Loss of Power, help please

[bear15]

We have a B3030 Diesel and it has a loss of power. In the past when we had this problem I simply replaced the fuel filter and it solved the problem. We replaced the fuel filter (which was fairly dirty, etc.) it did not solve the problem this time. Any suggestions much appreciated.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

option #1 : remove tank, thoroughly clean it, reinstall

you don't say how old a tractor or hour but a 'filthy fuel filter' is a good indication of 'bad stuff' in the fuel tank. Designs vary but when myBX23s had a 'fuel ' problem, best course for me was to 'remove tank, thoroughly clean it, reinstall'. Did that 4 years ago, have over 800hrs, ZERO fuel issues.

 

[85Hokie]

Check air filter too - restriction there will reduce power.

Will it run up to max rpm?

 

[bear15]

Check air filter too - restriction there will reduce power.

Will it run up to max rpm?

No, it will not. We have 384 hours on it. The air filter is clean. How difficult is it to remove the fuel tank? Should I try just draining all the fuel out first?

 

[Fedup]

It's up to you of course, but I wouldn't mess with pulling the tank off until I was sure it was necessary. Start with the fuel supply FROM the tank first. Remove the fuel filter, put a bucket under the filter head and turn the fuel on. Let the fuel run into the bucket and see how fast and for how long the stream runs. That will tell you something about the supply you're getting.

Yes, you may have something in the tank that you need to remove, rinse, and turn the tank up side down in order to solve the problem. Then again, the problem may not be fuel supply at all. You need to determine that one way or another.

 

[armylifer]

I am wondering what model tractor it is. If it is a BX there are two filters, not just one. Did you replace both filters if it is a BX model?

 

[bear15]

340 hours, clean air filter, no it will not run up to max rpms.
Can we try just draining the fuel 1st? How hard is it to remove the fuel tank?

Check air filter too - restriction there will reduce power.

Will it run up to max rpm?

 

[bear15]

I am wondering what model tractor it is. If it is a BX there are two filters, not just one. Did you replace both filters if it is a BX model?

We have a B3030 Diesel. Many thanks!

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

340 hours, clean air filter, no it will not run up to max rpms.
Can we try just draining the fuel 1st? How hard is it to remove the fuel tank?

Removing the tank is quite a task.

First try removing the input line to the fuel filter from the tank (RED), (have container at the ready.
You should be setting a good flow of fuel from the line.

If your not getting good flow, you'll need to remove and clean the tank.
If you are getting good flow, put it back on the filter housing.

Now remove the line at the lift pump input (YELLOW) (from the filter housing) and check how much flow you get there, it should be the same as the line from the tank.

If it's not getting good flow you probably have a clog on the input fitting of the filter housing, remove both lines (RED, BLUE), and blow air in the output (BLUE) flushing out the input fitting.

If you do get good flow, replace the input to the lift pump and remove the input line at the Injection pump (GREEN).
Crank tractor you should get good pulsed flow out of that line.
If you don't get good flow, you have a bad lift pump.

Anything beyond that is much more complicated.

 

[bear15]

Removing the tank is quite a task.

First try removing the input line to the fuel filter from the tank (RED), (have container at the ready.
You should be setting a good flow of fuel from the line.

If your not getting good flow, you'll need to remove and clean the tank.
If you are getting good flow, put it back on the filter housing.

Now remove the line at the lift pump input (YELLOW) (from the filter housing) and check how much flow you get there, it should be the same as the line from the tank.

If it's not getting good flow you probably have a clog on the input fitting of the filter housing, remove both lines (RED, BLUE), and blow air in the output (BLUE) flushing out the input fitting.

If you do get good flow, replace the input to the lift pump and remove the input line at the Injection pump (GREEN).
Crank tractor you should get good pulsed flow out of that line.
If you don't get good flow, you have a bad lift pump.

Anything beyond that is much more complicated.


View attachment 115803

Thanks a bunch!

