M5640SUD won't idle or stay running

keegs · Jan 18, 2019

I just fired up the tractor to do some snow clearing with the snowblower. It ran normally for about 1-2 minutes and then started to bog down on me. The idle was pulsing up and down until it completely shut down. Haven't had any issues at all with the tractor as yet. I have a little over 1/2 tank of fuel. Yesterday I added 4 gallons of diesel and haven't had it running since. Could it be bad fuel? How do I troubleshoot this? We're getting a foot + of snow here tomorrow and I'll need to get it resolved or get out of town. Your thoughts please?

LouNY · Jan 18, 2019

Sounds to me like the fuel may have gelled.
Have you pulled your fuel filter?

keegs · Jan 18, 2019

It could be Lou. It was in the -10 - -15 F range here overnight and I had it parked outside the garage. I have it running now. If the fuel gelled will it resolve on its own after the engine heats up .... and do you recommend an additive?

moship · Jan 18, 2019

It's the fuel temperature that is the issue not engine temperature. Granted some form of radiant heat from the engine will help warm the fuel to some degree.

Perhaps you should consider using some anti-gel additive to keep it from happening or if the fuel is gelled there are other products specifically for this condition.

Two popular choices are:
Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost - Power Service

Diesel 9•1•1 - Power Service

Power service can be found in a variety of stores including Tractor Supply, Walmart, etc...

keegs · Jan 18, 2019

moship said:
It's the fuel temperature that is the issue not engine temperature. Granted some form of radiant heat from the engine will help warm the fuel to some degree.

Perhaps you should consider using some anti-gel additive to keep it from happening or if the fuel is gelled there are other products specifically for this condition.

Two popular choices are:
Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost - Power Service

Diesel 9•1•1 - Power Service

Power service can be found in a variety of stores including Tractor Supply, Walmart, etc...

Indeed it was... Now that I know what I was looking at .... I couldn't see the filter through the almost clear gas filter container. I put about 16 oz of anti-gel into the 1/2 filled tank and waited 15 minutes. I then ran it for an hour or so clearing the driveway. I can see the gas filter cartridge now. I also picked up a gas filter. Thanks for the assist.