Tractor Won't Start and Not Getting Fuel? Here's Your Problem (or at least the first thing to check)

I get comments all the time from viewers whose tractor won't start. They're not getting fuel, they crank and crank, what could be the problem? I've been wanting to do a video about a common issue for a long time...a clogged fuel tank, but until it happened to me I couldn't show the remedy on camera. Getting the tractor running is pretty easy, you gotta blow air back through the fuel line to dislodge the clog, then, at some point, drain and flush the fuel tank. That's a later video; today I'll show what to do to get the tractor started when you're cranking and she won't start...
I finished my video on doing the spring service on a tractor and since I'd changed the fuel filter, I bled the air out of the fuel line and she started right up. I walked back to the tractor and it sputtered a couple of times and died.
Thinking there was still air in the line, I bled it again and it still wouldn't start. By that time it was getting dark so I left it outside and decided to return to it later. Something didn't quite seem right.
Came back a couple of days later and tried to start it again. Wouldn't go and sounded like it wasn't getting fuel. Bled it again and it started right up. I left it running to recharge the battery and came back to move it inside and it had died. What the...?
From that point forward it wouldn't start at all, and when I began tracing the fuel line backwards I could see why. The fuel bowl was more than half empty (or half full if you're a "fuel bowl half full" type of person). There must be a clog in the bottom of the tank, a very common occurrence that will stop a tractor dead in its tracks.
In the fuel chain on my tractor, there's a polyurethane tank, then a long fuel line that leads to the fuel bowl which is where the filter is. There's nothing in between the filter and the tank, so if the fuel bowl isn't full of diesel, there has to be a clog in the tank. There's an easy way to check, and if you're tractor isn't running you'll want to try what I'm going to do in the video.
Before we do, you may wonder why I'd have a clog. I did too. It could be an accumulation of dust and debris has made its way in there, it could be the slimy, algae-type stuff that can grow in a diesel tank has congealed in a disgusting gooey plug, could be I accidentally dropped my nose ring in the tank while I was refueling...don't know what's plugging it up. If it were a metal tank I'd think it was a little chunk of rust which is common, in my polyurethane (plastic) tank, it could be some chunks of that stuff have flaked off and accumulated there in the bottom.
To find out if this is the problem, disconnect the fuel line at the filter housing and use compressed air to blow back through the line. Make sure you have a receptacle to catch any diesel that runs out and a pair of vice grips to clamp the line, in case you run into an issue. Once you disconnect the line, if nothing comes out, you've found your problem. When you blow back through the system, like I do in the video, the obstruction should clear and be ready for a good stream of diesel, which is exactly what happened. I put it all back together, bled the fuel line and she's running like a champ again.
Now, we know that until I flush my fuel tank, this can, and probably will, happen again. I'm hoping I get through the busy season and I'll run the fuel level down low and tackle that project this winter when I'm not needing the tractor as much. I'm sure I'll be doing a video about it. I'll be curious to see what's there in the bottom of the fuel tank causing the problem. Stay tuned!
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[@HamiltonvilleFarm]

Nice job of thinking ahead with the vise grips. Glad it was a simple fix. Looking forward to the gas tank flush video👍

[@gwenlazarus1471]

Great cider. I am a new tractor owner, 1984, Ford 2810, and your videos are very helpful.

[@davidhosmer1424]

Yep - better find out what funky stuff grew or found its way into your tank. You don't want to be in the south 40 and have it die again. You could have a contaminated storage tank. Your videos are always informative. Thanks, take care.

[@davewolinsky9201]

Thanks Mike. Had assumed I had a plugged fuel filter as engine seemed to be starving. Was getting ready to shop fuel pumps after changing the filter. Tried your trick and sure enough it worked. Will pull and drain tank at some point but running like a top now.

[@kimhabel7477]

Thank you! You described our problem to a tee. After following your step by step instructions we were able to fix it and save a service call. You're great!

[@aplummer57037]

Thanks Mike. Looking for a first tractor so videos like this are really helpful.

[@CountryLivingwithTheCriswells]

Thanks Mike, this video saved me a service call. I knew fuel wasn't getting from my tank to the engine but I never thought of simply blowing out the lines. It worked just like you showed, I got my tractor to start and out of the field so now I can drain and clean the tank in the shop.

[@ronhall2075]

I had a starting problem with my 455g John Deere crawler loader , I found the fuel cap breather nuts were blocked and i think caused back pressure in the tank,it fixed my problem. nice video.

[@powderriver2424]

That was good you showed that many folks don’t understand the fuel system it’s rather simple. This is also helpful if a guy had a Geritol moment and ran a tractor out of fuel.

