Another "don't do what I did"

[Deepdrop]

Not the hugest screwup, but I thought I'd share it. I have a Kioti CX2510. It snowed last night so I went out this morning to remove the snow. I was sure I had a full tank of fuel but it read empty. I quickly figured out that the threaded ring that holds the fuel filter tight must have vibrated loose, and the diesel all just dripped out slowly.
I tightened it up and all seems good now, but it's just another of those things that I guess I need to remember to check periodically. Hopefully I'll save someone else from dumping a full tank of expensive diesel.

 

[gstrom99]

That would leave a horrible, stinky mess if it happened in my barn.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

What... Should that really be sleeping one needs to check?

 

[tacticalturnip]

What... Should that really be sleeping one needs to check?

Nope. Unlike loader frame bolts, checking to ensure your fuel filter is secure isn't in the manual.

 

[Deepdrop]

Nope. Unlike loader frame bolts, checking to ensure your fuel filter is secure isn't in the manual.

I didn't check to see if it's in the manual. The guy who serviced it last does very good work, so I assume it was tightened properly, but maybe not. Whether it's in the manual or not, I figured it is subject to loosening by vibration and just wanted to possibly save someone a mess. It's easy enough to do.

 

[Cycledude]

I have never heard of a fuel filter coming loose by itself before.
And even if it did come loose it’s hard to understand how it could possibly drain a full tank of fuel.
I’m glad to hear you managed to fix the issue.

 

[ZiggyD]

The fuel filter rattling off would the same as an oil or hydraulic filters rattling off. I don’t think it can happen unless the filter wasn’t connected properly to begin with.

 

[Shenandoah MF1760]

The guy who serviced it last does very good work, so I assume it was tightened properly, but maybe not.

Well... stuff happens. I had a one of the original Honda Ridgelines that I bought new, and the dealer at that time gave lifetime oil changes as part of the purchase. Really just a ploy to get the vehicle into the shop so they could attempt to upsell you on something else.

Everything was fine for years until one time they forgot to put the drain plug back in, and they released the truck to my wife. Their 2nd mistake was telling her to return immediately instead of pulling over somewhere safe. She didn't make it back to the shop before it quit on her. We demanded and got (not without a fight) that the engine be replaced. Which they did, but at an extremely slow pace. Took weeks to get he truck back.

 

[gstrom99]

Everything was fine for years until one time they forgot to put the drain plug back in, and they released the truck to my wife. Their 2nd mistake was telling her to return immediately instead of pulling over somewhere safe. She didn't make it back to the shop before it quit on her. We demanded and got (not without a fight) that the engine be replaced. Which they did, but at an extremely slow pace. Took weeks to get he truck back.

If they indeed left the plug OUT, it would've all leaked out before they checked the oil level after the job (if they did...), or for sure - before it was returned to her. Making a BIG mess to be seen by everyone.

Left loose yes, left out? no. That happens quite a bit, out there. Never at our shop, thankfully. Did they try and have you use your car insurance for the repair? I'm glad they made it right for you.

 

[Shenandoah MF1760]

If they indeed left the plug OUT, it would've all leaked out before they checked the oil level after the job (if they did...), or for sure - before it was returned to her. Making a BIG mess to be seen by everyone.

Left loose yes, left out? no. That happens quite a bit, out there. Never at our shop, thankfully. Did they try and have you use your car insurance for the repair? I'm glad they made it right for you.

I was given the impression that they literally left the plug out and that the tech found it on his bench. Which means he didn't check the level after filling, and hadn't moved the waste container away from the sump when she drove off.

The trail of oil from that the bay is what brought the ensuing panic from the dealership and all the frantic phone calls (I got one at work, too!).

Techs are paid buy the job, not the hour. So it's in their interest (and the shops) to move as fast as possible and get to the next job. Not exactly a recipe for quality.

 

[dodge man]

I visualize a clear bowl/water separator setup and can see how that’d come loose.

 

[Jstpssng]

I visualize a clear bowl/water separator setup and can see how that’d come loose.

A bit off topic but I learned the hard way that plastic gets old and brittle over time. I now keep a spare as it's more convenient than running for parts after the old one was hit by a stick and shattered.
Presumably the spare won't deteriorate as quickly since it hasn't been exposed to diesel.