Kubota RTV500 Utility Vehicle - Vapor Lock

[jeff9366]

This is my second summer with my Kubota RTV500, 415 hours. I bought it new.

Last summer it was faultless.

This summer it is vapor locking in the afternoon when temperature is in the 90's. Stalls out, engine won't "catch".

It will not start until temp falls into the 70's, then it starts immediately and runs fine.

I thought Vapor Lock ended in the 1950's when fuel pumps were submerged in fuel tanks to keep them cool.

I used Sea Foam gas treatment. I switched from Citgo regular to BP premium grade. Neither change made any difference.

Anyone else had this problem with an RTV500?

Anyone found a solution?

Why me?

 

[DIXIEDOG]

Sounds like your tank is no longer venting, I believe the 500 uses a gas cap with built in vent. If it was mine I'd try a new gas cap and see how it goes. I'm not sure how much they charge for a Kubota gas cap but I would think it would be fairly inexpensive.

 

[jeff9366]

Good idea but no banana. I tried removing the gas cap in the morning and leaving it off for the day. Still vapor locked.

Dixiedog, My Friend, NO PART FROM KUBOTA IS INEXPENSIVE. If I assembled my little B3300SU tractor from Kubota parts it would have cost $50,000,000. I would not be surprised if a RTV500 replacement gas cap is $50+++++

Keep woofin'

jeff9366

 

[aczlan]

I would not be surprised if a RTV500 replacement gas cap is $50+++++

Gas cap for the 500 is part number K7311-24152 which lists for $25.16 from Messicks

Aaron Z

 

[jeff9366]

RTV500 back from Kubota Service today.

Gas tank emptied and cleaned, new fuel pump installed.

$574.54 - Includes $37.59 sales tax plus $50.00 pickup and return.

Kubota parts are GOLD.


I am going to home filter gas going into the RTV500 from now on. I have been buying BP from a busy local station, twice per month.

 

[Gary Fowler]

So it was dirty fuel that causes a fuel pump failure as the culprit. I guess one of those MR. FUNNEL things might be of some use when filling my lawnmowers, although I have never had any problems with gasoline other than it gets stale fast. I try to not have any longer than 30 days without recycling it to my automobile. Also put a double dose of Stabil in all my tanks for winter storage and try to get them down to just a couple of quarts in the fall or drain the tank entirely.