1700 premium fuel gauge issue

[jimmyhouser]

Please ignore the hole that I drilled in the flapper. That is useless. I don't condone drilling holes in this piece. I did it to "tickle the fancy" of another individual.

The flapper seems to get stuck against the O-ring and doesn't want to let go. So it holds fuel in one side and not the other. I also put a slight bend in the flapper so that it can't completely seal unless some decent force is put on it. This is the cure that I have come up with besides removing the little booger.

 

[thclimer]

Thanks for the update and pictures as I always wondered what it looked like.

I guess the hole was just too small for the diesel to easily flow through (viscosity)? If you make to hole big enough you might as well just eliminate the device.

How difficult is it to get at the check valve?

I believe you mentioned, or someone else that it is located in the hose which connects the 2 tanks. I'm guessing you need to have your tank pretty empty and get one side of the tractor higher to prevent a flood of diesel flowing out when you remove the hose?

 

[jimmyhouser]

Thanks for the update.

I guess the hole was just too small for the diesel to easily flow through (viscosity)? If you make to hole big enough you might as well just eliminate the device.

How difficult is it to get at the check valve?

I believe you mentioned, or someone else that it is located in the hose which connects the 2 tanks. I'm guessing you need to have your tank pretty empty and get one side of the tractor higher to prevent a flood of diesel flowing out when you remove the hose?

The tank does need to be empty. The device is located within the soft rubber part that is on the LH side. Note the direction of your flapper or the fuel will be stored on the wrong side. Drilling the hole is pointless, but it would help some to equalize the pressure when the flapper gets stuck. The ideal method is just that slight bend to keep a little spring tension away from the O-ring so if the flapper gets some pressure on it, it will release it's seal and flow properly even with a low fuel level.

 

[weesa20]

Any chance of going through a step-by step on how to get to the valve? Having the same issue- says empty and only takes 5 gal to fill. I know it is a known problem, looking to remedy

Thanks

 

[jimmyhouser]

Any chance of going through a step-by step on how to get to the valve? Having the same issue- says empty and only takes 5 gal to fill. I know it is a known problem, looking to remedy

Thanks

I'll post pictures and instructions on the next one I do.

Siphon the fuel from your tank into a clean container.

Locate and remove 3 bolts and one nut that holds a protective shield under the belly of your tractor. This shield is hiding the crossover tube between the two tanks.

Having a catch pan handy, remove the two hose clamps on the left side soft tube (perspective is from the driver's seat facing forward). Remove the tube, noting the direction it is facing. You will feel the check valve in this tube.

Remove the check valve and note the direction it is facing in this tube. Remove the flapper and use two pairs of pliers to put a slight bend in it.

Put pressure against the flapper while it is mated to the O-ring and see if it shows daylight in between them. You don't want much at all. I have not found a specific amount of pressure, but I can imagine you want close to 4-6lbs. Adjust accordingly.

Reinstall the flapper and tube making sure the flapper is nice and square in the hole, turned in the correct direction, and top side up. Reinstall the hose clamps, cover plate, and refill your tank. You should not need to bleed your fuel system out unless you run it without fuel in it.

 

[weesa20]

Thank you, sir!

 

[KingsEquip]

We have done this modification to a few 1736's. The reason for the flapper is because the fuel pickup is on one side and if the tractor is on a very sharp side hill than the fuel will run to the opposite side and starve the engine of fuel. Than the tractor will stop. The flapper is meant to hold the fuel to the side where the fuel pickup is. However, the sending unit for the gauge is on the opposite side so it will not read correctly. The flapper stops the fuel from returning to that side. We have removed a few flappers, drilled them out, to allow a slow stream of fuel to equalize in the tank when on a side hill and the gauge than works properly. Also, no lack of fuel to the engine. Keep in mind, the hole is only drilled to about 1/8" so it does take a bit of time for the gauge to register, but is much more accurate.