Fuel Slowly Filling Fuel Filter???? L3240

yzbdsbp · Feb 9, 2020

I have a L3240 and have recently had problems with the fuel from the fuel tank slowly filling the filter bowl. I was working the L3240 the other day doing driveway maintenance and the tractor just died. This is the second time I have had this happen, so I got off the tractor to find that the tractor had burned all the fuel out of the filter bowl. (the fuel line runs straight from the bottom of the tank to the filter) So I watched the filter fill back up slowly with the tractor off, then restarted, only to run out it out of fuel again. This time the flow was even slower to the filter, restarted....only to die again and now now fuel is not making it to the filter bowl. After tapping on the filter assembly fuel started flowing again but this time I could see what looked like the black dust that collects around the fuel tank fill opening. So I am assuming I have trash in my tank and possibly in the line from the tank to the fuel filter. I was just wondering if there is an easier way to get the trash out of the tank if that is what I find tomorrow? Im going to disconnect the hose that runs from the fuel filter to the tank and drain all the fuel out while filtering the fuel to see if I can see anything that would cause this problem. But obviously there is something because I can see it visually when it goes into the filter sight glass. I looked at how much of a pain it will be to remove the tank and I only want to do that as a last resort.....

I have just turned to yall for advice! Thank you so much for all the knowledgeable folks on here. You are greatly appreciated

Peter 315 · Feb 9, 2020

HI, you might have diesel fuel algae ,Recognizing diesel fuel algae

5030 · Feb 9, 2020

gee, got your answer right away on Orange Tractor Talks didn't you......

moship · Feb 10, 2020

With respect to fuel issues...

When encountering suspected fuel encounter issues, I remove the rubber hose to the filter inlet and allow the fuel to drain into a clean light colored container. Observe fuel flow and inspect the fuel captured in the container. In my case I use clean white buckets which make it easy to see any contaminants. You might be surprised the stuff that comes out.

Bacteria growth can be a big problem and the slim or jelly like masses that grows can definitely impact fuel flow. Besides possible tank obstruction also consider dissembling the fuel filter shut off valve passages as they are somewhat small.

I use a biocide additive as preventative maintenance after experiencing trouble similar to what you're experiencing. It's not cheap, but very little is need to prevent once the fuel is clean.

Report back what you find and good luck.

Jstpssng · Feb 10, 2020

You can do it without removing the tank; drain as much fuel as you can with a siphon hose. Then remove the fuel line before it gets to the sediment bowl/water separator and blow back into the tank to clear the obstruction. Let the rest of the fuel drain out; you may have to blow back through a few times to clear the drain again. Then flush it with diesel until it comes clean, add biocide to a couple of gallons of diesel Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide - Power Service, let it set overnight, then drain again and refuel. Going forward always use fresh fuel from a reliable source, and if you transfer from 5 gallon cans make sure that they are clean before filling.

And don't ask me how I know all of the above.

RjCorazza · Feb 10, 2020

As moship mentioned, don't hyperfocus on the tank without ruling out the filter, housing, and shutoff valve. I have read about some machines having a clogged screen at the shutoff valve.
If when disconnecting the fuel line before the filter there is a good gravity flow, look hard at the filter housing.