[@Hiker63]

I've got the same issue. I'll have to try this when I get home. Thank you. Liked and subbed.

[@thatjoeguy7348]

Cool video thanks. Most guys wouldn't need to see it but showing it when you bled the line at the injector would've been nice.

[@michaelbradley8508]

Great educational video... Thank you. Michael from Canada

[@themonacoartguy3421]

Thank you Mike you solved my problem with a blocked pipe on my little Kubota. Was about to call somebody expensive to come and fix it when I found your video. Brilliant!

[@TractorMike]

Glad I could help!

[@jefferyhopcus8300]

Good catch on seeing the fuel bowl

[@comlbbeau]

Nice job, and a well thought-out solution.

[@denisewildfortune4058]

I sometimes use my air compressor to blow crud away from the full filler to lessen the chance of contamination while fueling. I was surprised how much muck can build up under the fuel cap. I usually see it during the mowing season.

[@kellygrissett8224]

Thanks Mike. My issue was the fuel filter housing unit that was clogged up..

[@richardbrookins5406]

Just had this problem today. Excellent video.

[@Sawartist]

I've got a 2001 New Holland TC45D and I've had this very same issue several times. It seems to happen the most when I'm bush hogging on hilly rough terrain. It must stir up whatever it is in the tank that causes the clog. I keep an eye on my fuel filter bowl to see if there is any air in it.The tractor usually gives me a warning by suddenly losing power when the line from the tank clogs. So I shut it down before it runs the filter dry. Now I'm always sure to carry in my tractor tool box a needle nose vice grip plier to clamp the line as well as a pair of needle nose pliers to remove the hose clamp. If it happens to clog up out in the field, I just blow back through the inlet line with my mouth until I hear air entering the tank then I let the fuel flow back through the cleared line and hook it back up to the filter again. What little air that enters the system bleeds itself out on its own. It's just a minor nuisance as long as I have the tools with me to remove and clamp the line when it happens. I think it's just plastic shavings left in the tank from the manufacturing process clogging up the line from the tank. It has not happened in a couple of years now, but I've had it happen twice in the same week before. I'm waiting for your upcoming video on how to flush the tank. However, like I said, it has not happened in a couple of years now so I'll probably leave it alone unless it becomes a regularly occurring problem. My New Holland TC45D has been an excellent tractor with very few problems. I bought it new in 2001.

[@d.a.ballou9740]

Awesome video Mike. Thanks.

[@btj1844]

Great content Mike. Going to the fuel tank flush next. You've developed a really good channel here, keep up the good work!

[@tomarnold995]

Wish I had seen this a week ago. Similar fuel problem. Started taking fuel lines off one at a time and blowing air through reach of them. Had already drained the tank. Didn’t remove it to flush it out. That was beyond my know how. Used shop vac to vacuum out tank then used air to blow thru the lines into tank. Put it all back together and when I opened fuel valve to water separator little pieces of black plastic came out. I assumed from the tank. Cleaned separator again and put it all back together. Running fine ever since.

[@NickRahn]

Lol the look on your face when it started. It's always a great feeling when you've fixed it yourself

[@kimburns2464]

This is so informative for a person that has not worked on tractors before...thank u

[@Chris-kb7vo]

thanks for this video. it helped me a lot.

[@TopD90]

I've had the same problem way down in the river bottom and it wasn't convenient to take a compressor down there, but a can of compressed air (like for blowing off a keyboard) works great...! I keep a can in my tractor caddie with my tools and chain...

[@augustinhernandez1581]

Thank you Mike, you saved me again

[@shawnwelcomer5417]

Excellent video!

[@chex313]

Thanks , working on a neighbors old Steiner and didn't think about blowing air back. Hope it is that and not the $229 fuel pump.

[@vivalaresistance45]

Great video! Can't seem to find your video on draining and flushing the fuel tank.

[@TractorMike]

I've never gotten that one done. Whatever was in there is still in there. Maybe early Spring when it warms up I can get it done.

[@Dwayne7834]

Good video and information. If you don’t flush the tank it’s probably going happen again sooner or later. Should you have a screen in the filler neck. I know mine does but it doesn’t mean that fine stuff didn’t get through and eventually plugging your line.

[@texoma_outdoors]

Flawless method of troubleshooting and diagnosis. Shouldn't be doing it alone though? What a culture of the sky is falling that we have now....

[@genglebretson]

It's quite risky, bud. Hundreds of thousands of americans are seriously injured each year while using filter wrenches. I saw it on facebook.

