Kubota fuel-water separator for common rail engines

[5030]

Was just talking to my Kubota technician as I've been considering installing Racor filter-separators on my M9000's to insure I don't get water in my fuel and he informed me that now Kubota is putting a version of the Racor's on the new common rail T4 final tractors from the factory.

The common rail high pressure injection on the new T4 final tractors won't tolerate any water.

He also told me would probably be a waste of money (Racor's aren't cheap) to install them on my M9's as the conventional injection will tolerate some water without an issue.

I'm careful with my fuel anyway and rarely have any water in the filter bowl.

 

[LouNY]

I'm not sure how much water they can handle a few drops maybe.
But, I do know what happens when an IH 1256 gets a slug of water that gets past the filter.
She actually gained HP for a few seconds before she quit. The pump pistons seized and the pump driveshaft sheared.
With the 4 bottom turn over plows still at plowing depth.
Nothing a new pump didn't take care of, which is fun installing in the middle of a field.

 

[5030]

All I am aware of is the new common rail systems and water are not good partners. I tend to keep and eye on my sediment bowl and change fuel filters at least every spring. Mine has a little red ring in the sediment bowl that floats on top of any water so I have a visual reference all the time. Like I stated was considering a Racor but my Kubota tech told me I was wasting my money, they ain't cheap.

If you ever consider one, don't buy it on Amazon. 99% of them are Chinese knockoff's. Buy from the Racor Store.

 

[5030]

Nothing a new pump didn't take care of, which is fun installing in the middle of a field.

I bet. Not something I'd want to do. Always my biggest fear is having a major breakdown in a field far from the barn.

 

[Anakist]

If you're worried about water and don't want to spend on a water separating filter, get into the habit of using a water dispersant in your fuel. Tiny water droplets suspended in diesel are fine and will actually help hp, liquid water in diesel pumps goes bad quickly.

James

 

[5030]

Not with a common rail engine. Any water is bad juju. Obviously, Kubota is getting concerned if they are mounting a Racor style separator on the new tractors.

 

[big bubba]

5030: ok so if your separator bowl is fairly clear, you can easily tell. of course factory has fiber discs in the bowl to alert, etc. so are you finding your high volume source (hopefully) with water contamination, or might it occur on your end? can't really advise you on after market filters, i'm clueless. my consumption is low compared to yours, & i circulate w/5 gal containers. Sure am glad i don't make my living in agri...

i do hear you on potential water contamination risk even with us both with pre tier 4 injector pumps. in fact i just changed from Howes to Optilube given reviews on recent water related catastrophes.. devil's in the details, hopefully prior to catastrophe
as a footnote, always considered M9000 series best utility tractor till...MXX40 series, but only small differences
i'd say ours are comparable

 

[tacticalturnip]

Is this, roughly, what you're looking to add? The recent threads regarding Racor had me on their website looking around.

 

[ruffdog]

An emulsifier will help suspend the water so your tank stays cleaner...BUT...if you have a high pressure common rail system, it may be at the cost of your injectors and pump. If that is the case, you are better using a demulsifier and mechanically removing the water that drops out.

"Emulsifiers encapsulate water droplets and pass them through the fuel system to be vaporized and expelled during the combustion cycle. Demulsifiers cause water to precipitate out of the fuel where it can be separated mechanically by water separators or other means."

E-ZOIL | Emulsification vs. Demulsification.

 

[5030]

Is this, roughly, what you're looking to add? The recent threads regarding Racor had me on their website looking around.

That is the one but the one I want (If Parker Hannifin Techs tell me it's good) is the one with the built in primer pump. Waiting for them to get back to me. The Racor Store person gave me the tech number and email address for the company. He didn't know for sure so he directed me to them. They come in various micron ratings from 30 all the way down to 2 micron and they all have the 'aquablock' technology. Flow isn't a big deal, neither of my M's consume a lot of fuel. Very frugal when it comes to fuel usage. I ran all my first cut hay, cut, rake and round bale on 35 gallons total between 2 tractors. Of course I make sure the air filters are clean, tires are inflated properly and everything is greased. I will say I 'cheated' a bit and kept the ac on when the tractors were sitting.

My tech says I don't really need them and maybe I don't, but then an ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure. My International Eagle conventional in the barn has a bigger Racor on it but it's different. It has a screw off top and the filter goes inside.

I know if I had a common rail motor, I'd dang sure have one.