440 ICD Reverser problem

[Len]

I just bought an early 440 ICD with loader, 5 speed plus reverser. I have another 440 ICD but it doesn't have the reverser so this is my first experience with that unit. Reverser feels and works ok forward. In reverse position, it is a loose engagement. And then it will back up for a short ways and something seeems to pop out (lever is still in proper position.) Aditionally main clutch seems to be weak. So, a tear down is unavoidable. What is likely wrong with the reverser?

Also throttle is funky. It takes full throttle for a cold start and any backing off immedeately kills it. All fuel feed is in a narrow band of lever movement. It pulls ok at low rpm but a bit too little lever and you shut it off. Is this a linkage/ external adjustment problem? Or does this take some GM diesel knowledge?

It also is missing 3 or 2 bolt track pads. I assume that these can be found for less than an arm and leg.[/code]

[Gil]

Before you think tear down, you may just be facing some basic adjustment issues. Get the manual and follow the exact steps to set the tension in the direction reverser clutches. Do the same for the governor linkage on the engine. Position the throttle lever to where you want it to operate and adjust it from there. Both of the symptoms you mentioned could be caused by just being out of adjustment.

The engine clutch should not be judged by feel but by performance. It may just feel different than your other JD440 but still be fine. If you do find that you need to do a tear down on the reverser you can replace it then. Good Luck, Gil

[JD440ICD2006]

I agree that it sounds like adjustments should get the reverser issue corrected.

On the Detroit 2-53, they were designed to basically run at wide open (1,975 RPM. Rated governed speed is 1,850 RPM). You never want to idle this engine very long nor run it at a slower throttle setting. To shut these down, you are simply shutting off the fuel supply. It sounds like there are issues with the throttle linkage that is allowing the shut off to kick in.

As Gil said, go through all of the adjustments by the book (JD SM-2028)and that will lead you to either correcting it or learning the causes.

[Len]

Thanks. I'll try adjusting the reverser when I get a chance.

The engine clutch slips badly and it has proper free play.

Yes, I know that for normal usage the GM diesels are meant to be revved, but wide open is way too fast for many things like when loading on the trailer or backing into it's parking spot.

[JD440ICD2006]

Sounds like a new clutch my be needed.

Of coarse, running slow engine speeds briefly is fine. But I have seen a few folks at tractor shows let them idle for long periods of time.
These GM engines are almost bullet proof when operated as they were designed and maintained properly.
The "N" upgrade takes the compression to 21-1 which helps with starting.

[Gil]

To set the engine speed on my Detroit 2-53, I bought one of the inexpensive electronic laser tachometers on eBay. It cost less than $20 including shipping. Not only did it work great, it was also illuminating for me to see what the proper engine idle and full open rpms should be set at. I had been setting them by ear at what I thought sounded right, and I was way off. When we say to run the engine wide open, that assumes you have the throttle adjusted to the proper engine rpm when it is all the way open. Then you can just throw the throttle open to that point whatever work you are doing. On the opposite end of the range, adjust the throttle idle setting to not go below the low rpm stated in the spec.

[Len]

Thanks guys. I'm embarassed to say the reverser problem was primarily operator error: it's adjusted too tight in reverse and I wasn't getting it engaged. I can't even see that rear adjustment port behind the loader frame and tank. Maybe when I pull the engine to do the clutch it'll be easier to get to it.

[JD440ICD2006]

Assuming you have never owned a GM 2-53 diesel, it also has some interesting oil pressure readings.
A fully restored and properly set 2-53 will hit around 30 PSI at wide open (1,975 RPM), but will only hit around 5 PSI at idle (600 RPM). Both are right on the spec for this engine. If you do not see oil pressure in about 15 -20 secounds on start up, shut it down, there is a problem.