Saving Your Tractor's Fuel System from a Costly Failure

Especially in the new Tier IV tractor engines, with incredibly tight tolerances inside the fuel delivery and injection system, a little water can do costly damage. Today we'll look at how to check to see if there's water in your fuel.
I got a call from my neighbor Chuck wanting to know if he drained the fuel strainer bowl (that's probably not exactly what you call it, but it's close), would he have to bleed the fuel line to get the tractor started? I wanted to know why he was having troubles and it turns out he had forgotten to fill his tractor's diesel tank up and treat it over the winter. I smelled a video opportunity. We got the owner's manual and went to work.
If you read the manual, it will tell you that if you let the tractor sit over the winter, you're supposed to fill the tank up almost to the top and put a treatment in the tank. That's to keep any algae-type stuff from growing in there (that's a possibility), and to keep the moisture out. Chuck is meticulous about maintaining all of his toys, but the last time he brush hogged before winter, he'd parked the tractor and forgotten to go back to it. The fuel tank sat all winter at a low level and accumulated a lot of condensation. In the video you'll see the large amount of water there. A part of me was glad to see Chuck had messed up...I'm supposed to be the tractor expert and I don't come even close to taking as good of care of my equipment as he does. So it was good to see he's human.
There are a few things to learn from this video. First, if you don't fill your tank and treat your diesel over the winter there could be A LOT of water accumulate in your fuel system. Also, water is the cause for many expensive injection system rebuilds on diesel motors. Finally, watch that fuel bowl like Chuck does to see if there's water or foreign particles there. He looks at it every time he uses the tractor. Good advice for me too, I remember to look at mine about once every two years or when the tractor won't start!
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[@rlmillercpa]

I’m pretty good about oil, grease, coolant and tire pressure checks, but I have overlooked this. Thanks for the awareness video, as I will now be checking my bowl each time, as well. Thanks again!

[@chucklynch8397]

When mentioning treating diesel fuel, I think there needs to be an explanation of emulsification vs. demulsification. Diesel fuel should be demulsified, causing the fuel and water to separate and permitting the water to be captured before the fuel injection pump. Gasoline is usually emulsified, causing the fuel and water to mix so that the water is burned. When adding a fuel treatment to diesel, you need to add a demulsifier. Chuck's sentiment bowl being filled with water is exactly what you want, especially after a winter with a lot of condensation in the tank. The optimum would be to start winter with a full tank of fuel, a demilsifier additive, and an anti-gel additive.

[@chuckr8683]

As a new tractor owner your videos are super. Keep up the great work Mike.

[@PressShopEng]

Mike, you may want to remind your everyone with older tractors ULSD (ultra low sulfur diesel) and bio-diesel does not provide proper fuel system lubrication for any tractor produced prior to 2007. Sulfur is what lubricates the fuel system. I dope my fuel year round with diesel lubricant, conditioner, and anti-gel. I have been caught in early weather changes and when your equipment doesn't run you will spend far more than the year round additives cost.

[@earlkozak6538]

Really good information. I myself would never have put that filter back in and I would never beat that retainer off like he did. Great video!

[@gte1340]

Unless I'm doing something wrong I wonder if you guys are using cheap diesel. I've never had water in that cup.. the orange ring still at the bottom ...I use ultra premium sulfur free diesel blended for winter and or summer here in Wisconsin I also add seafoam to the mix.

[@jacqueshespel4564]

Thank you, I just bought a 2002 Kubota Tractor. It sat for 4 years. I'm ready to clean n drain fuel system. This was very helpful

[@wsfd4321]

I believe the proper procedure may be to loosen that bleeder valve on top of the main filter, turn the key on and let the pump run until fuel clearly comes out the bleeder valve. The air should get pushed out before the fuel comes out, but the procedure would likely work better if the main filter had been emptied of fuel as well. It isn't a bad idea to occasionally empty out the contents of filters to see what's accumulating in there anyhow......water, rust, crud, etc. Filters are a LOT cheaper than fuel system components!!! One last thing, there's likely a copper washer on the bleeder screw(s) to seal the system. It's a great idea to have a spare or two lying around the shop as they do wear out after cycling them several times.....very size specific too.

