Should I worry about this gasket in fuel filter?

JPSwapMohn · Feb 26, 2022

So I was working on adding a box to front of trailer and putting thumb on the MT468. I want to add a block heater but was not sure what size freeze plugs are on this thing (still can't get a clear measurement of one due to all the stuff in the way).

While crawling around the tractor on the trailer, I noticed something orange in the bottom of the fuel filter bowl. See picture.
I had not noticed this before, but wasn't looking for it.

I see no evidence of leaking, etc. Tractor runs normally, but honestly has not been off the trailer. The road out to our property has some pretty steep switchbacks on wet/muddy gravel road and I dont trust myself to navigate them with the 12.5k pound load of trailer/tractor in tow.

Anywho.. Thinking I need to open up the filter housing on a warm afternoon and figure out what this came from.
Thoughts?

ptsg · Feb 27, 2022

That's not a gasket. It's just a plastic ring that floats in case you have water in your fuel. The water will accumulate on the bottom of the bowl and you can then visually tell if it's water if the red ring is floating.

If you indeed have water there, you can simply open the white knob on the bottom and let it drain all the water till you get some fuel coming out.

JPSwapMohn · Mar 1, 2022

ptsg,
That is great to know! I would never have figured out that it was supposed to be there. You have saved me time and worry. Thank you!

spruce Deere · Mar 1, 2022

Yep, it's a floater. The 790 has one too.

My bowl is black on the LS and cannot see into it...it has the water sensor apparatus hung off the bottom of the bowl.

xrjohndeere · Mar 1, 2022

ptsg said:
That's not a gasket. It's just a plastic ring that floats in case you have water in your fuel. The water will accumulate on the bottom of the bowl and you can then visually tell if it's water if the red ring is floating.

If you indeed have water there, you can simply open the white knob on the bottom and let it drain all the water till you get some fuel coming out.

I learn something new everyday!