Case 420CT Track Loader Troubleshooting

The Case 420CT Series 3 compact track loader driveline system components: a 195 cu.in (3.2L) Case 432T/M3 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with a rated power of 74 hp (55 kW) and 2-speed hydro transmission. The hydraulic system has a pump with a rated flow of 23.8 gpm (90 lpm). The system pressure is 3050 psi (210 bar). The Case 420CT is equipped with a planetary double reduction, 12.6" (320 mm) rubber tracks with steel inserts, and radial-lift loader boom. The loader has a boom lift force of 5675 lbs (2580 kg) and bucket breakout force of 5503 lbs (2500 kg). The rated operating capacity is 2000 lbs (907 kg), and tipping load is 5715 lbs (2592 kg).

Engine Troubleshooting

Engine starts hard or won't start

Air in fuel tank - Bleed fuel tank.
Fuel filter element clogging - Replace filter element.
Dirty or damaged injection nozzles - If necessary, replace with a new nozzle.
Water in the fuel system - Change fuel and repair fuel system.
Valve out of adjustment - Check and adjust as required.
Fuel injection pump is not working correctly - Replace injection pump or repair it.

Engine starts but stops suddenly

Air filter is plugged - Change or service air filter element.
Fuel filter element is dirty - Replace the filter element.
Problems with fuel injection pump tightness - Inspect fuel injection pump for leaks.
Dirty or defective injectors - Replace or clean fuel injectors.
Fuel injection pump failure - Rebuild or install a new injection pump.

Engine stalls while running

Coolant temperature is low - Warm up the engine as required.
Fuel filter element is dirty - Change the filter element.
There is air in the fuel system - Bleed the system.
Clogged injection nozzle - Inspect nozzles and replace if necessary.
Wrong setting of fuel injection pump timing - Set it up as required.

Engine stalls at low idle speed

Low idle speed setting is not correct - Adjust the low idle speed.
Faulty fuel injection pump - Replace injection pump or repair it.
Defective fuel injectors - Replace fuel injectors.
The valve clearance is incorrect - Have it adjusted.

Engine power is insufficient

Plugged air filter - Clean or change.
Clogged injection nozzle - Replace injection nozzles.
Improper fuel injection pressure - Adjust pressure to proper level.
Valve clearance is wrong - Adjust valve clearance according to specifications.
Incorrect low idle setting - Adjust as required.
Clogged fuel hoses or lines - Clean fuel lines and hoses.
Worn cylinder head gasket - Install a new gasket.
Leaking or damaged piston rings - Piston rings replacement required.

Engine overheats

Low coolant level - Add coolant fluid to cooling system and also check it for leaks.
Low engine oil level - Add oil to the engine crankcase.
Damaged radiator cap or dirty radiator core - Install new cap or clean radiator.
Fan belt slipping or worn - Install new fan belt.
Engine is overloaded - Reduce load on the engine.

Low oil pressure

Insufficient engine oil - Fill the crankcase with oil.
Plugged engine oil filter - Change or service engine oil filter.
Incorrect oil viscosity - Fill up with the proper oil viscosity.
Excessive main bearing oil clearance - Bearing replacement required.
Oil pump malfunction - Repair or replace.

Engine knocking or noise

Not enough engine oil - Fill the crankcase with engine oil.
Engine is cold - Warm up to required temperature.
Fuel injection pump timing is not adjusted - Set up as recommended.
Low idle speed set incorrectly - Adjustment required.
Fuel injector fault - Replace fuel injectors.
Connecting rod is worn or misaligned - Connecting rod needs to be replaced or aligned.
Scored or worn pistons - Pistons replacement required.

Drive System Troubleshooting

Drive system сan't work in either direction

Low hydraulic oil level - Need to add oil.
Blocked or defective undercarriage tracks - Repair or correct blockage.
Faulty relief valve - Relief valve need to be replaced or repair.
Plugged hydraulic filter or suction line - Service suction line or replace hydraulic filter.
Foot or hand controls are faulty - Change or repair.
Drive motor or pump is defective - Inspect and change as required.

