Tractor won't start after bleeding fuel L3130

[Getorange]

To start, I searched the forum for issues with bleeding tractors, but I couldn't find any match. I read the shop manual and watched the videos, so I know I was bleeding it correctly. After the time spent trying to bleed it, I knew there was something else going on because the engine wasn't firing. At this point, it appears to be a fuel issue. I think it may be a bad fuel pump. When I detached the fuel line that led from the fuel filter cup to what I believe may be the fuel pump. A small amount of fuel drained, less than a tablespoon. For the length of the hose, there should have been more fuel. Thinking blockage could be an issue, I blew out all the hose and the exit from the fuel bowl. Any suggestion, theories or ideas?

Thanks
Chris

 

[Dave_eng]

A bit more history please.
Why was bleeding even necessary in your opinion?
Dave

 

[Getorange]

It seemed to be. After replacing the filter the tractor didn't start. In the past after changing the filter, I had to bleed the fuel line. One thing to note, after replacing the fuel filter the tractor wouldn't fire. I discovered the bowl didn't fill because of a lack of fuel. I filled the tank and the bowl refilled. Still no fire when turning over the engine.

 

[007kubotaguy]

Many times these tractors will run just fine with a bad fuel pump. If the tank is kept relatively full it will gravity feed to the injection pump. I have found many tractors that ran fine until I change the fuel filter. Then I could not believe them because the lift pump was not working. You should be able to remove the line from the lift pump to the injection pump and turn the engine over and see if it's pumping. Many times the fuel filter housing will plug up on the inlet side. Good luck

 

[Dave_eng]

It seemed to be. After replacing the filter the tractor didn't start. In the past after changing the filter, I had to bleed the fuel line. One thing to note, after replacing the fuel filter the tractor wouldn't fire. I discovered the bowl didn't fill because of a lack of fuel. I filled the tank and the bowl refilled. Still no fire when turning over the engine.

007kubotaguy is forum member to take seriously.
Could you please confirm this bleeding procedure below is the one you are following and you are not loosening lines.

Dave

 

[lugbolt]

here is a little trick you can use to help avoid so much bleed time

change the filter normally. Put the cup back on (don't forget the o-ring) then put the ring nut back on but don't tighten it up all the way. Just snug it, then back it off a couple turns. Put a bucket under the bowl and then turn the fuel on. Let the bowl fill up, and you'll get leakage out of the bowl. Once the fuel coming out quits kind of bubbling, tighten the ring nut and then go start the tractor. Leave the bleeder loose.

same thing on the cartridge style plastic screw-on filters that are used on some of the smaller L series (L2800, 3400, etc). Don't tighten it up all the way--those have a check valve that is opened when you screw the filter on. As you screw it on, it'll open the valve and you'll see the filter fill up. Stop tightening and then let some fuel run out til it quits bubbling, tighten it up the rest of the way and you're done.

most of the time if you do it that way you won't have to do much if any bleeding from the pump bleeder.

 

[Aspiring Gear Monkey]

Thanks for all your suggestion. I'm ack up and running. Issue was bleeding air. What finally worked was removing the fuel return line line from the fuel filter cartridge and bleeding the air directly from the filter.

here is a little trick you can use to help avoid so much bleed time

change the filter normally. Put the cup back on (don't forget the o-ring) then put the ring nut back on but don't tighten it up all the way. Just snug it, then back it off a couple turns. Put a bucket under the bowl and then turn the fuel on. Let the bowl fill up, and you'll get leakage out of the bowl. Once the fuel coming out quits kind of bubbling, tighten the ring nut and then go start the tractor. Leave the bleeder loose.

same thing on the cartridge style plastic screw-on filters that are used on some of the smaller L series (L2800, 3400, etc). Don't tighten it up all the way--those have a check valve that is opened when you screw the filter on. As you screw it on, it'll open the valve and you'll see the filter fill up. Stop tightening and then let some fuel run out til it quits bubbling, tighten it up the rest of the way and you're done.

most of the time if you do it that way you won't have to do much if any bleeding from the pump bleeder.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Thanks for all your suggestion. I'm ack up and running. Issue was bleeding air. What finally worked was removing the fuel return line line from the fuel filter cartridge and bleeding the air directly from the filter.

I take it you have multiple member ID's and logins.