[@ralfie8801]

If you're going to waste the fuel by emptying the filter, just put a new filter on it. Otherwise, just open the bleeder and get any air out.

[@juanitafrita]

This is just the video I needed. Whenever I looked for information on a fuel filter or water separator I came up with the wrong information. From your video I learned that this is a prefilter installed before the actual fuel filters in the line and the bowl is a sediment bowl. Thanks for the lesson!

[@donniebargo964]

Here in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. Even if you treat your fuel you still get water and ice in your fuel filter. Our climate changes up and down like crazy causes a lot of condensation. I use my 2 tractors as much in winter as I do summer. My mt225 I use to feed 70 head of cows .and my little kioti cs2210 I use for firewood production and snow removal when we get snow. It can be 65 degrees here one day and 25 and snow 6 inches thenext.

[@BacktotheBasics101]

I am a new subscriber and was sent to your channel from USNERDOC Channel who is a great guy. Enjoy your videos, I have never seen your channel before and I’m glad that I was turned onto it. We are ranchers in North Dakota. We also have a KZbin channel called back to the basics 101. I have a few different tractors on our place.

[@robpond9628]

I always caught hell if I let it fuel get low. Old man said. It costs just as much to leave it empty as it is to leave it full, no point to leave it empty

[@garrytalley8009]

It costs more to leave it empty. That is where you get the condensation.

[@mikeflerchinger5765]

Good info! Made me open my eyes onto water in my fuel, I haven't checked that fuel separater ever. I always use Howes fuel additve, but I'll be checking it always now. Thanks for sharing!

[@au2183]

I think some of the chunks were dirt from around the filter mount. It wasn’t very clean when he took it apart. PM is always the best!

[@thegreatnorthwoodswithbb6513]

Yeah will get that sometimes! with first time tractor owners

[@jayanddenissejones6648]

Mike...that's great information! Very helpful and appreciate Chuck's mistake that we're all able to benefit from!

[@spareparts5322]

Simple check that can prevent a very costly repair!

[@fhuber7507]

Please use large channel locks or the correct special wrench on that bowl retainer ring. Shocking it with a hammer is a bad plan.

[@kirkkronenberger877]

Exactly

[@semco72057]

I like what you mentioned and that reminds me that I have to check the bowls of both of my tractors. I don't need either of the tractors down, and will make sure they continue to run correctly for years to come.

[@deanbarr5740]

Thanks, i think this is something every tractor owner takes for granted .

[@davidb.beasley7359]

very good caution. I fail to fill up before winter and don't check the bowl often enough. Thanks.

[@jeffrohr4795]

Your videos are great and perfect for new (one month) tractor owners like me. The video did not show him turning the fuel valve back on, but assume he did that. Also, saw a spring come out of there when he took the bowl off but a little uncertain where it came from exactly, and video did not show him putting it back ion. I guess I'll just pay close attention when I check my own.

[@TractorMike]

Yeah, in my rush to get away from Chuck before he found any other work for me to do, I left those two important parts out :). You are correct, Chuck did turn the fuel back on while the camera wasn't rolling and the spring goes right below the strainer to keep it in position. Here's a link from the Kubota parts book that shows it, I think you'll be able to get there by clicking, but you may have to accept their terms and conditions along the way: kpadweb.kubota.co.jp/kpad2/PartsInfo.do?bookCd=100K5259&funcCd=&figNo=&himban=&dispType=0. Chuck's pretty thorough about stuff like that, Tractor Mike usually forgets to turn the fuel on and runs the system out of fuel and finds the spring in the cleanup process and has to take everything back apart again to get it back in there.

[@slick116]

very nice comprehensive vid on tractor fuel filter thx

[@victorcastle1840]

Thanks, Mike & Chuck. He said, the bowl was filling , so any one should have realized he had turned the fuel back on, I would think.

