ZD 1211L Left Fuel Tank Operation Problem

[Builder Dave]

I have a ZD 1211L diesel zero turn with 200 hours it just started having issues with the left fuel tank not reading full and also not drawing fuel from that tank unless I shut off the right tank, to be clear the right tank reads and operates properly but I do not understand why the left tank is doing this dose anybody have a clue why this would be doing that?

Thanks
Dave

 

[lugbolt]

If I remember correctly, the RH tank has a fuel level sensor. LH tank does not. So there's no way to know how much fuel is in the LH tank other than to take the cap off and have a look. The 326/331 had a level SWITCH in the LH tank, such that when the LH tank got low, a light would come on in the panel. But RH tank had a real fuel level gauge. Those were odd, and just when you thought they couldn't screw it up any more? The ZD1211. But it is better in some ways.

Might have some trash in the tank(s) causing the other issue. OR it's just the way it's designed. Or combination of both.

 

[Builder Dave]

If I remember correctly, the RH tank has a fuel level sensor. LH tank does not. So there's no way to know how much fuel is in the LH tank other than to take the cap off and have a look. The 326/331 had a level SWITCH in the LH tank, such that when the LH tank got low, a light would come on in the panel. But RH tank had a real fuel level gauge. Those were odd, and just when you thought they couldn't screw it up any more? The ZD1211. But it is better in some ways.

Might have some trash in the tank(s) causing the other issue. OR it's just the way it's designed. Or combination of both.

 

[Builder Dave]

it started acting up in about 200 hours prior to that it was working just fine fuel filters are good if I shut off the right to the left tank will draw properly but I’m still not getting separate readings on the tanks only the right tank which does not make sense I do not see a sensor in the left tank very confusing talk to the folks at my local Kubota service department they could not figure it out without seeing it.

 

[Builder Dave]

It started acting up at about 200 hours prior to that it was working just fine fuel filters are good if I shut off the right tank the left tank will draw properly but I’m still not getting separate readings on the tanks only the right tank which does not make sense I do not see a sensor in the left tank very confusing talked to the folks at my local Kubota service department they could not figure it out without seeing it.

 

[lugbolt]

no sensor in LH tank means your sensor is to take the fuel cap off and have a look. If there ain't no sensor on it, there's no way for the gauge to work, thus you have to do it the old fashioned way

 

[retired farmer]

no sensor in LH tank means your sensor is to take the fuel cap off and have a look. If there ain't no sensor on it, there's no way for the gauge to work, thus you have to do it the old fashioned way

Also a dip stick works fine

 

[Russell King]

If it worked in the past and stopped then it is likely the wiring or sensor are bad.

. I would suggest you try looking at the wiring harness and see if you can locate the sensor then any damage to the wiring or sensor

 

[whitetiger]

If it worked in the past and stopped then it is likely the wiring or sensor are bad.

. I would suggest you try looking at the wiring harness and see if you can locate the sensor then any damage to the wiring or sensor

There is no sensor in the LH tank, never was on any ZD1211.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

I think you're saying the tanks don't draw down equally if you leave both valves open. Do they equalize after the engine's off for a while?

There's a vent line between the tanks. Could be pinched but I really don't understand it since both caps are vented. Try swapping sides with the caps.

The tanks should equalize if both valves are open. You replaced both filters? Maybe trash is letting. flow one way?

Do they equalize over a couple of hours after shutdown? If so, the return from the injectors and purge valve may not be dividing, pinched hose? Is the purge valve closed (I think it has one)?

 

[GreensvilleJay]

re: The tanks should equalize if both valves are open

Not according to the attached dwg. Hopefully it's the correct drawing...both looked the same to me.
If it is plumbed as shown, there's 'one way valves' #080, that prevent fuel from going back into the other tank.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

re: The tanks should equalize if both valves are open

Not according to the attached dwg. Hopefully it's the correct drawing...both looked the same to me.
If it is plumbed as shown, there's 'one way valves' #080, that prevent fuel from going back into the other tank.

Ahhh, you're right.
So OP, what's it doing strange?

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I'd love to know HOW he's shutting of the right tank cause I don't see any valves in the drawings...

 

[whitetiger]

I'd love to know HOW he's shutting of the right tank cause I don't see any valves in the drawings...

There is a shut-off valve on the bottom of each fuel tank.

 

[lugbolt]

the tanks do not draw equally. Thats why there's valves on the bottom. IIRC the ops manual outlines the proper operation.