99 Bobcat 863 not starting

[mikorne]

I am by no means a mechanic and my skillset is pretty much limited to small engine repair and occasional car repairs. So, I would say I'm pretty much "green" to heavy machinery and diesel engines. That in mind, my 863 with a Duetz engine has never given any issues until the other day I started it up & ran it for about 5 minutes. I backed up a small incline, and when I got on level ground, the machine just cut out and won't start back up. I didn't notice any dark smoke when it was running for the 5 minutes prior to cutting out. Now it just turns over. First thing I checked my fuel and oil. Added fresh diesel and pulled the fuel filter to make sure there wasn't any water in it. Fuel bulb was hard and sent fuel out to where the filter is attached when I compressed it. This is where I've stopped and figured I'd pose my issue in hopes there could be a few simple things I could do/check before I shell out $$ for I'm sure to be an expensive mobile mechanic.

 

[mmsllc]

First of all, WELCOME to the forum. Second of all, don't sweat not being a mechanic. Also, let me say this, BOBCAT 863's are my favorite machines. I've used them to tear down houses & push 20,000 pound machinery around our yard, too. They are far from a small capability machine. The turbo-charged DUETZ engine is also far from a slouch!! (I think it puts out around 69 - 74 HP!!) * DID THE MACHINE LOW/ OUT OF FUEL?? Most BOBCAT machines are VERY sensitive to low fuel levels. So, be sure to add fuel to the tank or even top it off to be sure we know what we are dealing with. (FYI, they hold around 20 gallons) Then locate the fuel filter housing & GENTLY open the small flat head bleeder screw. Squeeze the fuel primer a few times & watch for air bubbles to escape from that screw. DID ANY AIR COME OUT?? If no air has come out in the fuel stream, GENTLY TIGHTEN THE BLEEDER VALVE NOW!! If some air did come out and now only fuel comes out, then most likely the machine was run low / out on fuel. The good news from that is the engine should start very soon with just a little more cranking. * TRY TO START THE MACHINE!! Push the throttle to about halfway while trying to start. (As it starts & runs, be sure to pull back on the throttle slowly once you are sure the engine is running good.) Did you hear the famous "CLICK" sound when you turned the key to the "ON" position? If so, that is another VERY GOOD sign. Did the engine start?? Please let me know if it started. If it did not, just let us know. (Last FYI, there is a repair forum section for this type of issue. If you can move the thread there, it will get a lot more attention to all members for even more help, if need be. It is located a little further down & Is titled "general repair".)

 

[Tazza]

First of all, WELCOME to the forum. Second of all, don't sweat not being a mechanic. Also, let me say this, BOBCAT 863's are my favorite machines. I've used them to tear down houses & push 20,000 pound machinery around our yard, too. They are far from a small capability machine. The turbo-charged DUETZ engine is also far from a slouch!! (I think it puts out around 69 - 74 HP!!) * DID THE MACHINE LOW/ OUT OF FUEL?? Most BOBCAT machines are VERY sensitive to low fuel levels. So, be sure to add fuel to the tank or even top it off to be sure we know what we are dealing with. (FYI, they hold around 20 gallons) Then locate the fuel filter housing & GENTLY open the small flat head bleeder screw. Squeeze the fuel primer a few times & watch for air bubbles to escape from that screw. DID ANY AIR COME OUT?? If no air has come out in the fuel stream, GENTLY TIGHTEN THE BLEEDER VALVE NOW!! If some air did come out and now only fuel comes out, then most likely the machine was run low / out on fuel. The good news from that is the engine should start very soon with just a little more cranking. * TRY TO START THE MACHINE!! Push the throttle to about halfway while trying to start. (As it starts & runs, be sure to pull back on the throttle slowly once you are sure the engine is running good.) Did you hear the famous "CLICK" sound when you turned the key to the "ON" position? If so, that is another VERY GOOD sign. Did the engine start?? Please let me know if it started. If it did not, just let us know. (Last FYI, there is a repair forum section for this type of issue. If you can move the thread there, it will get a lot more attention to all members for even more help, if need be. It is located a little further down & Is titled "general repair".)

If that doesn't fix it, time to take the rocker cover off and check the push rods. If they look like an S, your timing belt slipped or broke.