[@herbiebackhoe5593]

we did victor, we just mentioned it wasn't shown in the vid...

[@comlbbeau]

I didn't see it on the video, but the fuel petcock is turned back on after reinstallation of the bowl in order to permit fuel flow.

[@herbiebackhoe5593]

Your right, I didn't see them turn it back on either. But assumed they did...

[@kevinashby3784]

I literally had this issue today on my Kubota. I went to pick up a grapple full of trash a long way from the barn and it died. I ended up doing what you did and it worked.

[@herbiebackhoe5593]

Great reminder to do this after using my new tractor... Thanks Mike for reminding us don't do a Chuck...lol

[@wesking7299]

What is the best additive to treat your fuel with

[@rikertvonfulton16]

What's the best diesal treatments?

[@RichardGilbert2727]

This is so helpful! I got a clump of snow in my tank this winter. But am not sure how you know what's in the bowl is water? My Kubota's bowl has diesel fuel in it and I've seen no line between it and what looks like water. I dumped what's there and will replace filter soon. I treat my fuel with Hot Shot's and also buy highway diesel since my station sells more of that.

[@TractorMike]

Richard, I'm not familiar with what Hot Shot's does, but some additives have a component that atomizes the water and mixes it in so it burns through. Usually, it's pretty easy to see the water line if it's there.

[@airplanegeorge]

so what do you treat the fuel with and does it desolve water?

[@jameskennerly9748]

Thank you Sirs for the information!

[@billsmith5401]

Mike, I've always run power service silver every tank and the white during the winter in my 1997 New Holland 1925 since new. 3400 hrs, no problems. Is this overkill? Should I use less?

[@sashcraft51]

Good reminders and good info.

[@jimputnam2044]

Get a proper filter wrench . You will destroy that bowl beating on it like that. Be a pro mike, make sure you have the proper tool for the job. I am a mechanic and have seen a lot of things destroyed by using a mall where a wrench should be.

[@denisewildfortune4058]

Mike, I shuddered at seeing a hammer and screwdriver being misused in this case. A hook spanner or pliers would have been a better choice, especially when you are trying to tighten the bowl nut. Rags, unless they are a lint free type, are bad for fuel systems. I've seen lint too many times in fuel filters from using the wrong type of rags. Compressed air is way better for cleaning out filters and bowls and are affordable today. I'm still rooting for you Mike, just had to get this off my chest.

[@TractorMike]

I wondered if anyone would notice that. I cringed a little bit there, too. Sorry Chuck, if you read this...

[@oldtimermich6813]

Hey Mike... could you touch on the good or bad, of having a compact tractor with a turbo vs not having one please.

[@cobra-he9xj]

Did I miss you turning the valve CW 90° after putting bowl back on?

[@TractorMike]

No, I forgot to include that in the video. I didn't realize it until after it was edited and posted.

[@cobra-he9xj]

@@TractorMike I love your videos. Very instructional. I was only bringing it up because some people follow step-by-step and might miss it. (I've never done that myself of course 🤣).

[@subwarpspeed]

Speaking of fuel problems. Do you in the US have problems with FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester)? Here in Sweden it's mandated to be in the diesel you get at normal pumps (I think), at least it in practices is so. It's around 5-7% in diesel oil. We have RME, a FAME, made from rapeseed (I think you normally call it canola). It works if you have regularly use the machine so the fuel is replenished often. Problem with it is that algae and bacteria trives between the fuel and the water. The dead algae forms some dark nasty substance. For machines that are seldomly used, like old tractors, this flourishes and then you get it into the fuel filter and when it fails you get it into the injection pump and then it becomes very costly. A lot of people that have had their old tractor, neglected as they usually get, broken due to that the everyday diesel you buy at the pump and fill your diesel can and bring home has been changed. There are threatments you can poor into the fuel tank and do everything you can to keep water out of it - like fill it up over winter so you don't get so much water condensation. Closest diesel pump that have pure 100% fossil fuel diesel was quite far away. I'm instead switching over to HVO100 -fuel to get rid of the RME in my fuel because that pump was closer by. HVO stands for Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil and can be made from pine oil retieved from the processings of pine wood, animal slaughter waste or (with a rain forrest impact) palm oil. Important thing is that it is chemically identical to fossil diesel fuel, which FAME never claims to be, and have longer storage time (like normal diesel). And the algae doesn't thrive in it.