Machine is not moving straight or moving is jerky

Track mechanism is jammed or defective - Remove jamming or repair tracks.
Tracks are sagging or malfunctioning - Adjust track sag with tensioning or replace tracks.
Track frame is clogged with debris, dirt, or foreign objects - Clean undercarriage track frame, remove foreign objects and debris.

Reduced power

Clogged hydraulic oil filter - Replace or clean hydraulic filter.
Open or damaged relief valve - Change or close relief valve.
Transmission parts are worn or defective - Inspect and replace faulty parts.
Input drive shaft malfunction - Replace or service the drive shaft.
Air in the hydraulic system - Air bleeding is required.

Drive system overheats

Low hydraulic oil level - Need to add oil.
Hydraulic fluid filter is dirty - Change or service hydraulic filter.
Stuck relief valve - Rebuild or install a new relief valve.
Hydraulic motor or drive pump is worn - Repair or change faulty component.
Clogged hydraulic oil cooler - Cooling fins need to be cleaned.
Drive system is overloaded - Load should be reduced.

Drive system is noisy

Improper oil viscosity - Drain and refill with proper oil.
Air in hydraulic system - Air bleeding is required.
Damaged drive pump or hydraulic motor - Repair or change faulty component.
Mechanical parts of drive system are worn or damaged - Check the parts for worn or defect and replace if required.

Hydraulics Troubleshooting

Hydraulic system overheats

Hydraulic pressure is not correct - Adjust pressure correctly.
Faulty or improperly adjusted main relief valve - Adjust or replace the relief valve.
Dirty hydraulic fluid - Fill up with fresh hydraulic fluid.
Not enough hydraulic oil in the system - Fill up the hydraulic oil.
Faulty hydraulic oil pump - Change or repair hydraulic pump if required.

Lift arm can't drop or lift

Faulty lift controls - Repair or replace.
Damaged hydraulic oil pump - Replace or repair pump if necessary.
Hydraulic control valve is faulty - Replace or repair the valve.
Hydraulic cylinder not working - Install a new boom cylinder or repair it.
Low hydraulic oil level - Need to add oil.

Bucket does not function

Bucket controls are faulty - Repair or change.
Hydraulic pump failure - Repair or change pump if required.
Hydraulic control valve failure - Repair or change the valve.
Defective bucket cylinder - Repair or replace cylinder.
Hydraulic oil is insufficient - Checking hydraulic oil level and add if necessary.

Slow bucket or lift arm operation

Hydraulic pump is defective - Test the pump performance and change pump if required.
Hydraulic cylinder leaking - Change cylinder piston seals.
Insufficient hydraulic fluid - Checking hydraulic fluid level and add if necessary.
Faulty or incorrect setting hydraulic control valve - Repair or set correctly.
Hydraulic pressure loss - Set pressure correctly.

Jerky operation of the bucket or boom

Hydraulic system is leaking air - Bleed air from system.
Plugged hydraulic oil filter - Clean or replace the filter.
Contaminated hydraulic oil - Change hydraulic oil.
Scratched cylinder rod or tube - Change worn component.

Excessive hydraulic pump noise

Hydraulic leakage or lack of oil - Repair hydraulic leaks or add oil as required.
Plugged hydraulic filter - Clean or change the filter.
Dirty suction line - Need to clean the suction line.
Pump sucks air - Air bleeding is required.
Pump components are damaged - Install new hydraulic pump or rebuild it.

Electrical Troubleshooting

Battery does not charge

Corroded or loose wire connections - Clean or tighten connections.
Battery terminal clamps are defective - Terminal clamps should be changed.
Faulty cell in battery - Battery replacement required.
Belt is loose or defective - Change belt or adjust belt tension.

Starter turns slow

Low battery voltage - Low battery charging, charge as required.
Battery will not hold charge - Service battery or change it.
Terminals are faulty or battery cables are disconnected - Connect wires correctly or change terminals.

Starter motor won't turn

Battery is low or faulty - Need to charge or replace the battery.
Wiring is improperly connected or disconnected - Check wiring and connect properly.
Low battery output voltage - Low battery charging, charge as required.
Starter motor failing - Starter should be replaced.