Fuel problem 4035

mopedal · Thursday at 7:49 PM

I believe I’m having a problem with my shut off solenoid. I was using my tractor and it just shut off. Haven’t been able to restart it since. I had previously put a transfer pump at the tank a while back because it was running out to fuel. It run perfectly since that time but a couple of days ago, it did the above. I know I’m getting fuel to my pump, but it don’t appear to be getting to my nozzles. That’s the reason I think it may be the shut off solenoid.

Harry in Ky · Thursday at 7:56 PM

You've tried the "jumper wire with 12V" and listened/felt for the click? You're testing the right one? The one on the top front of the pump, not the one on the side.

mopedal · Thursday at 8:10 PM

Both of them are moving when the key is on.

mopedal · 2025-09-02T18:12:24-0400

Yes, I checked it with a jumper from the battery it clicked from using the switch as well as from the jumper.
This started whileI was driving back to the barn and it was like it overloaded (just a little) and at the same time acted like you turned the key off and it just died down to nothing. That was the last time it ran. Fuel supply seems to be good, getting plenty of fuel to #3 nozzle and the air cleaner looks good. The only other thing I can think of is the timing but up until this time it was running perfectly with plenty of power. I later did something I normally don’t do which is a spray of ether. It started up, but only ran on the vapors of the ether and just as quickly it died, as if it wasn’t getting any fuel. Any ideas or suggestions would be great and very much appreciated.

Harry in Ky · 2025-09-02T19:27:38-0400

The shut off solenoid could always fail without notice, but it's rare. That style will have a rubber plunger on the end that blocks fuel flow through the pump when no power is applied. You can try to remove the unit and bench test it, but be sure to clean off the area around it before doing so. Disturbing the solenoid will stir up whatever crud has accumulated around it. Removing it will open up a passage for some of that to jump right into the now vacant hole. I've seen a few units of that type fail, and have removed the rubber plunger and put the unit back in on occasion to allow the engine to run. You have to find an alternative means of stopping the engine, like shutting it off in gear and holding the brakes. Awkward, yes, but it allows one to get the engine running and/or prove that the unit works or it doesn't.