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Cub cadet UTV with Perkins 403c diesel running rough

Gossett695

Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2026
Messages
6
Location
Kentucky
I have a UTV with caterpillar/ Perkins 403c diesel engine loses power while driving and smokes, exhaust also has a hissing sound. Was wondering if it’s injectors or a more serious problem IMG_0253.jpegIMG_0252.jpegIMG_0251.jpeg
 

Gossett695

Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2026
Messages
6
Location
Kentucky
Thanks.I believe your right about the spark arrestor it was plugged up pretty bad
I didn’t even think about that
 

CM1995

Administrator
Joined
Jan 21, 2007
Messages
16,092
Location
Alabama
Occupation
Running what I brung and taking what I win
Welcome to the Forums! Glad to have you.

How do you like the diesel powered UTV?

As soon as the right project comes along that I can "cough-cough" justify a UTV I want to buy one. Hard to justify one for a 1-2 acre site. :D
 

Gossett695

Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2026
Messages
6
Location
Kentucky
Thanks. I absolutely love it we got it new in 2006 it’s not built for speed like some of the newer UTV but is a workhorse i use it everyday on the farm . I sure do miss it since it’s been down
 

Gossett695

Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2026
Messages
6
Location
Kentucky
From a glance those look ok with out a test. Dont smash the tips wheres the hossing sound coming from a plugged up spark arrestor perhaps
Thanks.I believe your right about the spark arrestor it was plugged up pretty bad
I didn’t even think about that
 

thepumpguysc

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2010
Messages
8,522
Location
Sunny South Carolina
Occupation
Master Inj.Pump rebuilder
The diesel in a UTV is a torquey
SOB..
The only problem I’ve run across with them is, sitting for an extended period of time and the fuel going bad, sticking the plungers in the injection pump or freezing up the injectors..
THAT AND not changing the fuel filter a couple times a year.. allowing dirt/sand to enter the injection pump and wearing out the pumping plungers..
 

Mr. Wrench

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2025
Messages
406
Location
Ohio
Occupation
Mechanic
It’s running great now . I also noticed two of the injectors were loose when I took them off not sure if that was part of it
I had that same problem on a John Deere gator one time. It just wouldn't stay running. Start and die start and die. I checked fuel, air and all kinds of things. Had about decided that something was wrong inside the engine. Then one time after it died I heard a little hissing coming out of the exhaust system. That is when I found the spark arrestor screen was completely plugged!
 
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