4035 Draining water from fuel filter

[tjus77]

I just noticed that the fuel filter should be drained periodically (each use?) of water. Kind of freaked out since I have 20+ hours. I followed the instructions, but am unsure that I did much good. The directions state to loosen the drain plug and drain until you see pure diesel. When I did that the hose attached to the bottom, came off, I reconnected, but nothing came out. If I pumped the primer button it came out as I pumped and I got good diesel quickly. I didn't notice that the hose had come loose again and there was diesel all over the starter. Not that the hose did much good, you couldn't catch most of the fluid coming out.

Am I supposed to pump the primer button, or should it run out on its own? How often do you drain your filter since it is such a pain in the arse? Thanks for the help.

TJ

 

[oosik]

First, in the 32+ years I owned two different tractors, I've NEVER had any water in my diesel fuel. You should have two different devices on your tractor. A fuel filter and a water separator. The fuel filter has a required periodic(look in your owners manual for time interval) change interval and the water separator should be a clear glass bowl unit, easily checkable, located somewhere on the fuel line. Again, check your owners manual for location and procedures.

You do not remove water from the fuel system by draining the fuel from the fuel filter. That task is accomplished by removing the bowl, on the water separator, cleaning and wiping it dry, draining a little fuel from the line thru this unit and reinstalling the bowl.

You should be able to check for any water in your fuel by visually check for it in the clear bowl on the water separator. If you visually see water, then disassemble, clean and reassemble the water separator.

Periodically checking for water in the water separator is necessary - only tear the water separator down and clean it if you visually see water.

Any time you tear down anything in the fuel line - you need to "recharge" (my words) the fuel system by pumping/priming the fuel system. Pump the little plunger until resistance in pumping can be felt. Try to start the tractor - if no start - pump/prime again.

BTW - the recommended change interval for the fuel filter - on my tractor only - is every 400 hours.

 

[Sysop]

No worries. I've got the same tractor and know what you're talking about. Yes, just unscrew the piece on the bottom, if nothing drains, pump the piece on the top a couple times. If all you get is diesel, you are good to go. If you do get some water, drain it until no more water comes out. If you have water, make sure you're getting the fuel cap on tight and check your source of fuel for water contamination. I forget the exact interval they call for, I personally check mine once a month and drain it into a clear pyrex measuring cup. Upon inspection if it has no water or dirt, it goes back in the tank...

 

[JerryK]

Like the above post, you have to address where the water is coming from. You should actually never find water, or very little if any at all. Practices like keeping the tank full when tractor is not is use, fueling only from well used diesel pumps at well used gas stations, and storing your excess fuel in full containers. Not trying to preach, but you should not be finding water....

 

[tjus77]

Thanks for the responses. I don't think there was any water (forgot to bring a glass jar from the house). What little I captured in the bucket looked like pure diesel. I was just going by the owner's manual on how and when to check. Just seemed strange that when you twist the drain valve, the tube disconnects or at best loosens and it drains all over the starter. I do leave my fuel cans completely full or completely empty. And I store my tractor with a full tank during the winter months (might use it 2-3 times a month), but since I use it 3-4 times a week during the summer, it is anywhere from 3/4 full to 1/4. Is there a problem with condensation during the summer?

 

[oldpilgrim]

it doesn't sound like he found water but got worried when he hadn't checked for it.

I just noticed that the fuel filter should be drained periodically (each use?) of water. Kind of freaked out since I have 20+ hours.

If you have a history of water in the fuel, yes, check it regularly and find out where it's coming from.

If not, check it when you do normal maint checks. You do NOT need to drain it with each use.

Is there a problem with condensation during the summer?

you can get some, maybe, if the nights get cool. Try not to over think and worry about this. It's not a real big problem.

 

[Sysop]

Also, pull the end of the hose out of the zip tie where it got bundled to other things. It is not supposed to be zip tied to that other stuff... It will keep it from pulling off when you loosen it, as well as preventing it from draining on the starter. It should technically dangle loose off the bottom cap and it should drain through a big hole in the loader frame to the ground (if you don't have something handy to catch it in).

 

[tjus77]

Also, pull the end of the hose out of the zip tie where it got bundled to other things. It is not supposed to be zip tied to that other stuff... It will keep it from pulling off when you loosen it, as well as preventing it from draining on the starter. It should technically dangle loose off the bottom cap and it should drain through a big hole in the loader frame to the ground (if you don't have something handy to catch it in).

Thanks, didn't see the zip tie before... that will work much better.

 

[JerryK]

tjus77 Sorry, didn't see you question about condensation/summer. I think I read somewhere that anytime the fuel is more than seven degrees cooler or warmer than the air temp you can get condensation. Usually, if you keep the air part of the tank as reasonably small as possible, you have less chance for it to be a problem. That is why they say to keep the tanks full when you store your tractor, even overnight, if possible. On my JD 2240, it has a big farm type tank in front that you can look down inside the fuel tank. If you get water, you will see shiny black 'noodle' looking things floating around down at the bottom, which show up real good using a flashlight. Those are the things you want to keep from getting in your tank. If you ever heated your house with fuel oil and had an outside tank... you would know all about condensation.