 

[bear15]

Removing the tank is quite a task.

First try removing the input line to the fuel filter from the tank (RED), (have container at the ready.
You should be setting a good flow of fuel from the line.

If your not getting good flow, you'll need to remove and clean the tank.
If you are getting good flow, put it back on the filter housing.

Now remove the line at the lift pump input (YELLOW) (from the filter housing) and check how much flow you get there, it should be the same as the line from the tank.

If it's not getting good flow you probably have a clog on the input fitting of the filter housing, remove both lines (RED, BLUE), and blow air in the output (BLUE) flushing out the input fitting.

If you do get good flow, replace the input to the lift pump and remove the input line at the Injection pump (GREEN).
Crank tractor you should get good pulsed flow out of that line.
If you don't get good flow, you have a bad lift pump.

Anything beyond that is much more complicated.


View attachment 115803

Looks like I may need to clean out the gas tank. Do you happen to have step-by-step directions on how to remove the gas tank so I can clean it out? Appreciate any help.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

found this on the Kub Cda site, looks like an EASY tank to clean while on the tractor.
I'd disconnect hose as NIW says at the red circle and let ALL of the tank drain into buckets. Remove those buckets.Then add some fresh diesel,say 1/2 gallon and let it drain into a new bucket. You'll get a 'feel' if the fuel is clean and flowing. if not, do it again. Ideally poke a strong LED light inside and a camera to see how it looks. Worse case, tank has to come out for a proper cleaning. See if the WSM is available at www.kubotabooks.com. You just remove whatever's in the way of getting the tank out. Online parts places have the drawings as does Kubota, to help show you what's involved.If tractor wasn't used for a few months,there could be 'black algea' in the tank.

 

[Russell King]

If the tank is steel I would suspect that it has rusted inside and will need to be cleaned out and repaired with some sort of tank liner paint.

When draining the tank out you can use a paint strainer or coffee filter to see what is in the tank.

see this thread for my saga

Rusted fuel tank repair

A few weeks ago I had trouble with my L185 acting like it was running out of fuel. Added fuel tried to start= no go! Took off fuel line into filter and no fuel came out of line. Blew air into line and it cleared blockage so I got it running. A couple weeks go by and same deal. I take tank...

www.orangetractortalks.com

 

[bear15]

Removing the tank is quite a task.

First try removing the input line to the fuel filter from the tank (RED), (have container at the ready.
You should be setting a good flow of fuel from the line.

If your not getting good flow, you'll need to remove and clean the tank.
If you are getting good flow, put it back on the filter housing.

Now remove the line at the lift pump input (YELLOW) (from the filter housing) and check how much flow you get there, it should be the same as the line from the tank.

If it's not getting good flow you probably have a clog on the input fitting of the filter housing, remove both lines (RED, BLUE), and blow air in the output (BLUE) flushing out the input fitting.

If you do get good flow, replace the input to the lift pump and remove the input line at the Injection pump (GREEN).
Crank tractor you should get good pulsed flow out of that line.
If you don't get good flow, you have a bad lift pump.

Anything beyond that is much more complicated.


View attachment 115803

SOLUTION: 11-12-23 I EMPTIED THE TANK: 1. BLEW AIR INTO THE FUEL LINE FROM THE FUEL FILTER INTO THE TANK SO FUEL WOULD FLOW QUICKLY, 2. USED WET/DRY VACUUM TO REMOVE REMAINING FUEL & DEBRIS OUT OF TANK (USED NARROW TIP TOOL & MADE SURE CONNECTIONS WERE VERY TIGHT THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS, ALSO TRY NOT TO HIT THE FUEL GAUGE FLOAT), 3. ADDED SOME FUEL TO TANK TO CONFIRM FAST FUEL DRAINAGE, 4. REPEATED STEPS 1 - 3. 5. CLEANED THE FUEL FILTER BY BLOWING IT WITH AIR TO MAKE SURE IT WAS STILL CLEAN.