Tractor Repair: ford 801 diesel dies after getting warm, intake manifold gasket, exhaust gasket
QuestionFirst off thanks so much for this service. Now the guts... ford 841-D Tractor runs fine with not too much smoke until it reaches operating temperature, then progressively gets worse with a definite miss until it sputters and dies. After it cools off it's fine again. I wanted to ask before I tried changing the intake manifold gasket and surely breaking off some bolts in the head. The exhaust gasket is leaking for sure, and the rubber fuel lines look bad. The tractor does not seem to be running hot, and there is no mixing of oil/coolant. Replaced/cleaned all filters as well.
AnswerHello,
If you have already replaced the fuel filters, then check to make sure there is a good flow of fuel from the tank. It should run full stream, not just a dribble. It could have a restriction that is starving it for fuel. Also, the rubber fuel lines that look bad could be letting it suck air into the fuel, so replacing them might help. I assume you cleaned the air cleaner as well. It is very possible that there is a problem with the injection pump, but try all the simple things first before having the pump overhauled. It would also be a good idea to make sure the valves are adjusted to the proper clearances. An intake manifold gasket would not cause this problem but if you want to remove it, those bolts shouldn't give you trouble. It's the exhaust manifold bolts that will probably be a problem. Soak them for several hours with penetrating oil before trying to loosen them. If it has studs with nuts, you can heat the nuts with a torch and they will turn right off, but if it has bolts there's not alot you can do except spraying penetrating oil around the bolt and tapping it with a hammer before trying to remove it. Sometimes an impact wrench will break them loose before they twist off. If any do break off, you have no choice but to drill them out and tap new threads.
Good luck,
Arnie
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