B2601 fuel filter removal w/nearly full tank?

[waltgary]

Hi all. I use my 2601 to blow large areas of snow here in NE MN. I keep the tank topped off as I've had issues w/ice in the fuel filter on a previous machine. So now my 2601 (I believe) has ice in the filter, restricting fuel flow at 3/4 - full throttle. I warmed it up in the garage to pull the filter and remove water or replace element. Now I see Mr Kubota tells me I should have the fuel tank less than 1/2 full. I'm ~1 gallon off full currently. Short of siphoning, I cannot get remotely close to 1/2 tank b4 the water in the housing refreezes. Has anyone tried removing the filter housing with the tank near full and hopefully not had fuel flowing back through the 'fuel return pipe' as noted in the manual?

I'm also open to ideas on how to prevent future water intrusion into fuel during the veritable blizzard conditions that prevail during snowblowing? I use #1 fuel, treat w/antigel, keep the tank topped off and fasten a sock over the fuel cap.
Thanks to all, gary

 

[bird dogger]

Hi Gary! I would think siphoning would be the easiest, like you mentioned. I don't have a B2601 so can't recommend anything else regarding that issue. I am familiar with the Virginia, Eveleth, Ely area and the cold temps you have there. About the same as we have here near Grand Forks, ND.

I make some winter front covers for some of our Kubota models that sure help to keep the engine temps up, snow out of the air intake and engine compartments, etc. Here's a link to the covers made to fit your B2601: B2601 Winter Front Covers If something like this would help and you'd be interested, just let me know.

It seems strange that you're getting that much water in your fuel. Whether it be from condensation with only a partially filled fuel tank on your tractor, bad fuel from the supplier, etc.
David

 

[Ping]

Gary,
Not that familiar with the B series but purchased a B fuel filter assembly with intentions of replacing the in-line filter under my BX. Does yours have the inlet shut off valve? And, the return line you refer to, Is that connected to the 1/8” brass nipple on top of the housing? If so, I would think by utilizing the shut off and clamping off the return, you could replace filter elements without doing an Exxon Valdez reenactment.

 

[Plant 175]

You need a Flo Fast gas can so you can drain it down and fill it back up. I can’t believe Kubota wouldn’t have some thoughts

 

[Fordtech86]

In regards to the filter change, the B2601 uses the same filter housing as mine. There is a valve that will drop down and stop fuel flow from the tank when you remove the filter.

 

[RalphVa]

Are you sure it is ice? We've driven diesel cars from 1978 to 2016 and diesel tractor from 2004 and diesel generator for nearly 10 years. Never ever had I had water or ice in the diesel.

Wax gelling one time @ -22 F in Vermont, and wax globs coming out of solution in off road diesel after a couple nights in Va below 10 F. Had to siphon the fuel out of the tank and then fish the globs out with a remote fishing tool. One time plugged the Benz's filter after running 3 tankfuls of bio fuel, which cleans crud out of the tank.

Surprised that Kubota returns the fuel so low as to present a problem with the filter fuel shutoff not working on that side. The fuel filter is in a location where it is relatively easy to place a bucket underneath to catch such fuel back flowing into the filter.

Also, why can you not siphon some fuel out?

 

[SRRGC1]

Shut the fuel valve off at the filter as per your owner's manual. Typically, a barrel type valve and if working correctly, should stop all fuel flow when changing the fuel filter. First time in changing fuel filter? You need to check your fuel supplier. Winter fuel is already treated some. I don't care how hard the snow is blowing, it can't get water or moisture in your fuel system, unless you leave the fuel cap off. Install a side cover to limit cold air against filter or fashion some sort of cover over the filter if you think that is the issue, NON-FAMABLE of course. I can't see where the fuel tank level has anything to do with changing the fuel filter. Who is Mr. Kubota, owner's manual or dealer? Interesting. I use "HOWES" diesel treat myself, but there are many others on the market. You will hear many, many opinions on fuel issues and treatments in this forum. From NEPA and having extreme cold.

 

[Mark_BX25D]

How about clamping the hose? OR does that unit not use rubber fuel lines?

 

[B737]

I changed my B2601 filter with a full tank, the auto shut off built into the filter worked, I was prepared for it not too. only takes a few seconds.

 

[waltgary]

Ok, question resolved. Being ~1 gallon off full and having heated the tractor/fuel to 50°F (expansion) the fuel return line did not leak. I was prepared as it appears easy to clamp shut if necessary. In any event a new filter, sans ice solved the issue. Thanks to all, gary