B2320 fuel filter bowl does not stay full

mcrame01 · May 21, 2012

I was hoping someone might be able to help me out with some fuel issues that I have been having with my B2320. For the past month, the tractor has been cutting out. At first, I thought it might be a seat sensor so I jumpered both of them to see if that would resolve the issue.

It did not solve the issue. As I started to mow, I noticed that the fuel filter bowl started to empty and the fuel line started to go down until it hit the bottom of the filter. Sure enough, once that happened my tractor started to die and the RPMs lowered. It does not die but gets pretty close. As it starts to die, you can see the fuel run down the side of the filter bowl and eventually it fills again.

Once it is full, the tractor runs fine until I start using the mower or push the pedal to go forward/backward. The tractor will sit and idle just fine and the bowl only lowers when I'm moving and mowing. Sometimes it will even run for 5 or 10 minutes.

Once I saw the fuel lower, I stopped and shut off the tractor. I then took the bowl off and fuel continued to run out. I pushed up on the spring loaded fuel "stopper" (not sure what it is actually called) and the stream stopped. I started to mow again and the fuel continues to lower. Is it possible the top part of the fuel filter bowl is bad? Does anyone have any ideas?

KennyV · May 21, 2012

You must have an air leak somewhere... I would start at the seal on the filter, and work back toward the tank... KennyV

mcrame01 · May 22, 2012

Thanks for the reply. Another thing that I noticed when the problem first started was that it would run just fine if I would completely fill that fuel tank. I did that for 3 or 4 weeks but now that problem persists regardless.

AStanton · May 22, 2012

You might also check the tightness of the fuel bowl and replace the o-rings for it. I think the 2 o -rings for my B3030 cost less than $2--a bargain.
Kenny already mentioned part of this.

Rocksprings · May 22, 2012

My fuel bowl vibrated off and of course the motor shut off, I found it and screwed it back on but did not notice the o-ring was missing. Would not start until I bled the fuel line. It was dripping fuel but the motor still ran. If yours is like my L2800 the bowl has two o-rings. The large one goes around the top of the bowl and the small one is attached to the center of the filter. May not be your problem but who knows, good luck.

David_Kb7uns · May 22, 2012

Just wondering if the lift pump is working??

David Kb7uns

kuboman · May 22, 2012

For the filter to be sucking down means there is a restriction up stream from the filter. Either a kinked or collapsed fuel line or something restricting the outlet from the tank.