5555 Starts, Runs and then Dies when loaded up

[Mad Mac]

5555 Starts, Runs and then Dies -- Problem Solved

This Mahindra is less than 18 months old. The 60 hour maintenance was performed. The fuel light has been on constantly for six months and the tractor begins to sputter when the fuel tank is about half full and the fuel gauge shows 3/4 full. Usually it resumes operating normally after refueling but today it would not keep running. We limped back to the barn. Any ideas?

 

[Mad Mac]

The service technician at my local Mahindra dealer said that this was a fairly common problem. Here is his solution.

The internal fuel filter is tiny and clogs easily. Drain the tank and throw away the old filter, which is part of the drain plug. Install a large in-line fuel filter. A transparent filter that allows observation of accumulated crud is recommended. Some Mahindra 5555s have a section of braided line that a section can be cut out for the filter. Others use all metal tubes in which case a section of tube has to be cut out and 3/8ths fuel line inserted. Either way, four hose clamps will be needed.

 

[irishrover]

I was having a similar problem with my 2816 and the wee filter that is on it. RNuemann from this site suggested this as an answer.

Dutton-Lainson Goldenrod 495 Fuel Filter - For Life Out Here

I think it will work for me.

 

[CADplans]

Also,,get a Mr Funnel,,I am amazed what that filter stops with "fresh" fuel,,,
I always thought I was a "clean fuel fanatic!!" I was not,,, :confused2:

 

[RNeumann]

Re: 5555 Starts, Runs and then Dies -- Problem Solved

I'm trying to understand where this little filter is. Does Mahindra put something inside the tank? Is that what "internal filter" means?

 

[Mad Mac]

Re: 5555 Starts, Runs and then Dies -- Problem Solved

Yes it is inside the tank. About the size of a short cigarette it is attached to the fuel drain petcock. Remove the drain plug and the filter comes out with it. Supposed to drain the tank to do the fix but we may just try to flush the crud off the filter and put it back in until we have time next week to do the whole job.

 

[Mad Mac]

Here is how the mod went. Let me say do not wear anything that you do not want to get diesel fuel on. This was a messy operation. Nitrile or latex industrial gloves will be helpful, but you may well get fuel up to your armpit and splashed onto your jeans and boots. Some sort of light like a flashlight really helps to see what is going on.

Our 5555 had braided stainless steel line leading from the petcock banjo, which simplified things. My suggestion is to start by cutting the line with a fine hacksaw and plugging it off with a golf tee or some such. Then you have plenty of time to trim off some line to make room for the new inline filter. In our case, about four inches.

Of course, we did it backwards which complicated the procedure. While the line is cut, it would be an opportunity to use the cut line to drain and direct the fuel from the tank into containers if so inclined. Otherwise it will splatter everywhere. We had just topped off our tank so we resorted to Plan B.

With a helper, moi, to hold the line for cutting, put a gloved finger over the hole and juggle the flahslight, we left the fuel in the tank. There is not much room for one person much less two. I wedged myself standing inside the left rear wheel and reached under the hood with my right hand. Having three or four hands to cut hose and remove the banjo fitting and then the fuel filter fitting and plug the drain seemed essential.

Much splatter ensued. Take care to not lose the copper washers on the fittings. We had a catch tub under the tractor which proved very helpful catching spilled fuel and dropped washers. In a perfect world, new copper washers should be installed.

While we had everything removed, I used the opportunity to take the fuel cap off the tank and removed my finger to allow one or two gallons of fuel to gush freely out of the tank flushing out any more crud that might be lurking in the bowels of the beast.

Here is the tiny internal fuel filter. The poor little thing was totally crudded up and the big Mahindra sucked on it so hard that it collapsed.

Victory is ours! Our beautiful, new, inline, visible fuel filter.

Thank you, Justin, at Collins Tractor and Equipment in Crockett, Texas

 

[CADplans]

That looks more like a strainer,,
suited towards keeping wrenches and glass eye balls from getting sucked into the fuel line,,,

I like your new filter,,,!!:thumbsup:

 

[RNeumann]

Re: 5555 Starts, Runs and then Dies -- Problem Solved

Don't wash those clothes yet! I'd throw a fuel shut off on the tank side of that. I think it was dfoster who gave me the idea.

The little filter that was in the tank is a miss by Mahindra- bad design with a great fix!

Mahindra 1533 1538 fuel shut off - YouTube

 

[dickfoster]

Re: 5555 Starts, Runs and then Dies -- Problem Solved

Don't wash those clothes yet! I'd throw a fuel shut off on the tank side of that. I think it was dfoster who gave me the idea.

The little filter that was in the tank is a miss by Mahindra- bad design with a great fix!

Mahindra 1533 1538 fuel shut off - YouTube

In addition to a shutoff I'd add a condensate bowl and petcock drain bowl drain to make keeping water out of your fuel just that much easier. If it's a clear bowl a quick glance will usually tell you what you need to know. Something along these lines along with an inline shutoff valve.
Fill-Rite Clear Bowl Filter, 4-1/2in.L, 3/4 in. Size F181PC1 | Zoro.com It doesn't have to be this big.
Much better than the first fuel filter on my machine which requires a 10mm wrench and removing the side panel on the engine just to do what should be a daily before starting check for moisture in the fuel, right along with checking the engine and hydraulic oil levels.