[@texoma_outdoors]

@@genglebretson nobody around to kiss a booboo and make it better could be disastrous I suppose

[@Brandon-eh4tz]

@@genglebretson Holy fek, I've been using them alone for years :"(

[@123Goldhunter11]

Thanks. My little New Holland suddenly won't start although it will turn over. I'll give that a try.

[@MikeRitchie-gp4co]

I have a TC48DA that is idling around 1500 RPM's. Would like to know if you can explain how to adjust the idle on this model tractor? Really enjoy your channel. I have used it many times to make repairs. Thanks!

[@rogerweiss9573]

You can also use a golf tee to block the fuel line.

[@SuperChrispike]

Well thank you for this.i have a I knew i had a fuel problem a d was going to change the filter. But i went to the bowl first and sure enough. Blocked! Problem fixed for now.

[@jlamb2537]

Thank you! Had the same issue when we took the water/fuel separator off and it did exactly what yours did. No fuel when toggle was on. We followed your lead and blew out the line and it worked like a champ. Appreciate ya!

[@sameoldmphymel]

Great video Mike my TC farty is having that exact same problem now just out of curiosity does your gas gauge ever hang up if you get below a quarter tank

[@TractorMike]

Haven't noticed it doing that. TC-Farty? :)

[@robertromero3314]

Hi Mike, enjoy your videos I'm having problems my tractor, is hard to start blows white smoke out of the exhaust pipe while cranking could this be a fuel problem or what do I need to check for, thanks Robert.

[@kmeyer9859]

I’ve got a New Holland TC40DA that came with some property I just bought. I think it’s a 2012. I didn’t realize the fuel gauge didn’t work and I ran out of fuel. After I check the bulb and blow out the line like you’re video, where is the bleeder valve you mentioned before cranking it up? Thank you!

[@hartfordboothe7466]

FWIW, on my NH 3045 I found the problem was with the "fuel safety shutoff module". It's a plastic housing, filled with what appears to be epoxy, under the instrument cluster in the area where the relays/fuses are located. It's just plugged into a Molex, it's not mounted (or wasn't on mine, and mine was bought brand new). It has 3 wires: white, black, and a blue. Black is ground, white is +12v when all safety switches (PTO, gear, etc) are clear to start. When white is +12v, the module then provides ground to the blue wire which grounds the fuel shutoff solenoid relay in the relay bank (activating the coil in the relay which has key-on +12v). Why they didn't a) use another relay or b) simply ground the fuel cutoff solenoid through daisy-chained safety switches I don't know. This unit is basically a transistor used to sink voltage for the relay when the safety switches are as they should be. Cost me less than $10...took 35 minutes each way to the dealer to get the darned thing. I probably could have replaced the unit with a relay but chose to replace it with a factory part. It took me 1.5 hours to check each piece as a I went along to find this. A faster test, knowing this now, would be to simply ground that blue wire and see if the tractor will start, then check ground on black and +12v on white (key on, of course). HTH.

[@PepperHarrow]

Thanks for this video. My Kubota was having the same symptoms and this cleared it up for me.

[@GetRealBaby]

I'll try this on my '58 Fordson Dexta. It surges when it's running (goes from slow idle to fast idle). I've bled the fuel line but don't have a clear glass fuel filter as you do, but I'm guessing I'm not getting enough fuel. It has also sat for months without being started, so I could also have water (condensation) in the fuel. But I don't think that would cause it to surge. I think it's time to take the tank off, drain the fuel, and thoroughly wash the thing out with soap and water. What do you think? Thanks for the video. Was fun to see you do what I've been more or less doing around here.

[@wesbrackmanthercenthusiast4695]

Does your tractor do that then stall and not restart unless it's been cranked for several minutes because I'm trying to diagnose my tractors problems and am coming up empty every time

[@johnklein4558]

Thanks for this Mike. My John Deere lawn tractor is giving me similar issues. I don’t know why it never occurred to me to try and blow compressed air from the fuel filter to the tank. I’ll give that a try tomorrow. Thanks again.

[@joelzeke2822]

Instablaster

[@joycebreckenridge1315]

Your the guy. Thanks.

[@hookedup7897]

Hey Mike, Can you help with a Long 560? It will not start unless you bypass the sarter

[@ryanv3751]

Heading out now to do the same to my tc45da

[@TSCBroken]

Hi Mike- I'm having the exact same problem with my tractor and blew the line out and got it running again, for a little while until the sludge plugged the line again. I'm going to have to clean out my fuel tank and was wondering when you will post the video of you doing this as you referenced in the video above.

[@TractorMike]

It'll probably be November at the earliest. Unless it quits again and I HAVE to fix it. Good winter video.

