Branson 3510 leaking fuel filter cutoff switch

[thorsent]

I've got a rapid drip from the cutoff switch on my fuel filter assembly. Turn the lift-pump on and it starts to drip, regardless of whether the cutoff is open or closed. I suspect that replacing the O-ring on the inside of the switch would do the trick but maybe there's more to it? Anybody have any experience here? (The drip started when my lift-pump died and ran the fuel lines dry).

(These assemblies don't look that expensive but I haven't been able to find one that looks quite like mine with the input nipple pointing up and the output nipple pointing down.)

 

[thepumpguysc]

Check a couple of Kubota mdls.

 

[Tntcwg3]

It's worth trying the o-ring first, it's likely that it has just lost it's elasticity over time.

 

[LouNY]

Or an aftermarket shutoff valve and filter housing.
https://www.amazon.com/Filter-Water...-11-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Empi-Fuel-Ta...ix=fuel+shutoff+valve+1/4+npt,aps,128&sr=8-10

 

[thorsent]

New o-ring did the trick. New one was pudgy and supple compared to the one that was worn out. Happily paid the (outrageous for an O-ring) sum of $1.67. Thanks everyone.

 

[Gregster613]

throsent, How did you remove the valve from the filter body? Picture doesn't show clearly if it was threaded into the body or if it was pressed in. My valve doesn't leak but it does not stop flow at all when turned in either direction. If I knew how to get it apart without breaking anything, perhaps I could figure out why it doesn't work. Thanks.

 

[thorsent]

@Gregster613 it just slid out for me. There's a small Phillips head screw that locks it in (you can see it in the photo directly above the switch). Loosen that maybe one turn and then the switch should slide out. You may have to wiggle the switch to get it out. Note that there's a spring which might pop out when you pull it out. You can see the spring in my first photo sticking out the center of the switch.

Inside the bore, there's a white plastic piece with a flathead groove. You can see this in my first photo. The switch should slide into that groove allowing it to turn. Once you get the switch out you can use a large flathead screwdriver to try turning the groove and see if it works. Note that it's possible to install the switch upside down! (ask me how I know...) When you install it upside down then no fuel will pass to the engine in the normal positions.

More experienced folks should correct me here if this isn't standard, but on my unit flow is stopped when the switch is horizontal. Switch pointing down is normal flow passing diesel through the filter. Switch pointing up allows the fuel flow but bypasses the filter. When closed with the tractor running you'll see the fuel level start to drop inside the filter within 10 seconds.

 

[Gregster613]

Thanks for that info. I'll look at mine and see if it has the cross-head screw or not. It's been like this since new and since it works as is I'm hesitant to do anything to mess it up. But, I would like it to work rather than use vice grips on the line whenever I service the filter. Eventually I'll use this guidance from you to see if I can correct, rather than replace the entire unit. Thanks again!

 

[JohnAnemone]

I know this is an old post, but I'm hoping you see this. When you had the leak, did it cause any performance issues with your tractor? I have a leak, and no power.

 

[gstrom99]

I know this is an old post, but I'm hoping you see this. When you had the leak, did it cause any performance issues with your tractor? I have a leak, and no power.

Follow the above advice, loosen the phillips screw and pull out the white(ish) valve (and spring). Fuel should POOR out. If not, there is a blockage upstream in the line or tank. If you put it back in wrong (180 out), it won't flow at all.