9 hours ago
The Bobcat 873 is a reliable skid-steer loader used in various industries, from construction to landscaping. However, as with all machines, it’s not immune to problems. One common issue reported by operators is when the machine starts only with the help of fluid starter spray, but runs smoothly after that. This article will explore the possible reasons behind this problem and offer steps to resolve it.
The Role of Fluid Starters in Diesel Engines
Before diving into the troubleshooting process, it's essential to understand what fluid starters do. Fluid starter sprays are a quick-start solution designed for use in cold or difficult starting conditions. They contain a highly flammable compound, typically ether-based, that helps ignite the engine's fuel when the starting process struggles.
Although fluid starter sprays can be effective for getting a diesel engine running, they should not be a permanent solution. Frequent reliance on starter fluid suggests an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. In the case of the Bobcat 873, if it starts only with fluid starter, it indicates that something in the engine or fuel system is malfunctioning.
Possible Causes for the Starting Issue on Bobcat 873
Several factors could be causing the Bobcat 873 to start only with the assistance of fluid starter. Below are the most common causes:
1. Fuel System Problems
The fuel system is central to starting any diesel engine. If there’s an issue with the fuel delivery, the engine may struggle to start. Common problems within the fuel system include:
Diesel engines often rely on glow plugs to heat the combustion chamber and aid the ignition process, especially in cold conditions. A faulty glow plug can make starting the engine difficult, and the engine may only start with the aid of starter fluid.
The starting system of the Bobcat 873 relies on a healthy battery to provide enough power to the starter motor. If the battery is weak or failing, it may not supply the required current to start the engine.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Diesel engines rely on high compression to ignite the fuel. If the compression in the engine is too low, it may fail to start without external assistance like starter fluid. Low compression could result from worn piston rings, damaged cylinder heads, or leaking valves.
Troubleshooting Tips:
While the starter motor is responsible for cranking the engine, it also needs to be in good working order. A failing starter motor may crank the engine too slowly or intermittently, making it harder to start.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Here’s how you can systematically troubleshoot the starting issues on your Bobcat 873:
Once the issue has been resolved, it’s crucial to follow some preventive maintenance practices to keep your Bobcat 873 running smoothly:
Starting issues with the Bobcat 873 can often be frustrating, but by systematically troubleshooting the potential causes—such as fuel system problems, faulty glow plugs, low battery voltage, compression issues, or starter motor malfunctions—you can quickly identify and fix the problem. Fluid starter sprays are a useful temporary solution, but understanding the root cause and addressing it will ensure the loader starts reliably in the future.
In the world of heavy equipment, maintaining your machinery is key to long-term performance. By following these troubleshooting steps and conducting regular maintenance, you can ensure your Bobcat 873 continues to perform optimally for years to come.
The Role of Fluid Starters in Diesel Engines
Before diving into the troubleshooting process, it's essential to understand what fluid starters do. Fluid starter sprays are a quick-start solution designed for use in cold or difficult starting conditions. They contain a highly flammable compound, typically ether-based, that helps ignite the engine's fuel when the starting process struggles.
Although fluid starter sprays can be effective for getting a diesel engine running, they should not be a permanent solution. Frequent reliance on starter fluid suggests an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. In the case of the Bobcat 873, if it starts only with fluid starter, it indicates that something in the engine or fuel system is malfunctioning.
Possible Causes for the Starting Issue on Bobcat 873
Several factors could be causing the Bobcat 873 to start only with the assistance of fluid starter. Below are the most common causes:
1. Fuel System Problems
The fuel system is central to starting any diesel engine. If there’s an issue with the fuel delivery, the engine may struggle to start. Common problems within the fuel system include:
- Clogged Fuel Injectors: Injectors play a critical role in delivering the fuel into the combustion chamber. If the injectors are clogged, they may not deliver the required amount of fuel, making it difficult for the engine to start.
- Fuel Contamination: Dirty or contaminated fuel can clog fuel lines or fuel filters, restricting the flow of fuel and making it harder for the engine to start.
- Weak Fuel Pump: A weak or failing fuel pump may not provide adequate pressure to the engine, preventing it from starting properly.
- Check and clean the fuel injectors.
- Inspect and replace any clogged fuel filters.