[@shanonearls6945]

Did you ever make the follow up video that answered this ?? You're videos have been such a blessing ! I have a late 70s Case 450 Dozer we just swapped engines, changed the fuel pump and damn thing wont crank now. But every day is a learning experience.

[@frankvansevers4784]

very helpfull

[@mariodinovo4018]

Blew mine out on my yanmar opened it up like yours started right up

[@johnwallacemcclure1143]

I have a 1963 JD 2010 gas that I bought, have no track record of work done, won't start, has electronic ignition, new plug wires, new manifold gasket, new fuel, new plugs, new rotor, new cap. Backfires through carb. Sprayed starting fluid in carb and caught the whole side of the tractor on fire. Any suggestions as to why this isn't starting? And I have checked TDC with rotor pointing to #1 plug and all is good.

[@WALTERVELEZ-et6mu]

THANKS FOR YOUR VIDEO. I JUST FIX MY TRACTOR.THANKS AGAIN.#1.

[@927miriams]

Can you do some video about Kubota engine bleeding?

[@marvinlpeyton9050]

Thanks

[@beverlystoughton7288]

Love your videos Mike! I have a smaller New Holland tractor, Boomer 24. I need to change my fuel filter and you make it look so easy but my problem is getting to it. The side panel covers most of it so the only work space is from inside. I noticed in your video that you didn't have a side panel. Do I have to take my side panel off? That is alot of bolts. What would be your advice?

[@TractorMike]

My complete hood lifts and there are no side panels. I'm not sure how the Boomer 24 is put together, most of the time there's an easy way to remove any side panels, but it's possible for them to be attached with bolts. I'd have to look at it. You can look up every part on that tractor at New Holland’s website here: partstore.agriculture.newholland.com/us/parts-search.html. Just enter "model" where it says “type” on the right and then put in your tractor model number and navigate to the section you need. Sometimes it helps to see a diagram of what’s inside before you start taking things apart. Good luck! -Mike

[@beverlystoughton7288]

@@TractorMike , Thank you Mike! I did decide to just take the nuts off and then the project was doable. Really appreciate the link to the website. Will probably be needing that. :)

[@kennethclarke1255]

Same problem with my Kabota BX more often than not so I put a T in the fuel line and extent of the tea up to the rocks with a rubber cap on it so that when I have this problem I simply take the cap off and put the air pressure to it to clear out the main tank clock

[@kennethclarke1255]

Should have said ROPS and a tie wrap

[@timlukes9115]

I have the same problem with my Ford 3400 gas Tractor. Mine has metal fuel gas lines. I’m about to just replace the gas shut off valve that comes with a filter of its own that goes up into the gas tank that gets clogged up over time. I’m going to flush out the tank with fresh gas while gas shut off valve is off the tank. I’m going to catch the gas as it falls out the tank with a funnel lined with a screen into a 5 gallon portable gas tank so I can reuse it if it looks clean in a mason jar.

[@bradgreenlee7462]

I have a 06 5500 2 wd Mahindra. About 2 or 3 was after I bought it, I learned the diesel tank was flaking from inside and the fuel wouldn’t flow out of the tank. My Mahindra dealer replaced it under warranty. Everything was wonderful until 13 years later. Now it is doing it again. How do I get the tank out or is this something only an expert should do?

[@dougyankunas3104]

Hello tractor mike. I’m looking for a used tractor for my 40+ acres. I need a front end loader, skid attachment, post hole digger, and something that can handle maintenance on my atv trails . Do you have a video on used tractors, what to look for, reasonable prices, what’s reliable, pros/cons ? Budget is not a lot, (10 grand or less. ) I watched many of your videos but didn’t see anything. Maybe I just didn’t see it. Thanks

[@TractorMike]

Here are a couple I've done: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXqtkqqGjZ52ibc, kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJjElXmNq9qYbdk, kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpvSi4SCn7mZjac. My book goes into purchasing used tractors as well: asktractormike.com/product/an-insiders-guide-to-purchasing-a-tractor/. Hope that helps!

[@lucasbergfors9446]

We have a 1981 Fiat 880 DT backhoe which i did a fuel filter change to, the lift pump is isn't getting any pressure when you press on it and the second fuel filter isn't getting any diesel in it do you have any idea what the problem could be ? 🤔

[@leclairranch6947]

I have a new Holland tm175 put a new injector pump on it fires and runs for maybe 30 or 40 seconds then dies. It will try and fire but will not run after the first time

[@bryanw.neiding9648]

What if I'm not getting fuel past the filer?

