I'm going to try this. Mine starts sputtering and throwing bluish smoke when I get to about 1/8th of a tank or less. Loss of power and all and I've been avoiding changing the in tank filter because honestly, I don't know how to get it done. Is it all done from below the tank while still on the tractor? I like this inline idea much better as it's easy to see and replace. Thanks for the post.
Yes, on the 5500 series it can be done with the tank in the tractor while crouching uncomfortably on the left side of the tractor. A patient helper can be useful. There is a proper drain plug on the right side of the tank, but it is helpful to leave fuel in the tank to flush crud out later when the tank screen is removed.
Wear clothes and boots you do not mind splattering diesel onto. It will happen in spite of the best intentions. Do it while the engine is cold. Trust me on this. Have a large drain pan and rags handy. Whittle a long point onto a short stick about the size of your little finger to use as a plug later on. Even if the tank screen is not the problem, adding an inline filter at this time is convenient and will not hurt anything. A suitable one can be found at you auto parts store. Get two small hose clamps, too.
At this point, leave the fuel cap closed on the tank.
Unscrew the needle valve and lower the banjo fitting and fuel line.
It may be necessary to hold the banjo and fuel line to prevent them from turning.
Watch for a thin copper washer and try not to lose it.
Fuel may or may not flow freely at this point.
Plug the tank with the stick you made.
Carefully examine the eye of the needle valve.
That may be where the problem lies.
A small fleck of crud, paint or rust can block the opening.
Sometimes this happens intermittently like a tiny valve,
driving you crazy trying to diagnose the problem.
Run the needle in and out and make sure the eye is clear.
Open the fuel cap topside for the next step.
Pull the plug.
Unscrew and remove the in tank screen assembly from the tank.
Let the tank flow trash out freely.
Plug it when you want to stop losing fuel.
Close the fuel cap up top.
Inspect the screen.
If it is collapsed and packed with crud, that is where the problem lies.
Remove the screen and reinstall the tank nut without a screen and plug with the stick.
Reassemble the needle valve, banjo fitting and copper washer.
Pull the plug and insert the assembly.
Screw in the needle valve while holding the banjo fitting to prevent it from turning.
To install the inline filter, close the needle valve to shut off fuel.
The over-braided fuel line yielded to a hacksaw. Other wire cutters may work.
Put a small hose clamp on each end.
Stab in the new inline filter with the flow arrow pointing away from the tank.
Open the needle valve.
A final note. In the five years we have had the 5555, when it runs, we love it.
But we have had other fuel delivery problems that have been infuriating.
These involved a clogged needle valve and leaks on the return line
and other fuel harness lines and fittings.
Good luck.
