Tractor Down! Fuel issue?

[FTG-05]

I was just getting done with about 3 hours of bushhogging yesterday when my Kubota L4330 died. I had it at 540 rpm at the gearbox, then it started to reduce speed over several seconds, then slowly died. I tried to restart several times, and it sort of started then died again. Each time, it fired less and less. The engine turns over with speed and it sometimes fires intermittently.

Gas tank is just over half full. I replaced the fuel filter (original didn't look bad or clogged in any way) and cleaned the bowl thoroughly, it wasn't that dirty either. When I replaced the filter assembly and turned the fuel cock back on, the filter bowl filled within one minute or so. Following the WSM, I opened the air cock and tried starting again, no joy. Air cock open or closed - no joy.

This morning, I'm going to remove the tank fuel cap and see if that makes a difference. If no joy, I'm going to remove the fuel line at the filter assembly and see if fuel is flowing freely.

What else do I need to look for? The fuel system diagrams on Messick's show no fuel pump on this model. What am I missing?

Thanks for the help!!!

 

[Russell King]

You need to be sure that you have good fuel flow from the tank all the way to the injection pump. I would do that by removing the fuel line at the injection pump and seeing how much fuel flow you have. Drain into a small bucket to avoid making a mess.

 

[D2Cat]

If you remove the fuel line at the filter and discover no or little fuel flowing, might us air to blow into the fuel tank (with lid off) to displace anything at the bottom of the tank. Could be leaves or rag parts in there.

 

[FTG-05]

You need to be sure that you have good fuel flow from the tank all the way to the injection pump. I would do that by removing the fuel line at the injection pump and seeing how much fuel flow you have. Drain into a small bucket to avoid making a mess.

Injection pump = $2114!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, I'll do the trace.

Thanks,

 

[Russell King]

I assume you are going to find a flow issue. Did it run out of fuel or get pretty low?

You may also want to see if turning the key to run or start position change fuel flow while you are checking it. I have no fuel pump on my tractor since the fuel tank is above the injection pump. I know you said you can’t find a pump in the illustration but is the tank higher than the injection pump?

 

[Hugo Habicht]

What else do I need to look for? The fuel system diagrams on Messick's show no fuel pump on this model. What am I missing?

Hi, the fuel pump is only shown in the fuel parts diagrams. With part number it is included in the injection pump diagram (number 090). Looks like a mechanical fuel pump.

Filter bowl filling in a minute sounds slow to me. You may have dirt or Diesel pest in your tank. Blowing back the pipes with pressurised air will only be a short term remedy, the dirt is still in the tank and will block it again. Disconnect the tank hose from.the filter, there should be a good flow of fuel coming. If this is the case go forward in the fuel system until you are at the injection pump.

And don't worry, from what you are describing I do not think you will have to get a loan on the house for a new injection pump

 

[FTG-05]

I assume you are going to find a flow issue. Did it run out of fuel or get pretty low?

You may also want to see if turning the key to run or start position change fuel flow while you are checking it. I have no fuel pump on my tractor since the fuel tank is above the injection pump. I know you said you can’t find a pump in the illustration but is the tank higher than the injection pump?

the fuel pump (lift pump) and injection pump are shown under the "Engine" assembly drawings vs. the "Fuel System" drawings. The lift pump is shown in the fuel drawings but is not called out.

So here is the plan:

- Tank to filter flow - remove fuel line and check for obstructions. Likely very low since the fuel filter assy filled so fast. Note: I wrote this before seeing or reading post above #6.

- Fuel filter to lift pump - check for obstructions.

- Lift pump to injection pump - check line for obstructions or failed lift pump (~$30).

If the lift pump is flowing well - then it's *probably* the injection pump.