TC29D stalling when hot

[brin]

Problem solved

Fuel filter was clear - reinstalled
Fuel bowl was clear - reinstalled
Injector lines clear - reinstalled
Pressure tested injector pump - no leaks
Primed system - no apparent issues

Started tractor. Tractor died after 15 minutes.

SOLUTION -
Drained fuel from tank. No water was seen in fuel in tank. Filled tank with 2 gallons of Methanol attached a rag to a stainless piece of 2.5 foot by 1/8 piece TIG wire and scrubbed the tank. There was a considerable amount of varnish and debris in the tank. This explains why the system would prime but when a suction was put on the tank it would suck the larger pieces of varnish into the 90 deg elbow on the bottom of the tank and clog it up.

Tractor is now running non stop.:thumbsup:

Thanks to eveyone for their support and suggestion.

What do you think the source of the varnish was ? and how many hours on your tractor...I would like to know since I have a TC-29D...Thanks..

 

[SteveInMD]

Was it varnish? More likely it was biological growth in the tank. This can be a problem in diesel (depending on your fuel source). Here's a product designed to prevent bio growth problems...

RACOR ADT2116 Ships Store Torresen

You should have a few extra filters on hand until you work the crud out of the tank. Better yet you may just want to replace the tank as it can be really hard to get it clean.

 

[dletourneau3]

Bob. I am guessing it was varnish based on its smell and the sticky nature of it. Diesel would not dissolve it, neither would gas. However Methanol cut it like a varnish solvent should.

Tractor has 600 hours on it. Regular service on all fluids. Tank has never been flushed or services.

 

[brin]

Thanks dletourneau3 - I appreciate you responding...I have always used a biological preventive in my fuel...like Steve mentioned, I hope that will prevent me from having the same problem...I have only 386 hours....I'll cross my fingers..I'm glad you are up and running..

 

[jinman]

What do you think the source of the varnish was ? and how many hours on your tractor...I would like to know since I have a TC-29D...Thanks..

Bob, I'm gonna bet that dletourneau3 is not from the south. I'd bet the midwest or northern tier states where there seems to be far more issues with diesel quality than lucky folks like us in the south experience. I could be wrong (it would be the first time actually ) but maybe dletourneau3 will give us his general location.

 

[brin]

Bob, I'm gonna bet that dletourneau3 is not from the south. I'd bet the midwest or northern tier states where there seems to be far more issues with diesel quality than lucky folks like us in the south experience. I could be wrong (it would be the first time actually ) but maybe dletourneau3 will give us his general location.

OK - thanks Jim ...that makes sense but it had me worried..I am a stickler about my maintenance and preventive measures...I always want the sucker to start when I turn the key and stay running to the finish and beyond..No surprises in other words..at least that is my goal with my tractors. I always am leaning something new.

 

[SteveInMD]

Gasoline makes varnish as it evaporates. This is not usually a problem with diesel. I've never heard of a diesel tank becoming coated with varnish.

 

[jinman]

Gasoline makes varnish as it evaporates. This is not usually a problem with diesel. I've never heard of a diesel tank becoming coated with varnish.

Steve, I'm speaking for somebody else again, but I think he used "varnish" in the generic sense like I would use "gunk" and not mean the kind you clean your engine with. I believe most crud that forms in diesel is biological in nature, sometimes vegetable and sometimes bacterial, but it grows. Any contamination can come back if it is not completely removed. I know that jet fuel is treated to ensure there are no "bugs" in it.

 

[Cami]

I think of diesel bug as being a problem on boats rather than tractors, but if your fuel sits around....

Ask any yachtie you might know about biocides; if he hasn't used one himself, he likely knows someone who has.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Our MF has a screen filter that the point of the tank shut off valve and I am sure it would do the same thing. I like to go with a strong mixture of Sea Foam from time to time to keep this normal tank build up flushed out to the filter. I have found the best time to do it is the tank before the fuel filter change. I filled a gas filter with trash in the old motorhome with Sea Foam use but crud in a MH gas tank is the norm it seems because of the lack of regular use and not using any kind of fuel stablizer.

Glad you solved your problem.