Do you fill your tractor after every use?

[stevenf]

Andy the resolution to my problem ended up not being the tractor but a new storage tank that had gotten water in it prior to delivery. I to was inclined to just filler up when it was at a quarter tank or so like I would a gasoline engine but unlike at least the older gasoline cars when you run a diesel engine out of fuel I thought it was a really big deal although with all the trouble I've had, figuring out how to purge the air out of the system was actually quite easy although a PITA. My book says that if you want to avoid troubles with water in your tractor to refill after every use now I agree this would be another PITA for most that are using cans instead of a elevated storage tank but even that said a lot of those same people are even refilling after use some for condensation some for other reasons.
Now the meat You said that we start worrying about things that don't matter in real life. I would consider having water in my fuel to matter and the outcome (if you choose to ignore it)of scored pistons and lost compression in a brand new $30,000+ tractor to matter in this life and the next and the next... If you don't think so just ask my wife this is half of her new house money! Especially when the manufacturer has a fairly simple way to help eliminate this problem by just keeping the tank full.
Sorry for the soap box!

These are my thoughts!
Steve

 

[MadDog]

Steve: Just thought it worth mentioning that jerry cans or a big elevated storage tank aren't the only two alternatives.

I use about 140-150 gal of deisel a year and don't really want to have a 275 gal tank with fuel sitting in it for almost two years. On the other hand, wrestling with 5 gal cans isn't my idea of fun either, and besides, in my part of the country it means using on-road deisel and paying road tax on it unnecessarily.

I solved this by getting a 30 gal poly drum w/threaded bungholes, a cheap handpump from TSC and a short length of yellow plastic garden hose. I palletized the drum, so that I can put it in my truck to take to my local fuel dealer, where I can get off-road deisel. The result is (1) I only have to get deisel every 2-3 months or so, (2) I don't have to deal with 5 gal gerry cans, which makes it much more convenient to top off at the end of the day and (3) I can use off road deisel w/out having large quantities on hand for long periods of time. A search on"deisel storage" or "fuel storage" should turn up a post with pics of my set-up, if you're interested.

Hope this is of some use to you.

 

[stevenf]

Maddog I thought long and hard about the tank my neighbor does the same thing your doing but I don't see an end in site with 347 acres to cleanup and now the tractors running again I'll probably average 10 gallons a day on the weekends so it won't take that long to go thru 300 gallons and I'm able to do a little in the evenings during the week so I'd expect to go thru the 300 gallons in 3 months or less and the distributor delivers for free over a 100 gallons so I'd have many less trips to town and numerous hours saved. The barrels were tempting until I figured out how often I'd be going for more.
Steve

 

[MadDog]

If I were using the volumes of deisel that you are, I would have a big tank, too. But first, I'll have to get my hands on 347 acres. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[RedDog]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( That's it, just rub it in that you have a 26 gallon tank! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )</font>


Oops. Sorry,,,, /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

RedDog

 

[Junkman]

I just don't know who to reply to in this thread, so I will just pick PineRidge...... everyone picks on PineRidge, so why should I be any different?????

Condensation in a fuel tank, on the tractor or the bulk storage type is only a problem when the humidity is high and the weather is warm. Cold dry air doesn't cause condensation problems, hence there is no moisture being drawn into the tank. People that live in high humidity areas that want to store the fuel for longer periods of time, can cap the tank vent, which will eliminate the moist air from entering the tank. Remove the cap when you are going to pump from the tank and there will be no problem. Getting back to the original question, I fill the tank when it gets to a 1/4 tank and it usually only takes 3 1/2 gallons. I have never had a problem with condensation in my fuel because I am cognizant of the local weather. In hot humid times of the year, I keep the tank topped off, but that is not very often in CT. Every tractor owner is ultimately responsible for establishing a method for elimination of problems and along with that goes the responsibility to learn what is best in his particular case. What works in CT, might not work in Texas.

 

[texastomtom]

Almost any pilot will tell ya to keep em topped off. Now it isn't quiet as critical in a tractor and honestly no I do not top mine as I have to drive it a couple miles and its just not a problem for me anyhow. (texas)

I did just add the fuel bowl to the tractor so i could see any water getting into the system hopefully.


tom


If I had my tank set up here ( I have it but havn't set it up yet ) I will have a fuel/water seperator on the tank and keep the tractor full. For us in my area this is probably the most likely season for water contamination. The wide temperature swings are condusive to condensation.

 

[PineRidge]

I think this topping of the tanks may be blown out of shape a little. I don't do it with the car but I have always done it with my tractors, why, personal choice. Plus in my case the bulk oil tank is now sitting there asking to be used anyway. It's easier for me to fill up when I park the beast in the pole barn and then be able to quickly check the oil and fire it up once needed without worry about, "Do I need fuel today?"

I do feel better knowing that any water is separated both in the tank and with the filter on the electric pump though.

TC-40D SS web pictures click here

 

[LBrown59]

I fill up at 1/4th tank.