Oil & Fuel Drain tractor fuel tank every year?

[Doc_Bob]

The owners manual for my NH TN 70 suggest that I drain the fuel tank every year to remove "crud" (my word). TN even has a nice little plug at the lowest part of the tank to allow this to be done. I bought my tractor used and I am sure the fuel tank has never been drained.

So, does anyone routinely drain their fuel tank as part of their maintenance routine?
Bob

 

[Farmwithjunk]

The owners manual for my NH TN 70 suggest that I drain the fuel tank every year to remove "crud" (my word). TN even has a nice little plug at the lowest part of the tank to allow this to be done. I bought my tractor used and I am sure the fuel tank has never been drained.

So, does anyone routinely drain their fuel tank as part of their maintenance routine?
Bob

I routinely drain my fuel tank by USING it. That in turn routinely drains my wallet. Sad, but true.

I've got 2 tractors that have been with me for 34 and 28 years. Neither have ever had the fuel tank completely drained. A clean bulk tank, good filters, and I don't see the need.

Your results may vary.

 

[onsight]

If you are having repeated fuel problems and suspect debris / contaminants in tank, then drain the tank to check. Also if the tractor has been sitting a long time and you are worried about condensation you could drain a little out to check for water.

 

[Doc_Bob]

If you are having repeated fuel problems and suspect debris / contaminants in tank, then drain the tank to check. Also if the tractor has been sitting a long time and you are worried about condensation you could drain a little out to check for water.

No probelms. I have run it 23 hours (total 193) and works fine. I am just motivated to do what I need to do to take good care of this beast.
Bob

 

[Doc_Bob]

I routinely drain my fuel tank by USING it. That in turn routinely drains my wallet. Sad, but true.

Good point. Use a lot of fuel, drain your wallet, tank is clean and wallet empty.
Bob

 

[Egon]

I usually drain the fuel tank on my tractor several times a year.

It makes it much easier to see the bottom of the tank!

The worst part is the walk and heavy fuel can!

 

[PineRidge]

There just isn't enough hours in a day to do it all Bob. No, we don't drain out tank, fact is we just replaced our tank not to awful long ago, does that count?

 

[Soundguy]

If you're itching for piece of mind.. get a pain filter and a clean jug... pull the drain and let a few cups drain into the filter/jug, then repalce the plug... The crap should pour out first.. if you don't see any..or much.. don't worry about it... Pour the filtered fuel back into the tank.

Soundguy

 

[JJT]

Shine a flashlight into your tank, mine's perfectly clean after 500 hours and y years. I change the filter every 100 hours, I do see a little crap in the sediment/filter bowl. If you see crap int he tank, drain it and get a new filter and a new gas cap.

 

[ccsial]

I have an old 1910 I bought new and have never drained the tank in over 20 years. The dealer added a water trap when it was new but I have never seen water either. It has always been garaged. I think if you have clean fuel your OK. I do change the filter every year.

 

[Doc_Bob]

There just isn't enough hours in a day to do it all Bob. No, we don't drain out tank, fact is we just replaced our tank not to awful long ago, does that count?

Yes, I forgot, you had a puncture and the great fun of changing your tank. FWIW, my tank has a tank guard consisting of a bunch of steel plates surrounding this nice plastic tank. It was an option on this model. I guess if I need to get a clean tank, I will have to drain it as a puncture is not in the picture. Darn !
Bob

 

[Doc_Bob]

If you're itching for piece of mind.. get a pain filter and a clean jug... pull the drain and let a few cups drain into the filter/jug, then repalce the plug... The crap should pour out first.. if you don't see any..or much.. don't worry about it... Pour the filtered fuel back into the tank.

Soundguy

Good diea. Maybe even get a Mr. Funnel and see what comes up?
Bob