Oil & Fuel Filters

moodyj · Sep 28, 2017

I am having to change fuel filter about every 6-8 weeks on my 1816. I changed where I purchase my diesel. No change. I treat the fuel with an conditioner every time I get fuel. Just a thought, is it best to keep the tank full at all times? Maybe some condensate gets in there. Tractor is not used daily. Just used to mow around 4 acres. In the summer it might set for a week or so. Any suggestions?

mrmikey · Sep 28, 2017

I am having to change fuel filter about every 6-8 weeks on my 1816. I changed where I purchase my diesel. No change.

If you have to change it that often, you'veprobably got a bacteria problem, do a search for diesel bugs

I treat the fuel with an conditioner every time I get fuel.

Nothing wrong with a conditioner except it won't cure the problem. You'll have to flush and clean the entire system to get rid of it.

Just a thought, is it best to keep the tank full at all times?

Yes, cuts down on condensation

Maybe some condensate gets in there.

That'll do it.

Tractor is not used daily. Just used to mow around 4 acres. In the summer it might set for a week or so

Worst case scenario to start bugs................Mike

Wagtail · Sep 28, 2017

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

Why, specifically, are you having to change your fuel filter? What are the symptom(s)/problem(s) that are occurring?

Give us your observations so that we can assist you.

moodyj · Sep 28, 2017

I will be mowing and all of a sudden power will cut down and struggle to even idle. Wait a bit and it will pick up enough rpm's to make it to the shed. I use a standyne additive.

LouNY · Sep 28, 2017

If you are getting a black slime in your filter, it's biologics.
Get a good biocide, dose the fuel, run it till its close to empty, keep changing filters as needed.
Or, treat the fuel with biocide, agitate it, drain it, repeat once and then go.

Wagtail · Sep 28, 2017

Right -o. Just a few more questions... how long have you owned your 1816? After starting your tractor and beginning to mow, how long does it take (time wise) until the sudden power loss? (on average)

Do you have (or can get) an 'inspection camera'? You'll need this to look down into the bottom of your tractor's fuel tank. (If you've got a biological growth in your tank, it'll look like cotton-candy mixed with phlegm :ill

= you'll need a few doses/treatment of diesel biocide and a tank cleaning if that's the case.

Does your 1816 have a fuel bowl? Is there water present in that bowl = red ring floating? Is the bowl a bit green discoloured?

Can you pinch & remove the fuel line from the tank to where it attaches to the fuel bowl, then let it drain into a small container. If it pours, your tank may not be the problem... if it dribbles, you've got a blockage.

Report back please. :thumbsup:

M5farms · Sep 28, 2017

sounds like algae to me , FWIW put an inline filter before the can filter after you treat the tanks for algae you can see the particulates and if you change those filters soon enough you will eventually get it clean.

Brotherdan · Sep 28, 2017

Where is your fuel stored? If you have a large tank you draw off of, it may be a source of your problem?

moodyj · Sep 29, 2017

Wagtail,

It is a 2012 model with just a hair over 100 hours on it. Not used much. My wife will start mowing the 4 acres and almost get done and it starts messing up. I took it to a dealer and had my 100 hour service done on it at the end of May. They changed engine oil, fuel filter, air filter, checked all other fluid levels. Since then we had mowed twice. I have used different brands of filters, NAPA, OEM, now I am trying Baldwin. No, I don't have any way to to look in the tank. I will change it this weekend and send some pictures of the bowl and fuel.