Any body with Kubota Diesel Knowledge ?

[gensetsteve]

I bought a little all terrain forklift about 2 years ago with a Kubota 850 diesel 3 cyl water cooled engine. It was a non runner but I found the air filter was original from 1986 and blocked solid stopping the engine from running fitted a new filter started and run engine. When we changed the engine oil you could hear the little bits of carbon tinkling into the tin tray. I thought what a poor way to treat a decent bit of kit, But I am now ashamed to say we have run it about 20 hrs a week and changed the oil a couple of times and thats about it. The engine is a complete pain to start cold and once fully warmed up stalls and revs drop off. We have checked glow plugs and all seem to be working, I have adjusted valve clearances which were miles out. The engine sounds like it has good compression but does sound starved not alot of pressure from eng breather and does not smoke once warmed up even when revved hard. I am thinking it desperately needs a decoke and set of refurbed injectors but cant afford to have it off the road. What would you guys do find a good 850 or later 950 engine and stick it in one afternoon or strip and rebuild what we have. Although I am a diesel fitter I dont have alot of experience in little Kubota engines they tend to run high hrs on gensets and get changed.

[renewablejohn]

Might sound controversial but have you tried running the engine on kerosene rather than diesel. Our chinese tractor we bought new from the factory and did not smoke. Put red diesel in and it started slight smoking and the power was less. Went looking through the engine specs and found engine was designed for kerosene use as that is the common fuel in China. The added advantage has been no problems with injectors clogging up which the engines have a reputation for.

[difflock]

How does the injector pump stand running on Kero?

With the lack of lubricity?

Is it an old fashioned in-line type like wot Mercedes used to use?

[gensetsteve]

Might sound controversial but have you tried running the engine on kerosene rather than diesel. Our chinese tractor we bought new from the factory and did not smoke. Put red diesel in and it started slight smoking and the power was less. Went looking through the engine specs and found engine was designed for kerosene use as that is the common fuel in China. The added advantage has been no problems with injectors clogging up which the engines have a reputation for.

 

Genius never thought of it. We have been adding octane improver ( cheap boy racer diesel additive ) I may try a 50/50 mix of red and kero which will help lubricate the pump if it blows the engine we have not lost much as it was half dead anyway.

[renewablejohn]

How does the injector pump stand running on Kero?

With the lack of lubricity?

Is it an old fashioned in-line type like wot Mercedes used to use?

 

Dont think the pump is much of a problem after 12 years and over 6000 hours. If your worried about lube you could always mix in a bit of hydraulic oil.