No Power

[andre876]

Got a CAT 430E and it's been losing power. It drives slowly, the front and back bucket have low power to lift and dig and it's just overall weak and not what it was.
What could be the problem and how can it be fixed?

 

[Dave Neubert]

sounds like pump going out

 

[Delmer]

Does the engine slow down when you try to drive up a hill in too high gear? and is there any smoke visible from the exhaust when it does? If no smoke, then I'd guess you're starving for fuel, like a plugged filter or something in the tank to the transfer pump.

 

[andre876]

sounds like pump going out

We thought this might be the issue and took out the hydraulic pump and had it cleaned and reinstalled but the problem is still there.

 

[andre876]

Does the engine slow down when you try to drive up a hill in too high gear? and is there any smoke visible from the exhaust when it does? If no smoke, then I'd guess you're starving for fuel, like a plugged filter or something in the tank to the transfer pump.

Yes. Very slow going uphill, like 2 kmh and 10kmh on the flat. It doesn't smoke though. Washed out the fuel tank recently as well. Problem persists.

 

[Delmer]

Right, it will be slow. BUT does the engine slow down more than it used to? That is much slower than I'd expect.

Fuel is blocked somewhere, filter, soft hose, trash in a fitting, transfer pump.

you could test the fuel pressure, but easier to inspect usually.

If the fuel pressure going to the injection pump is fine, then it's possible the injection pump is worn, but not likely, that's the last resort.