Easier drain for water separator on a B2601

[boost2525]

Does anyone have suggestions on a replacement bowl (or maybe a modification to add a petcock) for the water separator on a B2601?

I'm getting an obscene amount of water in the fuel (I think it's condensation from the outdoor storage tank, but that's a bigger problem for another day). The OEM separator does a nice job and I have no real arguments with it aside from how difficult it is to drain the water. If the tractor is cold it's an easy job, but I get fuel all over my hands. If it's hot and I'm out in the field the engine bay is scalding, and I get fuel all over my hands.

I really like the design of the Racor separators (with the little plastic petcock on the bottom) but I don't want to bother with adding a second filter housing. Plus, replacing the OEM separator means giving up the automatic air purge lines. Ideally I would like to modify or replace the OEM bowl to something with a petcock.

Anyone have creative suggestions?

 

[Runs With Scissors]

It sounds like you know what the actual problem is, so I would solve the actual problem before I solved the symptom.

However, I have heard good things about a device called “Mr Funnel” I think(?)

Apparently it will auto-magically take the water out of your fuel. (or more appropriately, in your case “take the fuel out of your water? )

 

[boost2525]

It sounds like you know what the actual problem is, so I would solve the actual problem before I solved the symptom.

However, I have heard good things about a device called “Mr Funnel” I think(?)

Apparently it will auto-magically take the water out of your fuel. (or more appropriately, in your case “take the fuel out of your water? )

Agree that I need to solve the root problem, but that involves purchasing a new storage tank and building a fuel polisher... Feasible, but I've got a half dozen projects in line in front of that.

That also feels like a nice winter project, was looking for something quick to help me drain the water off between now and the end of the season.

I'll research the Mr Funnel.

 

[Joisey]

It sounds like you know what the actual problem is, so I would solve the actual problem before I solved the symptom.

However, I have heard good things about a device called “Mr Funnel” I think(?)

Apparently it will auto-magically take the water out of your fuel. (or more appropriately, in your case “take the fuel out of your water? )

I bought one some years back, and it does live up to its claim. I loaned it to someone, who thoughtfully loaned it to someone....who lost it. The problem I had was a gas station with old tanks that let water seep into the diesel fuel.

 

[SHAWZER]

MX6000 tractors have a factory water separator with a drain on the bottom . Very handy !

 

[Joisey]

MX6000 tractors have a factory water separator with a drain on the bottom . Very handy !

As does my L47

 

[boost2525]

MX6000 tractors have a factory water separator with a drain on the bottom . Very handy !

Just looked it up - yeah the bowl on that (#RD451-51360) is what I was envisioning.

I may have to rethink this though, I doubt I'll be able to retrofit any of these drain plugs because they all use a threaded tube that sits below the bowl. I was hoping I could just tap threads into the bottom of my bowl but then I won't be able to drain anything below the top of the threads. Bummer.

 

[SHAWZER]

Change the entire separator and mount ?

 

[boost2525]

Change the entire separator and mount ?

I considered that, but as mentioned in the first post - the B series has an air purge function with a return line that runs up to the fuel tank. If I change the housing I lose that feature (which has proven to be handy) - and I'd like to avoid that.

 

[William1]

I got a 'Mr. Funnel'. While it trapped stuff well, it flowed horribly slow, not a surprise as only gravity to push fuel through.

I now run a water filter on my fill station. Also a 'high vacuum' cap on the fill station so it only lets air in after a long draw down, often having an under ambient air pressure in the tank, so no more breathing and condensation..
Not sure of the material and shape of the bottom of the OP's separator bowl, but I'd get a spare and see if you can drill a hole and add a spigot.

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[MapleLeafFarmer]

spit balling here

- is your bowl plastic?
- do you have room under the bowl to add a petcock?

if yes to both you could buy another bowl and take it to an good plastic welder or adhesive expert and get them to attach a nut to the bottom (plastic or other) and add a petcock that way.

edit: oops, should have read entire thread William1 beat me to this idea.

 

[Shawn T. W]

Put one of these on you fuel storage tank ...

Fuel Tank Filters | Dutton-Lainson Company

www.dutton-lainson.com

 

[boost2525]

I've been looking at pictures of the Racor 120AT and it looks like there might be a bleeder screw on the front of the housing (although I can't find any documentation that confirms that). Maybe I can throw an NPT/Barb fitting on that and toss a one way check valve in line on the fuel tank return line.

I might pull the trigger on one of these today. I'm willing to spend 30 minutes futzing with it this weekend in the name of science.

 

[boost2525]

Put one of these on you fuel storage tank ...

Fuel Tank Filters | Dutton-Lainson Company

www.dutton-lainson.com

So the funny thing is, I have a Goldenrod waterblock attached to my storage tank, but it doesn't seem to catch much of anything. Thinking about it though, it's on the pressure side of the pump, maybe I need to switch it to the vacuum side of the pump.

 

[William1]

So the funny thing is, I have a Goldenrod waterblock attached to my storage tank, but it doesn't seem to catch much of anything. Thinking about it though, it's on the pressure side of the pump, maybe I need to switch it to the vacuum side of the pump.

My filter (FilRite) is on the pressure side as well and that is the 'preferred' location, though I suspect the reason is it is easier for the pump to push through a filter VS sucking through.
Are you positive you do not have a condensation issue in the tractor tank? Store the tractor inside a closed building? Do not wash/spray water at the filler cap? Always top off the tank at the end of the day, not leaving it 1/2 full?