Fuel/Water separator for XG3025

[mikeh19d]

Hey all, I'm looking to keep from repeating a contaminated fuel issue I had experienced earlier this year and I've come here seeking wisdom. Background, at first the tractor started out running fine but began sputtering and eventually quit. I checked everthing out and noticed the fuel looked a little funny. I thought I could fix it by replacing the fuel filter. After replacing the 5th filter I figured the issue was much larger so I ended up draining the tank which turned out to be eye opening. Out of the 6 or so gallons of fuel I drained from the tank there must have been at least a quart of contaminated fuel. It would have taken a truck load of fuel filters to get it all pulled out. So I ended up cleaning the tank out, flushed the fuel line and dropped in a new filter. Everything is back on track. So, to prevent this from happening again, I figured I would install a fuel/water separator on the tractor. I started searching for this part and weeks later I'm still looking. At this point I figured I would appeal to masses and get your feedback. The first question I have is, does anyone know if there is one made to fit the XG3025? If not, can you recommend an "3rd party" component that would fill the roll? I prefer the type with a valve on the bottom so I can drain the water prior to startup. If I find one, do you recommend it be placed in line before or after the fuel filter?
Oh, for those who are thinking, "Put a separator at the pump and you won't have to worry about contaminants..." or "Why don't you find a cleaner source of fuel?", or whatever. I know, I'm on it, I'll be addressing each one of those steps, with available components, and those will do their part to prevent the contamination. It's the final link in this chain I'm having an issue with before the fuel goes in the engine. Let me know if you have any questions or recommendations. I appreciate any and all feedback. Thank you.

 

[RjCorazza]

What exactly was in the tank when you cleaned it out? A dark slimy goop would indicate a microbial contamination, which can be very difficult to get rid of. If this is the case I would strongly recommend immediately adding a fuel additive that kills the microbes, as it's highly unlikely it's all cleared out by cleaning the fuel system and replacing the fuel. Also keep filters on hand for short interval replacement, as the killed microbes will still wreak havoc.

These microbes require water. You are addressing the fuel quality issue, but consider a higher capacity water separator. I recently installed a Racor water separator / filter as the first filter after the tank.
This is what I installed on my tractor, replacing the OEM separator / strainer : https://ph.parker.com/us/en/diesel-fuel-filter-spin-on/215r2

 

[mikeh19d]

What exactly was in the tank when you cleaned it out? A dark slimy goop would indicate a microbial contamination, which can be very difficult to get rid of. If this is the case I would strongly recommend immediately adding a fuel additive that kills the microbes, as it's highly unlikely it's all cleared out by cleaning the fuel system and replacing the fuel. Also keep filters on hand for short interval replacement, as the killed microbes will still wreak havoc.

These microbes require water. You are addressing the fuel quality issue, but consider a higher capacity water separator. I recently installed a Racor water separator / filter as the first filter after the tank.
This is what I installed on my tractor, replacing the OEM separator / strainer : https://ph.parker.com/us/en/diesel-fuel-filter-spin-on/215r2

Thanks for the heads up regarding the contaminates. I ended up draining out a milky/creamy looking substance so I think I'm safe on that front. After I cleaned the system out I did add some Seafoam to the fuel since I think its more of a water issue. I'm still looking for a separator. Quick question, if I add a component like the one you are using, will the fuel pump have any issues pushing/pulling the fuel through the system?

 

[5030]

One word...RACOR.

 

[RjCorazza]

Thanks for the heads up regarding the contaminates. I ended up draining out a milky/creamy looking substance so I think I'm safe on that front. After I cleaned the system out I did add some Seafoam to the fuel since I think its more of a water issue. I'm still looking for a separator. Quick question, if I add a component like the one you are using, will the fuel pump have any issues pushing/pulling the fuel through the system?

My installation had no problem with the Racor on the suction side of the pump, which is the recommended installation per Racor. I replaced the OEM separator / strainer, which would have less restriction than the Racor I would imagine. My tractor fuel system is now : Tank > Racor > 12v electric lift pump > cooler > Feed Pump > Secondary Filter > Injector Pump.
You could always add a 12v diaphragm pump immediately after an add on filter, but I doubt you would need one. I added a 12v lift pump to a previous diesel mower after adding a 2 micron filter, which worked fine.

 

[alexpops]

What RjCorazza said. Hard to beat racor. 200 series should be plenty of flow. Also, if you do find algae ... biobor. How are you adding fuel? 5 gal jugs or storage tank. If tank, add a racor or goldenrod to the fill pump flow. If 5 gal jugs, mr. Funnel.

 

[Dandolore]

What RjCorazza said. Hard to beat racor. 200 series should be plenty of flow. Also, if you do find algae ... biobor. How are you adding fuel? 5 gal jugs or storage tank. If tank, add a racor or goldenrod to the fill pump flow. If 5 gal jugs, mr. Funnel.

I love the extra tips on this forum. Thanks for sharing.

 

[zzvyb6]

My JD F-935 has a canister water separator with a drain valve. Also handy when I carelessly run out of fuel and can bleed out the fuel line all the way up to the injection pump.

 

[5030]

My installation had no problem with the Racor on the suction side of the pump, which is the recommended installation per Racor. I replaced the OEM separator / strainer, which would have less restriction than the Racor I would imagine. My tractor fuel system is now : Tank > Racor > 12v electric lift pump > cooler > Feed Pump > Secondary Filter > Injector Pump.
You could always add a 12v diaphragm pump immediately after an add on filter, but I doubt you would need one. I added a 12v lift pump to a previous diesel mower after adding a 2 micron filter, which worked fine.

What I did (because I'm cheap is, I purchased the ConUs (Amazon) base versus the Racor base. It's exactly the same thread's as the Racor base at 1/3rd the cost and spun on a Racor element. I also added the bowl heater as added insurance. Why spend a hundred bucks when 25 works. Both my M's have mechanical pumps to suck fuel. Same deal. Tank to Racor to primary spin on filter to injection pump. I used a 30 micron pass Racor as the OEM primnary filter on my M's are 80 micron pass. (per Kubota).

 

[GeneV]

I use Biobor Jr as a biocide, and Mr Funnel to keep water out of the fuel tank. Had no problems doing it that way as of yet.