CASE 580 SL Low Power

[farmn]

Hi,
I have a 580SL series 2 that seems to be low on engine power. In first gear it'll barely chug up a hill and won't make over 1500rpm. I'm okay with engines but don't know a lot about diesels. My first thought is fuel. The main filter is new but there's a little can type in front of the lift pump that looks old. Has anyone seen this before / any thoughts on where to start?
Thanks!

 

[farmn]

There's some tests in the manual that have me run full throttle against the torque converter (in 4th gear) and the hydraulic pump then see what the rpms are. Rpms are low on all tests which points to the engine.

 

[reganj]

My .02,, It is either fuel or air restricted.
Check the cheapest and easiest first
Air Filter=Dont ask me how I know=remove filter and see if it changes
Fuel filler cap=when you remove it did it have a suction?
Did this happen all of a sudden or gradually?
Has any work been done recently?
I am sure someone will want a serial number.

 

[rickw]

That is your 1st stage fuel filter. Replace it. When you get it off dump the filter out and see if a bunch of crud comes out. We had the same issue with our super L and ended up being sediment in the tank and line. I pulled the filter and used on of these and clamped it to the line coming from the tank and got a big slug of rust and sediment ect. We then pullled the drain plug on the tank with the stabilizers down all the way so the machine was tilted way forward. then refilled the tank with the Diesel clean additive and have not had a issue since. The sediment builds up in the rubber hose where it has a droop in it on the way to that inline filter. I have found many more uses for the fluid extractor since I have had it. Changing oil in small engines, sucking old fuel out of the generator ect. https://www.zoro.com/mityvac-manual...s34yT3N4KpRvsITE3VIaArAaEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[farmn]

The book has procedures to test the lift pump and injectors but I'll start with the fuel line. That kind of thing makes sense in a machine that's nearly 30 years old. rickw - was the problem just the line or was there crud in the tank as well?

 

[rickw]

The book has procedures to test the lift pump and injectors but I'll start with the fuel line. That kind of thing makes sense in a machine that's nearly 30 years old. rickw - was the problem just the line or was there crud in the tank as well?

Mainly the sediment build up laying in the droop in the line over the course of 20 plus years. We messed with this thing for weeks. We replaced the filters and it would run good for an hour and then loose power, then the lift pump with the primer button thinking it was sucking air through that. ran good and acted up again. Didnt think the inline filter was plugged again after an hour because it was new! Low and be hold it was because it was gettting better flow and pulling crud up from the line and plugged up. When we would unclamp it we would pull the up stream clamp first so we were not spilling as much fuel and the junk would suck back down the line and filter appeared ok. Hook it back up and it would run good for an hour. Finally as a last resort I took out the inline filter and clamped the fluid extractor up to the hose coming from the tank and a big slug of junk came out. After all the frustration and replacing unnecessary parts we decided to drain the tank and flush the best we could and add the Diesel Kleen with the green label that is suppose to take care of the contaminants in diesel and have not had a fuel issue in years. I also replaced the rubber fuel lines coming off the tank as a preventive measure and its cheap. I am no diesel mechanic, I just knew it had to be a fuel supply issue

 

[farmn]

I just pulled the little filter and it was clean. I like the idea of new lines so will probably do that anyway. I guess the next step is to test the lift pump output pressure.

 

[farmn]

I'm a little frustrated now. I tried to check the output pressure of the lift pump. My gauge adapter is m8x1.0. The banjo bolt on the output is m8x1.25. Spent a half hour looking for the magic adapter and all I found was dozens of kits with m8x1.0 adapters. Why can't something just fit....

 

[Tinkerer]

Replace it with a new one.
If the old one is not the problem you will have as spare.

 

[farmn]

Pump is on order. I found a place on the output of the fuel filter to get a gauge on. Pressure is supposed to be over 25psi. Mine read 8. I'll do all new filters and fuel lines while I'm at it. Hoping she's back in fighting shape for $150.

 

[rickw]

I went down the same road as you are doing. The issue was ultimately sediment in the supply line to the lift pump. I would run to Napa and replace that hose and inline filter first. Its easy and only about maybe $30 fore the hose and filter

 

[Tinkerer]

While you have the pump off, remove the fuel tank filler cap and apply 3 to 5 psi of air into the tank and blow any crap out.
Be sure to reinstall the in-line filter with the flow in the right direction. It may or may not matter depending on who made the filter.

 

[farmn]

While you have the pump off, remove the fuel tank filler cap and apply 3 to 5 psi of air into the tank and blow any crap out.

Good idea - thanks.

 

[farmn]

It's fixed!
I put the new lift pump, fuel filters and fuel line in and it seems to run good.
I haven't used it yet but it passes all the power tests so I'll call that a win.

Thanks to everyone!!

 

[rickw]

Nice!! I spent weeks diagnosing the same issue. These forums are great for sharing past experience