after going through everything else, it was the rack that was the problem with my d4 78a. cleaned it up and starts right up.

Check that the compression release lever has not been moved, unless it was removed when the pony motor was removed. I would think you would have smoke if you have fuel but check the lever anyway.


Somedays it is much more trouble to prime the pump after changing filters than others. Most times I loosen the fuel lines to bleed the pump. But one time I spent 3 or 4 hours fussing. Hauled air compressor out into the field, still nothing. Started as soon as I opened the pump bleed screws with 1/4 turn wrench that is a pain. I need the socket.

also check the oil level in the injection pump it is the slotted bung below the rectangle cover plate. the oil should be at the bottom of the thread. it takes engine oil. if the throttle lever for the operators seat position is anything like our machine you wont get good feel from it due to wear and play. try the lever on the governor housing it should give good feel full fuel/noise is pushed to the rad as far as it will go.

Something that comes to mind is they knew how to start it. Mine starts from a pony motor. there are no glow plugs so while the pony warms up a little it warms the intake manafold on the diesel and gets a bit of coolent flowing. after the pony warms a bit I engage the pony clutch with the diesel compression release on. I dont see a compression release in your pic so idk if you have one. then while the pony motor is spinning the diesel getting its blood warm and the fuel lines primed for a min I then push in the compression release with the diesel at about 1/4 to 1/2 throttle and let it try an fire. so if I was going to convert that I would have to consider that start procedure. Im assumming you need to let it spin longer before you release the compression release.

its a fuel problem. either they arent setting the lever correctly. the rack is sticking closed, the govenor isnt allowing the rack to open fully as its fualty. there is a airlock somewhere, or the lift pump isnt lifting fuel to the injection pump properly. or a blockage some where preventing fuel flow.

the most likely are a air lock or the rack isnt opening enough. as it was running when they loaded it on the truck. it ran fine when they unloaded it. the next day wont start so that makes me think a bit of crud was loosened during the move and is causing a blockage.

Youre right. I was thinking they just bought it and never had the attempt at cold starting it.

Why do people post a question, with pictures, get 14 helpful (?) replies and then don't even indicate that they read the replies?

Death in the family? Had the computer repossessed? Death in the family? Just an asshole?

Why do they even buy something so old they dont have a clue how to operate it??????????????????????????  "no fuel gauge but has good pressure" Doesn't know what the thing with the little window is!

they dont really have a fuel pressure gauge. its more a idiot light. it does tell you something. but most machines today dont have em anyway and have a idiot light that indicates every problem and tells you nothing unless you have a diagnostic computer.

the golden rule if in doubt RTFM. read the flamin manual!
how hard is it buy a machine track down a owners book.

Are you sure that when you flip it to compression it is going all the way? If you say you are getting smoke how much? Without the Pony engine it makes it hard to say that you even have the main engine warm enough to fire. If the rack is not stuck, the plungers are working, and the compression release is working it could be just that. I hate to suggest it but give it a sniff of Starting fluid and see if it goes. If it doesn't hit at all you know you are having a compression issue. If it does hit and then dies you know you are not getting the right amount of fuel. If it does hit and stay running, then I would say the main engine is not warm enough. You may need to look into glow plugs if it doesn't have any and if it does make sure they are working. Being electric start, it has probably been bottle fed starting fluid its whole life and won't go anymore without it.
Best of luck
Rob