Intermitant fuel starvation?

[Tx Jim]

I once owned a M4900 that acted similar to your tractor engine dying after running for a little while. I found a clogged little strainer in fuel shut off valve in water separator body. I cleaner strainer & then engine would operate correctly.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I've worked on three implements with the same problem.

One there were moths in the tank as the owner had left the cap off for a time. The moth would float over the intake and close it off and then when the engine stopped would float away and all would be good for a while. (Versatile 400 swather with a Ford 200 engine). Took a while to find that.

Second one was a tractor (John Deere 8100). There was a pile of slime in the bottom. I drained and rinsed as well as I could by pulling the fuel hose fitting out of the bottom of the tank. Part of the tank drain was broken off so replaced it and filled the tank with new diesel and told the owner use a diesel biocide for a while.

Another was a Deutz utility tractor. Someone had dropped a leather glove into the fuel tank and it would intermittently float over the intake and shut the tractor down. I could see the glove through the fuel filler cap as the hole was huge. I don't remember how I got the clove out but after that the problem was solved.

All the best in searching for your problem.

 

[Dieselmh]

Crud in the fuel tank definitely seems not only a logical cause of the symptoms, but highly likely give the low rate of fuel usage. I'll drain the tank - and try to remove if it not a major task to make sure I get it properly cleaned. Removing the tank cap was one of the first things I did - wasn't clogged. With my business travel schedule - I won't get to this for a couple of weeks.

I had the same symptoms with my L3400, which only gets used about 20-40 hours a year. Mine was "algae" growth, like suggested. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but getting that fuel tank out is a PAIN! You basically have to remove the hood, most of the instrument cluster, unbolt the steering column and bend it out of the way, and generally remove every little thing that gets in the way. The tank is kind of a funny shape, that kind of snakes down behind the dash. I think it took me about 3 hours to get it out, cleaned, and back in. Just take your time and take pics of everything you remove. And buy some anti-microbial treatment for your fuel, like I did. Good luck! Oh, and if you want to verify that's the problem, pull the full line loose from the filter input and use a rag and air compressor to pressurize the tank. It should blow out some snotty looking goop.

 

[JRobyn]

Which is exactly why I ONLY blew mine out (and rinsed a few times) a did NOT remove the tank.

 

[ccsial]

I have been using Bio kleen (biocide) in my fuel for many years. I have not had an "algae" problem. I live in the North and that may make a difference too. I buy 300 gallons and put Bio kleen and Power service in the tank. I refill my tank about every 1.5 years.

 

[firemech]

Curiously just took my 7 year old L3400 HST into my local kubota dealer yesterday for the exact same symtoms. My machine is used daily though and is fueled from a tank that is filled approx once per month. Not experiencing any issues with my 2320, U25 or F250 pickup so I don't think it's in the fuel. Same as GLLinMO my tractor might run for days then quits exactly as stated above. Changed the fuel filter (though the old one was changed as part of the maintenance schedule in May) the old one looked like new when cut open. Though it seems like runs out of fuel; I have not had to prime it at all to get it to restart. Don't think it's the fuel shut solenoid as it doesn't shut off immediately like does when you turn of the key. Will definitely be following this thread. My tractor just turned 1200 hrs. FYI

Update on my issue; was the fuel shut off solenoid that was getting hot then shutting the tractor down. Wouldn't have thought so but after 20 hrs it's still working fine!

 

[ccsial]

Great news, Thanks for the update.

 

[kthompson]

Shows there is a reason never decide before checking what the problem is.

 

[JRobyn]

Additional proof that whenever there is a fuel problem, it is usually electrical.