[@TractorMike]

So far we've not be fortunate enough to experience that fuel. Sounds like it can leave a nasty mess in the tank!

[@donniebargo964]

Boy his fuel filter is extremely hard to get to compared to my mt225 which is probably maybe a size bigger than he is

[@Dowork147]

Any ideas on where to pick up a new float for the fuel bowl?

[@sailorcto]

It might be helpful to pre-fill the filter bowl with fresh fuel, before re-installing it. Helps the pump, without having to manually pump fuel in.

[@ralfie8801]

The tractor has an electric fuel pump on it, you can hear it running when he turns the key on to prime the system. You can see the pump in the video, it's the silver metal thing to the right of the pre filter, it looks like an automotive inline fuel filter.

[@MikeShramek]

Can I use my ford tractor 4000 su to pull up stumps that I have dug around and cut the roots off ?

[@peterwill3699]

Kabota put the filter in the worst place to get at.And if you have a cab you have to be a contortionist.

[@Jedward108]

Good video, thanks. But what actually happens if water gets thru to the engine?

[@TractorMike]

Worse case scenario is an injection system rebuild which can be $1500-$2000. Diesel pump shops have kept pretty busy with the newer engines.

[@jorgemejia5986]

Hi Mike, is it normal to see some settlements in the water separator? An Avery dusty material inside the screen.

[@TractorMike]

Yeah, in mine there's usually some particles that could be flakes off the fuel tank or debris from the tanks I tote back and forth. When you see it, it's time to clean it out.

[@rolandchapa6261]

Mike - I've got a JD5085 but does not seem to have a see through filter / strainer. How can I inspect for water in my fuel system?

[@TractorMike]

Roland, I don't know. Might be worth a call to the service manager at your local Deere dealership. I'd think there would be some way to detect moisture on that tractor, but I've not been around that model enough to know. Good luck!

[@rolandchapa6261]

@@TractorMike I actually did find the in-line glass filter on the 5085, just needed to look deeper in engine compartment. Thanks again!

[@WallaceWills]

I just took delivery of a new Mahindra 2538 a couple of weeks ago. The tractor sat on the lot for probably 6 months before I bought it I would guess. I got it with a full tank and have only used about 1/2 of that. This is a good reminder for me to check my fuel system since I haven't done it yet. I want to run out most of the old fuel, since I am not sure just how long it's been in the tank. What is the best additive to put in my tank and use year round in Northwest Florida? The tractor will be gently used since I don't do a lot of bush hogging or plowing with it. Thanks

[@Rprecision]

Wallace Wills up north we have good results from products from Power Service. I use the antigel in the winter and cleaner/crane boost in the summer. They even sell a product that pulls water and algee out. There are probably plenty of great products but I have paid attention and most commercial fleets run power service.

[@stephendecostello2783]

hi mike my friend has a 94 massey 240 it starts and runs but after 30 minutes or so it stalls wont start again till it cools any ideas what it is

[@mikedickson2925]

Great tip. Thanks!!!

[@ruedaricardo]

Mike, I am not sure if its the sun`s UV rays or the diesel but overtime the bowl gets a tan color that makes it hard to see the red floating disk inside. Any tips to clean it or restore it?

[@TractorMike]

I'm going to give you a crazy one. If the headlight covers on your car get hazy, try the insect repellant "Off" . I'd bet the same would work for your fuel bowl. Make sure you wipe it all out of there before reassembling.