- Test the fuel pump to ensure it is delivering the proper fuel pressure.
Diesel engines often rely on glow plugs to heat the combustion chamber and aid the ignition process, especially in cold conditions. A faulty glow plug can make starting the engine difficult, and the engine may only start with the aid of starter fluid.
- Faulty Glow Plugs: Over time, glow plugs can wear out or malfunction, leading to poor ignition performance, especially in cold weather.
- Faulty Glow Plug Relay or Wiring: Even if the glow plugs themselves are fine, issues with the relay or wiring that controls them can prevent them from activating correctly.
- Inspect the glow plugs for damage or wear.
- Check the wiring and relay for proper function and replace any faulty components.
The starting system of the Bobcat 873 relies on a healthy battery to provide enough power to the starter motor. If the battery is weak or failing, it may not supply the required current to start the engine.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Check the battery voltage using a multimeter. A healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts when fully charged.
- Clean any corrosion from battery terminals and ensure they are tightly connected.
- If the battery voltage is low, recharge or replace the battery as needed.
Diesel engines rely on high compression to ignite the fuel. If the compression in the engine is too low, it may fail to start without external assistance like starter fluid. Low compression could result from worn piston rings, damaged cylinder heads, or leaking valves.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Perform a compression test to check the health of the engine's compression.
- If compression is low, further investigation is needed to determine if piston rings or valves need to be replaced.
While the starter motor is responsible for cranking the engine, it also needs to be in good working order. A failing starter motor may crank the engine too slowly or intermittently, making it harder to start.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Inspect the starter motor for wear and ensure it’s engaging properly.
- If the starter motor is weak or malfunctioning, it may need to be replaced.
Here’s how you can systematically troubleshoot the starting issues on your Bobcat 873:
- Check Fuel System:
- Inspect the fuel injectors, fuel filters, and fuel lines for any blockages or damage. Clean or replace components as necessary.
- Test the fuel pump’s pressure to ensure it’s working correctly.
- Inspect the fuel injectors, fuel filters, and fuel lines for any blockages or damage. Clean or replace components as necessary.
- Inspect Glow Plugs and Relay:
- Examine the glow plugs for wear or damage. Replace any faulty glow plugs.
- Test the glow plug relay and wiring for continuity, and replace faulty components.
- Examine the glow plugs for wear or damage. Replace any faulty glow plugs.
- Test the Battery:
- Measure the battery voltage. If it’s low, recharge or replace the battery.
- Clean the battery terminals and ensure the connections are secure.
- Measure the battery voltage. If it’s low, recharge or replace the battery.
- Conduct a Compression Test:
- Perform a compression test to assess the condition of the engine. Low compression could be a sign of worn piston rings or valves that need repair.
- Perform a compression test to assess the condition of the engine. Low compression could be a sign of worn piston rings or valves that need repair.
- Examine the Starter Motor:
- Check the starter motor for wear or faulty connections. If the motor is not functioning correctly, consider replacing it.
- Check the starter motor for wear or faulty connections. If the motor is not functioning correctly, consider replacing it.
Once the issue has been resolved, it’s crucial to follow some preventive maintenance practices to keep your Bobcat 873 running smoothly:
- Regularly Change the Fuel Filters: To avoid clogging, change the fuel filters at regular intervals as specified by the manufacturer.
- Test the Glow Plugs Annually: Regularly check the condition of the glow plugs, especially in cold climates, to ensure reliable starting.
- Inspect the Battery: Keep the battery terminals clean and ensure the battery is fully charged before each use.
- Run Engine Diagnostics: Periodically run engine diagnostics to catch potential issues before they turn into major problems.
Starting issues with the Bobcat 873 can often be frustrating, but by systematically troubleshooting the potential causes—such as fuel system problems, faulty glow plugs, low battery voltage, compression issues, or starter motor malfunctions—you can quickly identify and fix the problem. Fluid starter sprays are a useful temporary solution, but understanding the root cause and addressing it will ensure the loader starts reliably in the future.
In the world of heavy equipment, maintaining your machinery is key to long-term performance. By following these troubleshooting steps and conducting regular maintenance, you can ensure your Bobcat 873 continues to perform optimally for years to come.
