5 hours ago
Cranking Without Firing Is a Common Issue on the 318D
A 2011 John Deere 318D equipped with the 1400HS engine may crank normally but fail to start, especially in cold weather. This issue often presents with black smoke during cranking, indicating incomplete combustion. Even after replacing glow plugs, starter, battery, and fuel filters, the engine may still refuse to fire. The root causes typically involve fuel pressure, cranking speed, and timing integrity—not just basic component failure.
Terminology Note
The machine cranks but won’t start, and black smoke suggests fuel is present but not igniting. White smoke from the intake side during cranking may indicate valve overlap or timing issues. A mechanic suspected the engine had jumped timing, but timing faults require special tools to confirm and should not be assumed without further testing.
Recommended Diagnostic Steps
In Pennsylvania, a seasoned equipment mechanic emphasized that the D-series engines are notorious for hard starts in cold weather. He advised against pulling the engine prematurely and recommended checking fuel pressure retention first. In Idaho, an operator noted that the primer bulb on the water separator became firm after cranking and stayed pressurized for days—suggesting the fuel system was holding pressure, but combustion was still failing.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
A 318D that cranks but won’t start is likely suffering from low cranking speed, poor fuel pressure retention, or cold-weather oil drag—not necessarily a timing failure. By using the onboard diagnostics, inspecting injectors and pushrods, and switching to synthetic oil, most no-start conditions can be resolved without engine removal. These machines are tough, but they demand precise conditions to fire in winter.
A 2011 John Deere 318D equipped with the 1400HS engine may crank normally but fail to start, especially in cold weather. This issue often presents with black smoke during cranking, indicating incomplete combustion. Even after replacing glow plugs, starter, battery, and fuel filters, the engine may still refuse to fire. The root causes typically involve fuel pressure, cranking speed, and timing integrity—not just basic component failure.
Terminology Note
- Cranking Speed: The RPM at which the engine turns during start-up; must exceed 200 RPM for proper fuel atomization.
- Fuel Pressure Retention: The ability of the fuel system to maintain pressure after cranking; should hold at least 4 psi for 10 minutes.
- Pushrods: Rods that transfer motion from the camshaft to the valve lifters; bent rods can prevent proper valve operation.
- Hydraulic Lifters: Valve components that self-adjust clearance; removing rocker arms without bleeding can damage them.
- Service Menu: Diagnostic mode accessed via the machine’s monitor for checking sensor data and fault codes.
The machine cranks but won’t start, and black smoke suggests fuel is present but not igniting. White smoke from the intake side during cranking may indicate valve overlap or timing issues. A mechanic suspected the engine had jumped timing, but timing faults require special tools to confirm and should not be assumed without further testing.
Recommended Diagnostic Steps
- Check cranking RPM: Must exceed 200 RPM. Use a diagnostic tool or monitor display.
- Verify fuel pressure: Enter service mode by holding the menu button until “SERVICE MENU” appears. Navigate to diagnostics → sensors → fuel pressure.
- During cranking: pressure should be stable.
- After cranking: pressure must hold at least 4 psi for 10 minutes.
- During cranking: pressure should be stable.
- Inspect injectors for compression leaks: With the valve cover off, look for fuel or air escaping around injector bases.
- Check pushrods: Do not remove rocker arms. Instead, rotate each pushrod by hand to detect wobble.
- Use correct engine oil: Switch to 0W-40 full synthetic to improve cold-start cranking speed. Older 15W-40 oil may be too viscous in winter.
In Pennsylvania, a seasoned equipment mechanic emphasized that the D-series engines are notorious for hard starts in cold weather. He advised against pulling the engine prematurely and recommended checking fuel pressure retention first. In Idaho, an operator noted that the primer bulb on the water separator became firm after cranking and stayed pressurized for days—suggesting the fuel system was holding pressure, but combustion was still failing.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Do not remove rocker arms unless absolutely necessary. Hydraulic lifters must be bled down afterward, or pushrods may bend on restart.
- Do not assume timing failure without confirming with proper tools.
- Do not overlook oil viscosity—cold-start performance is directly affected.
- Do not ignore stored fault codes. Use the monitor to check for active or historical errors.
A 318D that cranks but won’t start is likely suffering from low cranking speed, poor fuel pressure retention, or cold-weather oil drag—not necessarily a timing failure. By using the onboard diagnostics, inspecting injectors and pushrods, and switching to synthetic oil, most no-start conditions can be resolved without engine removal. These machines are tough, but they demand precise conditions to fire in winter.