[@gregabernathy6249]

Nice vid Mike, I have the same tractor and appreciate Chucks uh-oh so I won't make the same one lol

[@jamesrooney7689]

mike i have a 1710 tractor and i have tar in the fuel tank can that be cleaned ?? please help

[@tammybrookshire5120]

I have a Mahindra 2615 that we don’t do good maintenance on at all. It wont start so we bought a new battery and it still wont start. We don’t have a safety seat switch.

[@jamesmaddox1450]

I have one of those too. (2018 Mahindra 1526) They come with horrible battery cable connectors on them that corrode easily. Mine was doing the same thing after just a few months after buying it new. But I guess you've figured that out by now, given it's been a year ago already. 😀

[@jamesrooney7689]

thanks mike i just learned something

[@larrymoore6640]

Good video but would've have it been a good idea to change that pre-fuel filter.

[@jdjack7412]

great video. How often, on average should you have to empty the drain bowl? I have purchased a used L3301 with about 620 hrs on it and emptied it and cleaned it and changed fuel filter at about 625 hrs. Since then I put about 30 hours on it and have emptied it 2 more times. Should it be getting that much water in it? After the 2nd time I siphoned the old diesel out of it and filled it with new diesel and treated it. After about 10-15 hrs the red float was up to the white line again. Just not sure if there might be an issue or just keep cleaning it out as it needs it and it is running fine?

[@ralfie8801]

Always fill the tank at the end of the day. Cool nights, humid air, and fuel tanks low on fuel accumulate condensation. A full tank of fuel has way less room for air transfer into the tank as the hot fuel cools overnight. You might also try a new fuel cap on the tractor. If you're using an overhead farm tank to store your fuel in, that's the most likely source of your water. Put a water separator filter on the tank outlet. If you're using a tank in your truck, make sure all of the fittings have their threads sealed. Put a water separator filter on the pump outlet. Keep 5 gallon fuel cans inside out of the rain.

[@hphillips7425]

Is it easier to see if you use the red diesel

[@frankcuevas8074]

Mike; I was using my L1033 HST recently; when suddenly and kind acceleration or load stalled the engine. I replaced oil and filter; fuel filter and water separator filter; but it kept doing the same thing. I was idling at full RPM no problem; but as soon as stepped on the forward or reverse pedal; it stalls. I kept accelerating forward and back to see if I could prod it to work -it stalled; died and now won’t turn on at all. No crank; nothing. Any suggestions on what it could be?

[@TractorMike]

Sorry for the slow response...could be something in the bottom of the fuel tank clogging flow up. That's where I'd start: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnPceHuAo5Koe9k. Good luck!

[@ditzydoo4378]

ummm… FYI Kubota makes the notched captive wrench that fits that filter collier. Beating on it is one of the worst thing one could do to it.

[@jameshuneycutt5965]

Never use a hammer and chisel or screwdriver to loosen that filter housing, your hitting on aluminum and plastic , take you a pair of channel locks and turn it off , to fill filter back up , just start the filter ring back on and open the petcock, when full tighten nut , to drain the water , let machine set over night and first thing in the morning, take the filter back off and then open petcock and drain fuel into a bucket , water will settle in bottom of tank over night

[@bombidude]

Mike, Is seaform a good diesel fuel treatment? I use died fuel from my wifes bulk tank and I just don't want no diesel problems..

[@TractorMike]

I think so...I know at the dealership I worked at, the guys in the shop used a ton of it and that's generally a good testimonial.

[@ralfie8801]

There's no difference in dyed fuel and the fuel you get at the gas station, other than the dye denoting its untaxed for hiway use, minus any problems there may be with the tank the red fuel was stored in. I had a fuel gauge sender in a JD 3520 compact tractor that was sticking and just altogether inaccurate. A can of Seafoam in the tank cleared that problem up before a half tank was used.

[@SonNguyen-dx2jz]

Hi Mike, got a JD 5525, 2750 hours, sometime the gas pedal stuck, what can I do?

[@TractorMike]

Hit all of the moving components in the system with WD40 Specialist Dry Lube: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZa6nJeoj7aNY5Y. I keep a can on my workbench for linkages and it's the best thing I've found for that.

