Fue problem

Walkin Horse · Nov 25, 2013

I have a Ford 555d .Sunday it cut off so I changed the fuel filter.I took it back to the barn and let it sit and run for an hour. This morning I went to start it and it wouldnt start. Got off hooked my truck to it to keep the battery up and got my hairdryer/intake heater. Went to start it and the ignition was froze up. Now about 6 months ago I snapped the key off and have been using a screwdriver to start it. So now I figure is a good time to fix it. I get. the ignition out and pick the key out. I take it to locksmith and get a new new key made. Get home put everything togather. By now it had warmed up enough it fired up. So I took off and started moving some brush to burn tomorrow. I ran it about 30 minutes and it cut off. So went and got help to crank while I bled it. I got it moved out of the drive and it cut off again. After about 5 or 6 times of getting it started and it cutting off l gave up. Now it is sitting in the pasture. I pulled the filter off again and the water seperater and dumped it again. I can get it started then it cuts off. While its running I crack the injectors and get bubbly fuel out like its getting air. Is there something Im doing wrong. l have run it out fuel before and changed filters also and never had this much trouble.
One other thing I thought about after I came in. On the back of the ignition there is a wire somebody has wrapped around one of the terminals.It runs to the injector pump and looks like a jerry rig to supply power to the fuel cutoff.
Does this sound like a bleeding problem or is an electrical problem due to the wire. In the morning I will check the connection again. I would like to know where the injector pump originally got power from.
Any help would be great because I use the tractor to put out roundbales plus most other chores around here.

Egon · Nov 26, 2013

Consider draining the fuel tank and check for debris plugging the screen.also make sure all the fuel lines are clean. Any chance it is fuel gelling?

Walkin Horse · Nov 26, 2013

I dont think its gelling. My mule other tractor and truck were all running..The fuel flow is good coming from the tank and filling the water seperator and filter. The primer pump was replaced 2 years ago because the diaphram went bad. There was water in the bowl both times I pulled it off, but I'm thinking thats what its for, To let the water go to the bottom and pull fuel off of the top and send it to the filter.

I bought another filter today. This time a fram instead of napa to see if it seats better, I tried a NH filter one time and never could get it to seal where it didnt leak.l guess I will try again tomorrow after the rain quits or I will be pushing roundbales.

Bob Rooks · Nov 26, 2013

Walkin Horse said:
There was water in the bowl both times I pulled it off, but I'm thinking thats what its for, To let the water go to the bottom and pull fuel off of the top and send it to the filter.

You have enough water in your fuel for it to settle out in the sediment bowl? Geez! Then you have plenty enough for diesel bugs to thrive and flourish in the fuel tank. If there is enough water in the fuel to settle out in the bowl then much of it is getting through to your pump and injectors. A regular fuel filter will pass water freely unless it is a coalescer filter.

Walkin Horse · Nov 27, 2013

I guess I have been sloppy about my fuel. I generaly buy it from a place that has an aboveground tank. I keep it outside in 5 gal cans, some with vents and some new ones. Probably the biggest mistake is not keeping the tractor full.

So tomorrow when it quits raining, here is my plan. Drain the tank (less than 10 gals.) and install new filter. Should I run more fuel through the tank or get some kind of additive to wash the tank. I may be able to get my arm in the tank and use a toilet brush to scrub it. Any more suggestion please

Bob Rooks · Nov 27, 2013

Walkin Horse said:
Here is my plan. Drain the tank (less than 10 gals.) and install new filter. Should I run more fuel through the tank or get some kind of additive to wash the tank. I may be able to get my arm in the tank and use a toilet brush to scrub it. Any more suggestion please

Good plan. If there is any "algae" in the tank it would be best to thoroughly clean it out. If you can, decant your next batch of fuel before you put it in the tank and treat it with a biocide. I suggest you set up some sort of pumping station where you can run your fuel through a Goldenrod filter (or equivalent) before it goes into the tractor.

Amazon.com: goldenrod fuel filters

Walkin Horse · Nov 27, 2013

where can I get biocides. I just left adance auto and they were laughing.

Also is scrubbing with a brush or even using and old shop vac good then treat the new fuel.

Walkin Horse · Nov 27, 2013

Found some Power Service in the green label at WAlmart.

I have not cracked screws
on the pump. Is there a chance
it may be air locked

Bob Rooks · Nov 28, 2013

The kids at Advance were laughing = ignorance is bliss.
Here are a few brands to choose from at Amazon, but you should be able to purchase locally from any knowledgeable parts house:

Amazon.com: diesel biocide

It should be noted that fuel biocides are used by all branches of the U.S. military, shipping companies, truck fleets, fuel storage facilities, etc.

Here is a good simplified read on the critters.
DIESEL FUEL BUG