009 - Bobcat 873 Fuel Pickup Repair (Part 3) (SOLVED)

[@MarkLesko-er6dt]

I had the pick up tube break off inside the 873 tank also years ago. There was no video like yours at the time. Like you, I did it all by feel-you can’t see much of what you’re doing. I do recall there was a 90 elbow replacement at the top that allowed you to put the pickup tube on the elbow and the grommet, without expanding the grommet. Then I slid the tube in the hole, the unexpanded grommet in the hole, then you push the elbow in to another shoulder that expands the grommet. Your patience in doing the job and making the video is legendary. Thank you.

[@redmapleranch]

Thanks for the tips and kind words. It was certainly a tight spot to work in.

[@1952seb]

Thank you for your video series. It was nice to realize we were on the right track on our 873. Hopefully after replacing the pick- up tube we won't have to deal with cleaning the tank. We've had ours for many years & this is the first fuel issue. We appreciate you taking the time to document your issues, troubleshooting, & solutions.

[@redmapleranch]

@@1952seb thank you for the kind words. Good luck with your repair. I ended up removing the internal filter and putting a serviceable, in-line filter near the primer bulb. That makes it so much easier to clean from the rear hatch. It took about 2 full tanks of fuel before it filtered everything out.

[@JRBennettFabMfg]

I appreciate your patience. I’ve had the same problem but different fix, I’ll share a little here, hopefully it helps someone: 2002 873G, I cleaned pickup tube assembly and check ball/ filter and cut both ends off, re-clamped and safety wired, replaced all the fuel lines, replaced in-line filter, checked ball pump flow, replaced fuel pump, Still had problems running. I finally bypassed the factory fuel filter that was new with an in-line filter, that fixed it! So I have a restriction through the factory filter for some reason. I’m going to try a non-Bobcat filter and see if that’s a long term fix. This temporary fix got my plowing this 2’ of snow off my 1/4 mile driveway. So if you have a problem, fix it before you “have to” use your machine, don’t procrastinate like me. Thanks for the video and stay patient out there guys!

[@redmapleranch]

@@JRBennettFabMfg thanks for sharing! Glad it’s working for you, but that’s definitely strange to have an issue with the fuel filter. Good luck

[@DustyRanch]

Those pick up tubes brake off sooooo often. I’m about to replace my 3 in 8 years of owning. Late on learning but I’m drilling a new hole this time.

[@scottwengewicz4108]

How did you get the grommet out of the tank? mine is a 98, and its tight and under the hydraulic valves/motor. Any insight would be helpful.

[@redmapleranch]

@@scottwengewicz4108 it’s a tight spot but I was able to get it out with a trim removal tool. Check out this harbor freight sku for reference: 63639