[@bladerunner1458]

When I put fuel into the fuel tank I use a funnel that has a filter on it. Any thoughts?

[@TractorMike]

Excellent idea!

[@jerrymorgan9602]

Why didn't you open the shutoff peacock after you put the bowl back on?

[@bones549]

Would it not be a good idea to put a new filter in?

[@ralfie8801]

It's mostly just a strainer, the filter is farther up on the engine where they pointed out the bleeder screw.

[@ElonMuskX]

My tractor has no red ring, what model tractor was this? Would like to find a red ring for my bowl.

[@patrolrider]

I have a 4240 kubota just cleaned my fuel bowl didn't see a red ring ether

[@tomcook5813]

The chunks can be a parasite that lives on fuel. Aircraft Jet A fuel has a slimy stuff that lives in water that collects in the bottom of fuel tanks. As that slime lives in the water and eats fuel, it sometimes dies of and leaves a crunchy stuff in the bottom and I think that's what you had as far as chunks. www.hpcdfuel.com/pdf/DOWfuel_training.pdf

[@thegreatnorthwoodswithbb6513]

Always drained my water separator probably once a week just to play it safe only takes a half a minute

[@larrya.mccloskeysr298]

You didn't turn the fuel back on ? ? ? ?

[@TractorMike]

Well, we did, I forgot to film it. I realized pretty late in the editing process that I'd left that out and was too lazy to go back down to Chuck's and film the thing being turned back on. Half the time I do forget to do something like that, though, what was in the video was realistic if I'm by myself. Except the tractor wouldn't start :).

[@larrya.mccloskeysr298]

Tractor Mike I knew that you had to have turned it on but thought people that didn't know should so that they didn't make that mistake

[@kathykelsey6131]

I accidentally added hydrolic fuel to my diesel tank on my 675 farm trac tractor and it’s now shooting fluid between the fuel pump and hydrolic pump

[@leedawson8301]

That reminds me...

[@truckerray7533]

Im gonnuh try my very best about checking my fuel bowl each time im at my lil tractor. Thankya'll for this informative video. i noticed that your friend forgot to turn the fuel shut off valve back on after reinstalling the bowl. was there a reasoning to this???

[@TractorMike]

He turned it back on...I forgot to film it. Didn't notice till I was editing. It's on me :).

[@alee7043]

Also, if the bowl filled up when the switch was turned on it HAD to be turned to the on position.

[@anthonychavez7522]

What do you treat the fuel with?

[@route66express]

Anthony Chavez Power Service in the white bottle is by far the best winter treatment.

[@eddevarona8448]

Corey Hendrickson - just wondering, how is it better than sea foam or stabil?

[@ralfie8801]

Ed Devarona The two you mentioned don't prevent fuel gelling when the temps get below about 10F. Power Service in the white bottle does.

[@dougshrader7721]

They are really getting primitive with these little tractors today, sediment bowls went the way of the dinosaurs 50 years ago. My 40 year old Ford just has a fuel filter with a drain on the bottom to drain water occasionally.

[@forcesightknight]

I've been all over my tractor, I've never seen a water separator.

[@MetaView7]

Good vid

[@noneentered1]

06:55 Shouldn't start it without being in the drivers seat. Safety disconnects can fail, much better to be positioned at the controls if it were to start moving.

[@victorcastle1840]

Stupid Troll ? You don't think the break was on ?

[@jessicasingleton4242]

Please make a video about the right to repair legislation.

[@davidlees4900]

Is there a better place to buy fuel, than my local gas station

[@TractorMike]

Probably not as long as there are several diesel-powered vehicles in your area, that's where I get mine and have never had an issue. We had a station in this area where a new delivery guy put gas in the diesel tanks. Some insurance company got to do a slew of engine overhauls for the nice folks who fueled up there.

[@billkennedy7009]

Hr

[@georgesimpson3113]

No, no, no. You don't know how to do anything. You should be screwing with this in the dark with it cold with the wind blowing and you are in a hurry laying in the snow and mud. Such a bunch of amateurs. ;)