L3901 Fuel Sensor

[Cherrybark]

L3901 died deep in the woods - naturally. Towed back to barn and discovered clogged fuel line from tank to water separator. Shot a bit of air up the line to temporarily clear the blockage. Cleaned water separator, put on a new fuel filter and successfully ran for a few minutes.

After a couple of hours on YouTube and in the forums, I expect to find a rusty fuel sensor unit has been dropping flakes, or maybe, chunks of rusty metal in the tanks. This seems to be an all-too-common problem. I considered removing the sender unit and, if it is a rusty mess, fabricating a cover and relying on the hour meter or a wooden dowel to keep track of fuel. But it's winter and I have time to clean the tank and install a new sensor. And I'll be much happier with everything working.

Two questions: Can someone provide the correct part number for the sender unit on an L3901? I haven't been able to find a drawing with part number in the Kubota "Service Parts Catalog".

Is there a fuel "proof" spray paint that can be used on the sensor unit to prevent this rust? Or does the risk of contaminating injectors make this a potentially dumb idea?

Once again, I promise myself to take the time to top of the tank and add stabilizer when parking the tractor. Though parts of that sender unit will always be above the fuel level.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

curious and it's cold here....
from the cda website....l3901DT


No code has to be inserted here.
cost is $150 Cdn.
go online to Messicks, might be different part number 'south of the 49th' ? Also check which l3901

as for 'spray', see WHERE the rust is coming from. maybe the 'rod' ? where ever, clean with alcohol, then 2-3 coats of some 'diesel proof' coating. Maybe 'clear coat' or 'epoxy' ?? Use brush not spray, don't want to covet the sensor.

 

[lugbolt]

can't really paint it, at least not all of it.

Can't really use a dowel because of the way the tank is shaped and where the filler neck is.

Only option, make the sending unit out of stainless steel so it won't rust. Maybe some 308? But Kubota makes them out of cheap steel which will rust again, I did a ton of them back in the day, a lot of new on the lot tractors too. Not a particularly fun job either, but not terrible. Didn't pay squat and sometimes they didn't pay at all (Kubota/warranty) which was at that time par for the course.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I haven't heard of the L3901's having a fuel sending unit issues but there is a first to everything.
Yea no painting or coating it.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I did find a used one online and it looks like it might rust a little.