Oil & Fuel Clogging fuel filter - cannot figure this out

[evomx971]

I checked the cap and when the tractor has lost power in the past I've tried taking it off to see if it helps and it didn't so pretty sure it's not the cap vent. I have not cleaned out the filter housing passages - will try that next time I have the filter out.

 

[evomx971]

I had a ZD331 diesel mower that I bought used with 400h on it. In the summer I was having fuel starvation issues that seemed unsolvable. After a thorough cleaning I added a 2 micron filter, and an additional electric lift pump. I'm all for diagnosing problems, but sometimes a brute force approach works.
Ran great for the next 1200 hours before selling it.

Hmm, the lift pump is a puny looking thing...

 

[Reb954]

I didn't see where the OP is getting his fuel from. Are you fueling from your own bulk tank or do you get it someplace else? Is it always coming from the same place, if it is then try a different place. Also, try Howes rather than Power Service, see if that has any effect. It sounds like you have done what you can do at the tractor level so now it is time to go upstream.

 

[Rebeldad1]

"I can't keep it running for more than a couple hours without changing the filter.
fuel filter feels slightly "slimy" but otherwise looks perfect.
Filters look fine to the eye. Nothing in the filter cup.
I drained the tank but didn't see anything that looked like fungus and the fuel lines flowed free.
I can't see ANYTHING in the filter so really not thinking it's fungus."

Those are quotes from the OP.

"My next idea is to try to find some "real" diesel" Are you not running pump diesel? I dont see any remark about running new fuel through it?

If so... Sounds like you have eliminated any fuel related issues from the fuel itself through the tank into the injectors.
time to move on...
Pull the injectors and check for contaminated screens. Also possible that the injector pump itself may have a screen. You can call your dealer and verify that. Next would be to have the pump tested.

 

[beckmurph]

I didn't see where the OP is getting his fuel from. Are you fueling from your own bulk tank or do you get it someplace else? Is it always coming from the same place, if it is then try a different place. Also, try Howes rather than Power Service, see if that has any effect. It sounds like you have done what you can do at the tractor level so now it is time to go upstream.

The question about your storage is an important question.

 

[ruffdog]

What micron filter are you running? The wix site should give you that info.

 

[evomx971]

I've been getting the diesel from a local convenience store (Casey's for those in the midwest) that is generally know to have decent diesel. Recommended by the local dealer. I only get 5 gallons at a time.

The wix filters are 30 micron.

Although I feel like I've eliminated the fuel as the problem - the fact that a new filter will get the tractor running tip-top keeps bringing me back to a fuel problem.

Next step is going to be getting my diesel from a different source. There's a place that supposedly sells non-bio diesel, if that turns out not to be the case, I might go to the local Pilot or Love's truck stop. Have heard their diesel is generally pretty good.

Thanks for everyone's input!!!

 

[Leejohn]

You been getting bio diesel from a station with turn over is min? Change go to the truck stop.

 

[ruffdog]

You been getting bio diesel from a station with turn over is min? Change go to the truck stop.

^^^I agree.^^^ A 30 micron filter is not that fine to be plugged up quickly unless the fuel is the cause. The Toolcats with the Kubuta engine had 10 micron filters and the Doosan now has 2 micron filters. I would suck as much of that fuel out and get some from a different source.

 

[Ford850]

Are you using the silver or white bottle of Power Service.
Bio Diesel will start to form wax and plug filters at 40 degrees.