What are the common tractor engine problems?
- Damaged spark plugs
- Drained battery
- Clogged fuel filter
- Overheated engine
Just like other agricultural machinery, your tractor also needs proper care. Take time to perform pre- and post-op inspections, have the equipment regularly checked by a professional mechanic, and keep up with a preventive maintenance schedule too. Without daily inspection and maintenance, you might not spot early signs of common tractor engine problems. Keep on reading to learn more!
Damaged Spark Plugs
Spark plugs provide the spark that ignites the fuel and air, allowing your tractor engine to produce power. Although these are made of extremely durable material, they can still wear down over time. The spark plugs get less efficient and produce weaker sparks — causing problems such as misfiring, hard starts, failure to fire, and more.
In this case, you’ll need to have your spark plugs replaced to continue tractor productivity on your farm. Fortunately, replacement is easy and inexpensive. You’ll need to replace this component depending on how much you use your tractor, but experts recommend doing it every 100 hours to keep the component in peak condition.
Drained Battery
Another reason why your tractor is difficult to start or won’t start at all is because of a weak battery. In this case, the engine doesn’t turn over as quickly as usual. In some cases, you might only hear a click, but nothing happens after that. The battery can become drained if you don’t use the tractor for a long time. In some cases, you’ll only need to charge it to fix the problem.
To prevent start-up issues, make sure that you maintain not just the battery, but also the posts and cables. Clean them regularly as material deposits can affect the operation of the battery. Corroded terminals can also prevent the current from traveling properly.
Making time to inspect and clean the battery can go a long way when it comes to the lifespan of this component. You can check the manufacturer’s manual for more tips on how to take care of the battery. If the issue persists, you might have to call a professional mechanic.
Clogged Fuel Filter
If the engine turns on but fails to start, one of the things you should check is the fuel filter. This component is responsible for preventing harmful debris, such as dirt and rust particles, from entering the engine. This protects the engine from unnecessary wear and tear.
But fuel filters get clogged over time. If this happens, the fuel won’t properly reach its destination. One symptom that you need to change your fuel filter is when you’re experiencing hard starts or stalling. In some cases, your tractor might just come to a stop when you’re driving.
By replacing your fuel filter regularly, you’re ensuring that your engine is burning clean fuel. Consult your manufacturer’s manual in how often you’ll need to do this.
Overheated Engine
There are plenty of reasons why your tractor is overheating. First, let the engine cool for a few minutes, then check the coolant level. Don’t attempt to touch the radiator cap while the engine is hot. If you do, the pressure from the coolant can send the cap flying and expose you to very hot steam.
The coolant is the fluid that protects your engine from overheating. In some cases, just filling up to the right level can fix the problem. Make sure that you use the right product to prevent further issues. Other than that, make sure to look for damaged hoses which might be causing a leak. This can happen due to something as small as a pinhole, so have a professional diagnose the issue.
But sometimes, the issue might be because of a dirty radiator. If this happens, the dirt in the cooling fins will obstruct the airflow, leading to an overheated engine. In this case, a proper cleaning might do the trick. You can use compressed air, but be very careful not to damage the fins. Lastly, double-check if the thermometer is malfunctioning because it might also be the reason behind the overheating.
Key Takeaway
The engine makes it possible for your tractor to convert power into motion, so you can operate it on your farm. But when other components fail, you might experience issues using this farm machinery. The good thing is that you can prevent these common tractor engine problems if you put effort into daily inspection and maintenance. If the issues persist, you can contact a professional to help you.
Fortunately, we also offer after-sales services here at Ford Tractor. With 7 company-owned service centers and 100-in house mechanics, we will do our best to get to your site ASAP when you need us. We are committed to repairing your tractor in the shortest time possible and providing the necessary spare parts for replacement, so you can continue operations and lessen downtime.
