Kubota keeps stalling out

[WarrenPFJr]

Hey all,
I’m hoping someone might be able to offer some insight on why my kubota keeps stalling out. It’s an ‘09, B3200 with exactly 1200 hours on it. I can not seem to keep it running, it just stalls and will not idle. Air filter has been replaced. Fuel filter has been cleaned and there is fuel in it. Any thoughts? Does this sound like an injector nozzle problem? Or fuel pump maybe?

I would appreciate any insight.

 

[5030]

Sounds to me like your fuel tank and delivery hose is filled with crud.

 

[RjCorazza]

Start by confirming fuel flow from the tank connection out. Disconnect lines to confirm flow.
Some other possibilities are bad fuel (water or bacteria), bad lift pump, bad fuel stop solenoid, sucking air from cracked fuel lines.
The fuel filter I see listed for your machine is not cleanable, and should be replaced. What did the filter look like? Did you bleed the air out of the fuel system after opening it up?

 

[dodge man]

I agree, start with a new fuel filter.

 

[WarrenPFJr]

I wound up taking the fuel filter out and swished it around in a clean jar of diesel then blew air on it. Only because I didn’t have a clean one on hand. There were some larger particles of debris on the outside of the filter and a few small pieces of dirt resting in the bottom of the filter container. I put it back in and started things up. It would run for about 30 seconds or so then die (what the manual said to do anyway to bleed the air). I did this 5-6 times. Then decided to take a look at the injectors. I blew out each of the 4 supply lines. While trying to get the return loop off of one of the injectors I snapped it. The nut spun the whole injector assembly and snapped the line. This pretty much happened with all 4 injectors. So I will be looking for a new return line tomorrow. Should I replace the injectors too while I’m in there?
I’ll be replacing the fuel filter as well. Fingers crossed this is my issue.

 

[redman135]

I would try cheaper options first. Can some body tell OP the price of injectors?
Check the fuel tank for crud , flush out if posssible. Also blow out the tank to filter line as well.
From your description it is a partiale blockage.

 

[Thomas]

Is there vent slightly plug?

 

[WarrenPFJr]

I did run it with the fuel cap off thinking there may have ben a vent issue. It didn’t seem to help

 

[YanmarFever]

Its a fuel problem, like everyone says and save the $$$ on new injectors.
Start at the tank clean it out completely, then the fuel line to the filter, I would even replace it if pieces of black rubber come out of it.
Then install a new filter, then the hose to the injector pump should be removed and inspected for the same deuteriation.

When all thats done, put in FRESH diesel fuel and bleed the system, hopefully that cures it.

This is the cheapest fix, then move unto your injector pump, ect.... If the problem still exists.

 

[tractortroof]

Is there any fuel additive to avoid this problem

 

[RjCorazza]

Is there any fuel additive to avoid this problem

There are biocide additives to prevent bacterial growth as a preventative measure. Keeping water out of the fuel is the real answer. A severely slimed bacterial contaminated fuel system is a disaster to deal with. Well, maybe not a disaster, but a LOT of work to clear up.

 

[WarrenPFJr]

I was quoted $350 a piece for new injectors. So that’s a bit more than I want to spend right now if I can avoid it. I will definitely try all of those cheaper suggestions listed above. I did snap that return line around the injectors, so I’m driving to get that part now. And I will probably clean the injectors since I have them out and get new seals for those as well. Once everything is put back together, I will start with cleaning out the gas tank and move my way forward. Thank you to all for your suggestions.

 

[dodge man]

Starting with thinking it’s an injector problem should be the last thing not the first.

 

[Eagle1]

If runs a few seconds and then dies I would be looking at the fuel shutoff solenoid and associated wiring/control.

 

[rScotty]

Almost certainly crud in the fuel system somewhere. You have to go through it from tank to pump. Second choice is the Fuel Shutoff solenoid. Best test there is to just plumb around it.

 

[5030]

Little word of advice...DON'T SCREW WITH THE INJECTORS. You need an injector test stand to fiddle with them and 'cleaning' them will only result in more issues.

 

[WarrenPFJr]

Well I got everything back together. Replaced the fuel filter. Disconnected the fuel line just before the filter and have fuel flowing. Disconnected fuel line before the injector pump and have fuel flowing. Took a while to start probably due to air in the lines. According to the manual you bleed the air out of the fuel line by starting and letting run for 30 seconds, then turn off. Once it started I got a banging sound so I immediately shut it down. What is that about!?

 

[RjCorazza]

I think you are at the point of having a professional fix your tractor.

 

[WarrenPFJr]

The knocking went away then came back. I took a vid but not sure how to post it. Maybe one piston wasn’t getting fuel so it was dry? When I rev the engine it gets worse. It idles now and every 5 seconds or so there is a slight knock or knock, knock.

 

[YanmarFever]

Were the injectors put back on properly, because the knocking started after you removed them for inspection.