Water in fuel tank/engine will not start… Advice appreciated!

[LanceJ]

Hi everyone. I did a DUMB thing. I failed to replace my fuel cap and I’m sure some rain water got into my tank. I have a L3800HST.

Here is what happened:

- Initially, I didn’t notice my error and started the tractor. Within a few seconds I saw the open tank and immediately turned off the engine.
- I disconnected the fuel line at the fuel filter, drained the tank, emptied the fuel filter assembly and put new fuel in the tank.
- The engine started with no problem. I cut grass for about 30 minutes and then the engine started loosing power. I barely got it back to the house.

I went to my local Kabota dealer and explained the situation. They sold me a new fuel filter and some fuel additive.

- I replaced the fuel filter and put some additive in the tank.
- The engine would not start.
- I attempted to bleed the fuel injector lines. Two of three had a little fuel coming from them.
- The engine still won’t start. I have attempted to bleed the lines at least three times now, but very little fuel comes out.

I am not sure what to do at this point. I am not a mechanic, so I am about to call the dealer and have them get it running. If anyone has advise, I would certainly appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Sounds like you have something blocking fuel getting to the Injection pump.
Start at the injection pump and remove the fuel line and see if you get any fuel flow, then work your way back till you get fuel flow.

 

[LanceJ]

Sounds like you have something blocking fuel getting to the Injection pump.
Start at the injection pump and remove the fuel line and see if you get any fuel flow, then work your way back till you get fuel flow.

North Idaho Wolfman,

I owe you one! I followed your instructions and disconnected the fuel line going into the injector pump. I turned over the engine for a few seconds, reconnected the fuel line and it started up! I'm not sure what was causing the blockage, but it seems to be running just fine now.

I was concerned that I might have damaged either the fuel or injector pump. If i have any more issues with this, I'll post them on this thread. For now, it appears that I am good to go!

Thanks very much for your advice!!

Lance

 

[Fordtech86]

You didn’t drop the seal from the cap of the fuel additive in the tank did you?or the little foil seal on it?cant count the number of them I have pulled out of super duty fuel tanks,it blocks the pick up,can cause intermittent power loss.something to check if it happens again.

 

[LanceJ]

You didn’t drop the seal from the cap of the fuel additive in the tank did you?or the little foil seal on it?cant count the number of them I have pulled out of super duty fuel tanks,it blocks the pick up,can cause intermittent power loss.something to check if it happens again.

Fordtech86,

That's a great question. Thanks for asking. I've done that before also, but this time I was careful not to do let that happen. I think the problem must have been something else. Hopefully I won't have to look into it anymore.

Thanks.

 

[Charles S miller]

I always pour fuel through funnel with a screen. I learned the hard way it was a lesson learned that

 

[LanceJ]

I always pour fuel through funnel with a screen. I learned the hard way it was a lesson learned that

That’s a great idea Charles! I may have to try that. Thanks.