Tales of running out of fuel (and the remedy).

[CausticUrbanCoast]

I've keep the tank full when not in use and have never had condensation problems.

Probably one of the most important rules for diesels.

 

[Jstpssng]

I ran my old 275 out of fuel once... money was tight and it didn't have a gauge. It was winter, about 500 feet down a skid trail and that tractor DID NOT like to start in cold weather without plugging in. After work the next day I drove my pickup down the trail with the fuel cans, boosted it to prime the pump and get it started, then left the engine running all night because it was too cold out and I was too tired to walk back from the house to get it.

 

[RjCorazza]

I ran my old 275 out of fuel once... money was tight and it didn't have a gauge. It was winter, about 500 feet down a skid trail and that tractor DID NOT like to start in cold weather without plugging in. After work the next day I drove my pickup down the trail with the fuel cans, boosted it to prime the pump and get it started, then left the engine running all night because it was too cold out and I was too tired to walk back from the house to get it.

Dang. I don't think I could do that, but I did abandon my International H 2 Miles from home in the middle of a blizzard. That was a long walk home. A local dairy Farmer stopped by with his tractor and just left me there. Never spoke to him again.

 

[fruitcakesa]

Well, the tank emptied on the M yesterday a because the return line got yanked off its nipple in the woods and it slowly drained the tank.
I managed to drive it home before it died and parked it.
Fixed the leak, refilled the tank , fired it up with no bleeding required.

 

[Diggin It]

I had a fuel line leak. Removed one end of the hose, cut it and put a new clamp on. First couple of starts, it stalled out right away. About the fourth start, it took hold and ran.

Since then, I've found that there's a lever on the side of the fuel pump that is some kind of primer. Move that a few times and it purges the system and starts right away. Came in handy for the next three fuel line leaks ... apparently rice rubber. Replacing them as needed with stuff from a local shop.

 

[etpm]

Since I'm new to diesel, having bought my first diesel anything only a few months ago, I have been trying to learn as much as I can about these engines. And since this whole running out of fuel or changing the filter and bleeding the air out is new to me I'm gonna change the fuel filter as soon as I know I have a couple weeks where I for sure know I won't need a tractor. I figger this will be good practice for when some dope runs my tractor dry.
Eric

 

[Citydude]

I run my gauge down to 1/4 tank. I don't save any time fueling it more often. I'm getting in and out of the cab more creating more time fueling.

I had a friend who would put gas in his pickup $10.00 at a time. He was saving money in his mind.

 

[CausticUrbanCoast]

If you have a gauge, use it. If you dont have a gauge, the marine method is a good idea to learn where it falls on your hour meter.

Marine method being you always start back or refuel when you hit 1/3rd of your tank. This is to prevent being stranded somewhere and avoid running water through your engine.

I would guess most of us refuel on long breaks like lunch and dinner on long days. Short ones too if you have someone bringing coffee and drinks in the fuel truck.

 

[airbiscuit]

Since I'm new to diesel, having bought my first diesel anything only a few months ago, I have been trying to learn as much as I can about these engines. And since this whole running out of fuel or changing the filter and bleeding the air out is new to me I'm gonna change the fuel filter as soon as I know I have a couple weeks where I for sure know I won't need a tractor. I figger this will be good practice for when some dope runs my tractor dry.
Eric

 

[dougtrr2]

I had a John Deere 318 garden tractor. It had a reserve tank valve. Worked great, unless you forget to switch it back.

The gauge on my Kubota BX24 has quit working. I fuel up every time before I start work.

Doug in SW IA