Winterized again

sirgknight · Dec 1, 2006

Well, got 'ol betsy (earrrly model 1700) winterized again. Did an oil change - Castrol RX 15W40 and Walmart brand ST3593A filter, fuel filter change - NAPA 3262, checked tire pressure in all tires and lubed her up. Also disconnected the radiator hose from the top of the radiator and completely flushed the radiator and block and replaced coolant with 70/30 mixture of distilled water and antifreeze. Every time I do this it's like getting a new tractor all over again. I can hardly wait for my next little project tomorrow, pulling a small fat lighter stump out of the ground. I do have one question, though......I have been using off-road diesel and when I change the fuel filter (twice a year) the filter is all gooked up with sludge and is really nasty looking. Is this a direct result of using Off-road diesel or is diesel fuel just that dirty? Is on-road diesel that much cleaner to burn? I know, I know, you'll probably tell me, and justifiably so, to try the regular diesel and then see what the filter looks like. But then I wouldn't be posting this and getting feedback from all you great guys and gals. Lord I love my little tractor.......

oliver28472 · Dec 1, 2006

Tell us how big your storage tank is. Is it outside and how much fuel is in it? I use offroad in mine and haven't changed fuel filters in years. I buy mine and store it in 33 gallon plastic drums. I buy one drum at a time and keep it in my barn which is fairly open to the elements except for sun. Have not seen any sludge, don't use any additive and use 2-3 drums a year.

normde2001 · Dec 1, 2006

I buy my diesel 5 gal. at a time from the local service station and never have a filter problem.

sirgknight · Dec 1, 2006

I buy my fuel 5 gallons at a time also, from my local oil company....average use is 20 gallons a year. You've got me wondering now....I may need to remove my fuel tank and flush it. Don't know that's ever been done on this tractor. The tank is plastic and I didn't want to go tearing into taking it off in fear of damaging something...you know, if it ain't broke don't fix it. But if you don't show any sludge or grime in your filters, then I've definitely got a problem. The fuel looks clean enough when I purchase it and it doesn't sit up for more than a couple of months at the time. It takes that long for me to use a tank full on the tractor. One would think that after four filter changes (two seasons) that any sludge down in the bottom of the tank would have filtered through by now. Please give me your thoughts on this.....

Eddie · Dec 1, 2006

I always use off road diesel. Have never had any sludge in the filter. The only difference I see is the red dye.

normde2001 · Dec 1, 2006

sirgknight said:
I buy my fuel 5 gallons at a time also, from my local oil company....average use is 20 gallons a year. You've got me wondering now....I may need to remove my fuel tank and flush it. Don't know that's ever been done on this tractor. The tank is plastic and I didn't want to go tearing into taking it off in fear of damaging something...you know, if it ain't broke don't fix it. But if you don't show any sludge or grime in your filters, then I've definitely got a problem. The fuel looks clean enough when I purchase it and it doesn't sit up for more than a couple of months at the time. It takes that long for me to use a tank full on the tractor. One would think that after four filter changes (two seasons) that any sludge down in the bottom of the tank would have filtered through by now. Please give me your thoughts on this.....

For 20 gal. a year I wouldnt worry about off-road diesel. I bought 5 gal. in Sept., added Stabil, won't use it until late April or May, and it will still be good.

sirgknight · Dec 1, 2006

where could all the sludge be coming from?

normde2001 · Dec 1, 2006

sirgknight said:
where could all the sludge be coming from?

Has to be in the diesel. Change suppliers to prove it.

gt14 · Dec 7, 2006

normde2001 said:
Has to be in the diesel. Change suppliers to prove it.

In Oregon they are making it almost impossible to buy off road diesel. First you had to sign your life away every time you bought a gallon. Thgen you had to pay cash. Now they are making you sign a contract to buy X amount per month. If you don't buy enough you forfiet your contract.

justanotherjoe · Feb 4, 2007

If you store diesel in the yellow 5 gallon plastic jugs, set the jug in the sunlight then look through the filler opening to see what is in there with your fuel.