Tractor Repair: diesel wont start, allis chalmers, white smoke

Question
I have a 1972 Allis chalmers 160 diesel.It was running fine baleing hay then started losing power and blowing black smoke out the exhaust.Tried to drive it home but it finaly quit.It blows white smoke out the exhaust when I crank it and sometimes tries to start but will not stay running. Please help

Answer
Hello,

  Normally, loosing power and then stopping would be a sign of a plugged fuel filter, but if it was blowing black smoke then it sounds like it was getting fuel but not enough air.  Remove the air filter and see if it will start.  If the filter is clean, then check for an obstruction in the intake or a collapsed hose etc.

                      Arnie