Tractor quit running. Air in fuel?

[rutwad]

MF 5465. Initially noticed it had to turn over more before cranking, but didn't think much of it. Didn't get far before it shut down. No power loss or rough running, just shuts down like I turned it off. Idled it up to 1500 RPM's and it shuts down after about 3 minutes. I can manually prime it and it starts again. If it is air getting in system, how would I trace down the leak?

 

[TnAndy]

Pull fuel line from tank before filter/pump/etc right after it quits....make dang sure you are getting good fuel flow from the tank.

Twice, a bug has gotten in mine, floats around until it blocks the outlet hole, starving the fuel out...floats away again to allow fuel to flow until the next time, and so on. So check that first.

 

[Tx Jim]

Check to be sure tank has good fuel flow out of tank & tank is venting.

 

[GManBart]

I have seen a fuel lift pump fail gradually, and the first step was where it would leak enough that the engine would quit, but you could get it started again by using the priming leverl (Perkins engines are know for this problem with that style lift pump).

 

[rutwad]

Could I check to see if fuel filters are full when it shuts down to determine that it is getting adequate fuel from the tank?

 

[Wagtail]

As above, but I'd also check your coolant level... I recently had my tractor shut down for no apparent reason; oil level fine + good fuel (although I did have to drain the water 'catcher').

I popped the bonnet to check my battery cables and noticed the coolant level was way down. Topped it up and all is well.

Mind you, it is time for an oil change + filtre. I'll change the fuel filtre whilst I'm at it.

 

[DT86]

Could I check to see if fuel filters are full when it shuts down to determine that it is getting adequate fuel from the tank?

Yes if you have a clear fuel bowl or inline filter, start it up and then watch the filter.
Fuel should stay at a pretty consistent level.

 

[DT86]

Another possibility is a pin hole in a fuel line between tank and lift pump. They can leak air in under suction of the lift pump but not fuel out. Sounds odd but it can happen.

 

[GManBart]

Could I check to see if fuel filters are full when it shuts down to determine that it is getting adequate fuel from the tank?

Since nobody asked, did you replace the fuel filters after it quit? If not, that's the first step.

 

[TnAndy]

Since nobody asked, did you replace the fuel filters after it quit? If not, that's the first step.

Nope....the first step is make sure you actually HAVE fuel at the filter inlet. Otherwise, you could change it and it wouldn't make a lick of difference.

Once you determine there is fuel to the filter, yep....change it.