Clump of snow fell in my fuel tank!

[MossyDell]

When fueling up about 3 weeks ago at the corner station, a clump of snow fell into my fuel tank. The clump must've been somewhere on the handle above the nozzle. I didn't see it until it fell. It sat before my amazed eyes for an instant between the nozzle and the rim of the tank opening. The clump was about 2/3 the size of a fifty cent piece, I'd say.

How big a problem do I have!?

I was and am using Hot Shot's winter treatment/anti-gell, which I think has water dispersers too. I have filled up twice since then. No problems with running. I use highway diesel because they sell a lot of that at this station but seem to move comparatively little off-road diesel.

My tractor has about 85 hours and I have not changed the fuel filter yet. Filter looks good, per a Kubota technician who was here helping fix a loader issue. I plan to change it soon but maybe I should move that up?

 

[Have tractor did travel]

I think water accumulates at the bottom of the fuel bowl, not in the filter. Which would mean remove the bowl, empty, and replace. Others may correct me on that. As I recall, last fuel filter was $12. So ease your mind, be a sport, and splurge.

 

[Hay Dude]

Remember, snow is like 8 times the volume of water or something like that. That small of a piece of snow is not a lot of water, but it should be monitored.

Your tractor has a system, in place, just for such occurrences.
1. Your water/fuel separator and
2. possibly a drain on the bottom of the fuel tank.
Check the bottom of the clear bowl regularly for water accumulation. If you see any, open the pet cock and allow it to drain out. Then cycle the key several times to fill it back up with fuel.
IF your tank has a sump drain, you can open it when your fuel tank is low to drain off accumulated water, solids and other trash.

If/when you change your fuel filter, do not fill the filter with fuel directly from your fuel supply. Let the tractor send fuel through the water separator and into your filter. Fuel directly from the pump or a fuel can could be contaminated and go straight to your injectors.

 

[newbury]

If this is on your B2601 you should panic!! Give me the tractor and I'll make sure it's fixed and get it back to you after a short test, say about 10 years.
(sarcasm emojii)

Wouldn't worry, run a couple of tanks through it. Enjoy.

 

[MossRoad]

When fueling up about 3 weeks ago at the corner station, a clump of snow fell into my fuel tank. The clump must've been somewhere on the handle above the nozzle. I didn't see it until it fell. It sat before my amazed eyes for an instant between the nozzle and the rim of the tank opening. The clump was about 2/3 the size of a fifty cent piece, I'd say.

How big a problem do I have!?

I was and am using Hot Shot's winter treatment/anti-gell, which I think has water dispersers too. I have filled up twice since then. No problems with running. I use highway diesel because they sell a lot of that at this station but seem to move comparatively little off-road diesel.

My tractor has about 85 hours and I have not changed the fuel filter yet. Filter looks good, per a Kubota technician who was here helping fix a loader issue. I plan to change it soon but maybe I should move that up?

You've been given some great advice here. If it was only as small a chunk of snow as you say, it was a lot less actual water. You've already run two more tanks through it. That one instance did not cause a problem.

You should be checking your clear fuel bowl (if you have one) daily before operation. I don't know if you have one, or if you do, if it has a drain. I had an IH2500b that had a clear fuel bowl with a drain. I'd let that machine sit for months outdoors and only a couple times did I ever see water in the bowl. A quick drain and it's gone.

Not sure what changing the filter at this point would do, but it never hurts (unless you strip some threads or break some bolts) to change a filter early.

 

[greenrider1]

There are various diesel additives designed to deal with water in fuel. Some work by settling the water out and some keep it in suspension so it will pass through the system. I prefer to have any water settle out of the fuel. As others have mentioned, the tiny bit of water (snow) that entered your fuel tank should settle out and eventually make it's way to the bottom of your fuel bowl.

 

[RjCorazza]

I agree that this doesn't sound like a lot of water and that the water separator should be checked and/or drained more frequently.
I personally would also leave a water absorbing "snake" in the tank for a while for good measure. I tried one in my transfer tank last year when I thought (incorrectly) that I had a water problem clogging my final water block filters. Turned out that the mounting bolts that connect the pump to the bung were loose, drawing air.

 

[MossyDell]

I appreciate all the advice. I was going to dump the fuel bowl but wasn't sure if that'd help. I asked the tech who was here and he said what's there is just fuel. Not sure he understood my issue or if I understood his response.

Sounds like I should go ahead and dump the bowl, whether I change the filter itself or not.

 

[MossRoad]

I appreciate all the advice. I was going to dump the fuel bowl but wasn't sure if that'd help. I asked the tech who was here and he said what's there is just fuel. Not sure he understood my issue or if I understood his response.

Sounds like I should go ahead and dump the bowl, whether I change the filter itself or not.

Is the bowl clear?

If so, just look in it. If there's water, it'll be plainly visible as a bubble at the bottom, or a layer if there's a lot.

 

[oosik]

You have filled the fuel tank twice since the "snowball" event. You have experienced no problems. It's probably a very small daub/bubble at the bottom of the fuel tank. The tech said - "only fuel" in the fuel bowl.

Not to worry - carry on and enjoy.