about my diesel Gator. It seems to have increasing difficulty firing off when it is cold, even after the preheat light goes out, and seems to smoke more than it used to when it first starts. Filters have been changed and I'm using the same off-road diesel.
My other question is what can I do to add a little more zip to it? Last year after it came back from the dealer for some work (new clutch-I overloaded it) it just seemed slower for some reason.
Thanks for any ideas. It is one useful tool.
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 | DRankin
Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 5116 Northern Nevada 
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2004-02-29 78259
I have had two small Yanmar diesels and both have had the symptoms you describe.
I have come to the conclusion that it is a Cetane deficiency. Get a good fuel additive..... one that advertises a 6 or 9 point increase in Cetane and add the maximum dose to your fuel. It is like making your own premium fuel.
Actually I have miscalculated and added three times the max dose and all it did was smooth out the engine even more and make it TOTALLY smoke free, even on cold morning starts.
I don't think you can use too much considering even 3x dose is less than 2 oz mixed with 128 oz of fuel for less than 1.5 percent of the total volume.
Right now I am experimenting with red fuel and a max dose of Red Line 85 Plus COMBINED with a max dose of Power Service. I have a very happy little Yanmar at the moment and I suspect I will have a happy little Kubota too. ....
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 | Peters
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 3034 Northern AL
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2004-02-29 78263
Definately can be what Mark suggests. I had a bad tank of diesel from NC one day and the Cummins ran so rough I took the truck in to the dealer on the way home to have it checked out. Just bad diesel. ....
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| 6400man
Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 5 Shrewsbury, PA
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2004-02-29 78275
Guys, I appreciate your help. I'll give it a try and see what happens. In my storage tank, I put a standard dose of Diesel Service additive, sold at Tractor Supply, but I do that so I can pump it over the winter, mostly, and it is supposed to keep down moisture in the fuel.
This sounds like it will really help the situation. It sure is cheaper than a turbo...
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 | Chief
Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 4297 Southwest MiddleTennessee
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2004-03-01 78392
6400man, I second what Mark mentioned. When you say you replaced the filters, I take it that included the air filter as well and fuel filter? (sure you have, just making sure those boxes are checked off)
If you still have not noticed an improvement. You may want to have the dealer check the injection timing to see if it has changed since new. (it should not have, but it is wise to verify) Another source of performance deterioration is dirty or fowled injectors. The extra fuel additive should address and help this potential problem but if it persists you may want to have the injectors pulled and bench tested for proper popping pressure and spray pattern. These 2 criteria can drastically effect performance if they are out of spec. ....
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Add PhotoA Little Performance - Diesel
| 6400man
Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 5 Shrewsbury, PA
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2004-03-01 78404
Yes, I did change the air and fuel filters. I'm running Rotella Oil, which I really like, both in the tractors and Gator, as well as in my PowerStroke.
After DRankin's and Peters' suggestions yesterday, I went out and bought some good cetane booster, and really loaded it up, to about 4X, and ran it around a bit.
I will say that this morning, it started much easier, and hopefully the improvement will continue as the system gets cleaned out. This tank should make a real difference, and if it does, I'll cut it back to 2-3X for the future.
I really appreciate the suggestions. ....
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Add PhotoA Little Performance - Diesel
| 6400man
Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 5 Shrewsbury, PA
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2004-04-04 82137
Wanted to let you know that it is starting and running much better, but it is getting warmer, too. Up to 25 this morning. Starts without much issue, and seems to be moving well, too.
Thanks for the info!! It's only been about 2/3 of a tank, but it is definitely better...
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