Bad Day At The Office For My Stump Grinder (Sob)

[Bricky]

Grinding away on an abandoned rail road right way for a farmer with my beloved Carlton 7500 grinder. Things were going great until I stupidly ground a stump a little too long with the wheels way out of level, Suddenly the Duetz engine reved up big time and would not idle down with the throttle nor shut of with the key,, It was screaming louder And louder. I tried the emergency kill switch no luck! Finally unscrewd the fuel filter still roaring. I pulled the rubber fuel lines lose at the tank didn't do a thing. Finally it died and I nearly did too. After much hand wringing and cursing I finally got the cutter wheel jacked up to set it on the travel post. I had to loosen the line to the extending cylinder and slowly back up against a tree to get the pin in the tongue so I could get it home. Hoping against hope It does turn over after it cooled down. but I better talk to my mechanic before I screw up agian. As I do work for several tree companes I am in real bind as I have a lot of work lined up. Did I mention I just put up 100 yard signs around the area. Snort! Plus I already had a pretty good back log waiting for the Indiana ground to dry out. I was already thinging of buying a Carlton Tracked SP7015 If I can find a deal. I need a rig right now as grinder is all I do.
If it takes 2 weeks to fix my screw up I could have made enough money to put a big dent in the tracked machine. Or even another 7500 tow behind. Any one know of such a rig for sale?
I am sure ever one likes their grinder but I can not say enough about the 7500 it was absolutely the best money I ever spent. The second best money I ever spent was buying a wire less remote on e-bay for $900.
Thanks for listening Kenny Speedy Stump Service

 

[Grouchy old man]

The runaway was caused by crankcase oil getting into the top of the cylinders and acting as fuel apparently because of the machine leaning over. That's why killing the fuel supply did nothing. I don't know that engine but I suspect that can happen because of worn rings and cylinders. So don't blame yourself.

 

[Goose IBEW]

You are very lucky!!! Run away diesels often grenade, I have heard of horror stories from mechanics, they run out of the service bay and the engine takes out the fenders, tires and hood, leaving the grill in tact. Removing the air supply is the ONLY way to stop a runaway diesel. Rags or a block of wood over the intake is the usual frantic manuever that calms the beast.

Maybe you can lease to purchase a new unit while you source a replacement engine. Best of luck which ever way you proceed.

 

[Grouchy old man]

Run away diesels often grenade, I have heard of horror stories from mechanics, they run out of the service bay and the engine takes out the fenders, tires and hood, leaving the grill in tact. Removing the air supply is the ONLY way to stop a runaway diesel. Rags or a block of wood over the intake is the usual frantic manuever that calms the beast.

Was going to say that but I didn't want to scare the poor guy. I would run like hell too knowing what can happen. Wouldn't want to be leaning over the thing trying to get the air cleaner off. I suspect that that engine is a boat anchor unfortunately.

 

[Bricky]

A Ray Of Hope

Thanks for the replies fellers. I did not know diesels would self destuct with the crank case full of oil. You can bet if it ever happens again I will stick a rag in the breather and start moving on.

Have a the mechanic on the case . The engine (Deutz BF4L 1011F) turns over with the starter engaged and starts to smoke a lttle just like always, Next he is going to run a compression test (please god) Maybe Just maybe it is fixable.

Thank good no one was hurt, I can always repair what ever mechanical issues that come up.

Thanks again men I will keep you posted Two calls today for stump grinding (snort)

Regards

Kenny Speedy Stump Service

 

[VA-Sawyer]

Del_
Could you have dropped the cutter wheel and stalled out the engine?

Depending on how much "fuel" it was getting, it may have been producing more than rated power. Once the Governor loses control, the higher rpms alone will be more horses than normal. The previous post was correct in saying 'the only hope to stop it, is choke off the air'. Better be quick about it too!
If he could have gotten the air restricted, then dropping the cutter wheel probably would succeed in killing it.

Glad nobody was hurt.
Rick

 

[deepsouth]

You can rebuild anything, just whether it is economical to do so.

I'd agree about the running on oil, need to either starve it of air, or if in a manual car, stall the engine in a high gear.

A mate has had that happen a few times with diesel Toyota work vans.

 

[Goose IBEW]

The engine turning over is a good sign. Your mechanic is going to have to dig a bit further to see where you stand. I'd like to see the bearings plasti gauged to see how they stand. Don't be totally disheartened if the compression test comes back low, this is probably where the engine started gulping oil from anyhow. Check the turbo as well, a worn turbo will gulp oil and cause a runaway also. Sounds like you have a rebuildable engine, good luck with everything.

 

[Bricky]

Goose
The compression checked on the low side at 280, I think about 400 is normal So maybe it is a rebuildable engine. Will check those bearings and turbo as well. He is pulling the head as I post.

I was way to dumb (scared) to bury the wheel, that thing sounded like an Atlas rocket at lift off with the black smoke pouring.

I will check on the rental purchase as well, 2 more grinding calls today. I work 7 days a week this time of year.
So I gotta pull one out of the hat fast. Lesson learned.

Thanks Again for all the info and encouragement. I really appreciate it. If youknow of a decient Carlton
tracked 7010 for sale please let me know.

Kenny Speedy Stump service

The engine turning over is a good sign. Your mechanic is going to have to dig a bit further to see where you stand. I'd like to see the bearings plasti gauged to see how they stand. Don't be totally disheartened if the compression test comes back low, this is probably where the engine started gulping oil from anyhow. Check the turbo as well, a worn turbo will gulp oil and cause a runaway also. Sounds like you have a rebuildable engine, good luck with everything.