Oh No, forgot to replace fuel cap. Now what?

[Superduper]

So about 2-3 weeks ago, we had a huge snowstorm. After 2 days of being snowed in, I decided to try and clear my 300' driveway with my BX. Unfortunately, I could not get it to run for more than about 2-3 seconds. I figured that it was due to fuel gelling up or something. A week later, temperatures warmed up and I was able to start it and clear the driveway. Not wanting to have the fuel gel up again, I added some anti-gelling additive. We are expecting another snowstorm tonight/tomorrow so I just went out to move the tractor into the driveway in preparation. While I was moving it, I smelled diesel, so I looked at the fuel filler and noticed NO CAP! Oh No! I put the additive in over a week ago and we've already had 2-4" of snow between when I put in the additive and today. No doubt, some snow has found it's way into the filler opening. What do I do now? The tractor seems to run fine at the moment. Of course tomorrow evening after the storm, temperature is supposed to drop to -4*. Any suggestions? Just leave it and hope any moisture eventually works it's way out of the system?

 

[Streetcar]

Cover filler tube until you can find cap or buy new one. Minimal water entered tank

 

[Superduper]

The filler tube is a big opening, like 3.5" in diameter. Everything including the seat and hood was covered in 3" of snow. I covered it with a baggie and rubber banded it, but are you sure minimal water entered?

 

[Farmer495]

Depending how how much anti gel you put it, it could have tied up the moisture and since the tractor ran some the filters and lines could be fine.

Cover tube until you get a new cover, rubber glove works!

Does the BX have fuel tank drain and water separator? Once things have thawed out, any water should have settled to bottom of tank, cracking drain plug open will let the water out, close when fuel comes out. Water separator has a float and you can see if it needs removed.

 

[Gee Ray]

Did the anti-gel have a water dryer in it? Drain the fuel by the hole in the bottom of the tank. Drain the water separator. Refill it. Get some fuel dryer and add it to the tank. Also get a couple of new fuel filters in case you need them. If it runs all is good. If it acts up replace the fuel filters as water will mess them up. Even if they "look good" replace them.

 

[Superduper]

I used this stuff. Not sure if it has any drying agents, because the instructions doesn't really say but I used the max (double dose). And no, the BX does not include a water separator. No fuel tank drain either that I'm aware of. If there were a water separator, would be less of a concern because the system does have a fuel return line so a separator should eventually trap any water. Now I know of another summer project I need to do. And I did find the cap. Apparently I drove over it and it was mashed flush into the ground but it was 100% intact, although mud is in every orifice. I had to scrub it out and it's now sitting above a heat register hoping to dry it out.

 

[ovrszd]

The filler tube is a big opening, like 3.5" in diameter. Everything including the seat and hood was covered in 3" of snow. I covered it with a baggie and rubber banded it, but are you sure minimal water entered?

The same amount of water entered as a 3.5" diameter circle on your seat/hood.

Most tractors have a water separator system built into the filter system. As in a petcock on the bottom of the filter to drain off water. Or a glass bowl on the bottom of the filter so you can see the water and drain when needed.

You'll catch this water a little at a time since the outlet tube in your tank is not on the very bottom of the tank.

I wouldn't worry about it. But I'd also watch the water separator if you have one. Or open the petcock on the filter periodically and drain a couple spoons full.

I don't think you'll have any problems otherwise.

 

[sea2summit]

I’d check the water filter, probably dump it. See if she’ll start, watch that water filter for a minute or two. If you see any start to accumulate stop and dump it. Take it from there.

 

[Hay Dude]

How much fuel is in the tank?
If not much, drain it. You might have a gravity fed fuel line attached with a bulkhead fitting.
Check what comes out first. If you think a lot water got in, itll be the first thing out.
Drain out a gallon in a clear jug and see what it looks like

 

[RjCorazza]

Pretty sure the BX machines only have (2) small inline filters, with no water separator.
I personally would disconnect a line as close to the tank as possible and drain off some diesel.