[@jameshauser9120]

I have ts125a new Holland tractor is there a check valve in the tank . I can't push feul out of tank with air pressure put into tank

[@TractorMike]

Don't think there's anything like that in there. You can look up every part on that tractor at New Holland’s website here: partstore.agriculture.newholland.com/us/parts-search.html. Just enter "model" where it says “type” on the right and then put in your tractor model number and navigate to the section you need. Sometimes it helps to see a diagram of what’s inside before you start taking things apart. Good luck!

[@bombidude]

Did you ever find out what plugged the fuel line?

[@dishtech43]

Something still in tank !! I would drain tank. and get it out.. it will happen again..

[@williamwilson5127]

Perhaps mixing some diesel additive with the remaining fuel would break up any sort of soluble blockage, prior to flushing the system.

[@rolanddavid3458]

Hello mr mike have a old 60s model yamar 23hp yanmar diesel tractor ran it out of fuel had to bleed injectors now it blows blue smoke when starting any help b greatly appreciated thanks in advance

[@TractorMike]

Do the glow plugs work?

[@sackzztv9090]

Hey my kubota m9000 is hard to start also it died on me and it won’t start again. Do you think that my be the same problem on mine ? The fuel doesn’t run fuel out when I disconnect it, does most fuel lines supposed to run out fuel like that when not clogged ?

[@TractorMike]

Yeah, if it's gravity feed. Change your fuel filter first, then go looking for something in the tank. Good luck!

[@andrewg9379]

Mike, did you ever do the video on flushing this tank? I'd be interested! Didnt see it in your channel....

[@TractorMike]

Andrew, I have not done that. It's been on the list, I'm a little bad about not fixing something until the tractor won't run, and it's still running.

[@andrewg9379]

Thanks Mike. I have the dirty fuel tank issue myself right now. Also putting it off until it becomes a bigger problem, lol. Thanks for the reply!

[@jimbuford4147]

Mike I have a Boomer 35 and I'm sure I need to change the fuel filter. Been careless on this. I couldn't find your video on flushing the fuel tank. Can you post a link to it? Thanks

[@TractorMike]

Jim, I'm embarrassed to say, I haven't done that yet. Got the tractor running and forgot about the tank flush. I'll try to get that done soon, if I don't do it in the winter I'll be at the far back of the pasture when it dies, in July next summer. I can feel it coming...

[@freds4712]

@@TractorMike I was just looking for your flushing tank video. Too funny. Love your videos

[@rettaziegenfelder1775]

Bleeder valve?

[@bryanw.neiding9648]

filter?

[@bencaron7973]

Thanks , worked for a mahindra 1526 that cranked but wouldn't start, problem solved

[@rubentaylor4703]

Fuel filter on a kabota m6950dt tractor

[@Brandon_B.]

Never ever put diesel into a tractor without a strainer inside the fuel can. The strainer prevents any small trash or debris from entering the fuel tank when adding fuel.

[@trevorbyron9448]

So what's the problem

[@justbambitious1]

I was ran over by a tractor at 5 yrs old and almost died my near death experience is similar I will show you my scar hear my story ! Now I’m battling 5 rare diseases what are the odds. Sometimes god makes us try harder than anyone else!

[@Larry342516]

If there was something blocking the fuel line to the filter. Didn't you just blow it back to the fuel pump? Couldn't this this happen again with the blockage still in the line?

[@texoma_outdoors]

Somewhere there was a note saying a tank flush would be a future vid. I would assume after he runs most of the fuel out if it

[@user-bx3zz9cx3y]

Larry342516 The caption said a flush of the fuel tank will be in another video. He isn’t done with the tractor yet. Just trouble shooting the non start problem in this video.

[@Bartee98]

The line that he took loose goes directly to the fuel tank. He blew the trash back into the fuel in the tank. Like he said that's why he will have to drain and clean the fuel tank next.

[@davidtobias1665]

I noticed you standing along side your tractor when starting it. Safety no no.

[@MLJenkins]

Really good point. I'm terrible about doing that, and I know better.

[@jphickory522]

Always comforting to know the safety police are Omnipresent. Life would be so scary and lethal without your tireless vigilance.

[@davidtobias1665]

@@jphickory522 I know you're being sarcastic, but you know I'm right.

[@_AndromedaGalaxy_]

figured out today my fuel shut off solenoid is starting to go bad on my '06 challenger mt265b with 475hrs. had to order a new one. $253 solenoid, $11 gasket, $25 or more for shipping. at that price that solenoid should have lasted 1475hrs at least. i hope i get more than 500hrs out of the next one. 6242128M1 is the part number in case anyone needs it.