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TB 50 Deutz 48hp 3cyl Diesel

Ed Wandler

Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2021
Messages
13
Location
Maidstone
I have a TB50 Snorkel lift, has always ran great. I fired it up yesterday to clean some windows and shut it off while cleaning I fired it back up to move and it started to sound like it was running out of fuel. I shut it off and checked fuel level, probably 5 gallons in tank. Decided to change spin on and in-line fuel filters before restarting. Fired up for a couple of seconds and quit now spins over but won’t start. Any ideas what could have happened?
 

Ed Wandler

Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2021
Messages
13
Location
Maidstone
Did u fill the filter up with fuel before installing.??
Try it..
Hold the throttle to mid way and spin it over ..
Thanks for your help, I did fill the filter prior to installing. There is a air valve on the neck of the fuel tank that I pressurized in hopes it would help pressure up the system. I’m not sure how to throttle it up as it only has the electronic foot pedal that raises rpm for lifting and moving!
 

Ed Wandler

Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2021
Messages
13
Location
Maidstone
Did u fill the filter up with fuel before installing.??
Try it..
I don’t think the filters were the problem, I think something else happened to starve it for fuel. Not sure if it could be the pump or a solenoid that could have failed that shut the fuel off!
 

MarshallPowerGen

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 26, 2017
Messages
442
Location
Northwestern USA
Occupation
Generator Technician & Equipment Mechanic
F3L2011 Engine.

Can't confirm on your issue, but definitely check the screen in the lift pump. Should just be a torx screw on the cap, and they're usually pretty full of junk from the fuel tank. Could be your lift pump went out and that's your issue, but without checking fuel pressure you won't be able to confirm.
 

Ed Wandler

Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2021
Messages
13
Location
Maidstone
F3L2011 Engine.

Can't confirm on your issue, but definitely check the screen in the lift pump. Should just be a torx screw on the cap, and they're usually pretty full of junk from the fuel tank. Could be your lift pump went out and that's your issue, but without checking fuel pressure you won't be able to confirm.
Thanks for your suggestion, I’ll check it out, wasn’t aware of a screen and maybe check the pressure on the lift pump. I checked the fuel shutoff solenoid for power even removed it to visually verify and tried to start it with it out so that’s okay. I removed the lift pump it looks to visibly okay! What pressure should the lift pump put out? Ive always be impressed by how good it started, seemed to start as soon as the starter was engaged even after sitting all winter! It has a plastic fuel tank.
 

MarshallPowerGen

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 26, 2017
Messages
442
Location
Northwestern USA
Occupation
Generator Technician & Equipment Mechanic
IIRC the mechanical lift pump is around 3-5psi. Check your rubber lines for rubbing/cracking/leaks. Had a couple that would run for a bit showing good fuel pressure, and then a clog in the line or internal collapsing would make the gauge go negative.

If you're lift pump doesn't have the primer built in, one of those hand pump inline fuel bulbs can be a big help to get everything primed without burning up a starter.
 

Ed Wandler

Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2021
Messages
13
Location
Maidstone
IIRC the mechanical lift pump is around 3-5psi. Check your rubber lines for rubbing/cracking/leaks. Had a couple that would run for a bit showing good fuel pressure, and then a clog in the line or internal collapsing would make the gauge go negative.

If you're lift pump doesn't have the primer built in, one of those hand pump inline fuel bulbs can be a big help to get everything primed without burning up a starter.
Thanks for your help! I pushed air back thru to the tank, there is a air fitting on the tank neck so I pressurized the fuel tank with air, it runs! Yay! But the shaft with the roll pin coming out the side of the case is sheared off so that’s my next problem. I’m assuming the front end of the engine needs to come off to replace the broken shaft for the throttle/governor, would I be correct? If the front end needs to come off it may be a good time to change the timing belt at the same time. I am a mechanic but not a diesel mechanic. Is this something that I should be tackling and if so do I need specialty tools since the timing is not out, can I just remove the belt and install a new belt without putting the timing pins in the crank and cam slots? I also seen the a belt tensioner gauge is used to get the proper tension!
 

MarshallPowerGen

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 26, 2017
Messages
442
Location
Northwestern USA
Occupation
Generator Technician & Equipment Mechanic
Glad to hear it was just a clog! Shoot me a PM with your email and I can send you the workshop manual that has all the teardown and assembly info. Timing is easy to do. You'll need the security bit to get the cover off, and would definitely recommend getting the pins and tension gauge and do it right. Gets a lot pricier if the tension is off.
 

Ed Wandler

Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2021
Messages
13
Location
Maidstone
Thanks for all your help and suggestions! I really think it was the broken throttle/governor shaft that shut engine down not a fuel issue as I originally assumed. Once I detected the broken shaft which has tension on it and caused it to shut the fuel off. The unit shows 2499hrs, I don’t know the history so it’s probably a good idea to swap a new belt don’t you think? I’m in Western Canada, any suggestions as to source for parts ie: throttle shaft, torch socket, timing belt kit would be much appreciated! My email is edwandler@hotmail.ca I have a visegrip on the shaft so I can at least get it to my shop to do the work!
 

MarshallPowerGen

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 26, 2017
Messages
442
Location
Northwestern USA
Occupation
Generator Technician & Equipment Mechanic
Email sent with the workshop manual. Should be able to find everything online, but looks like you might want to contact your nearest "Simson Maxwell" since they cover a lot of Canada.
 
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