Oil & Fuel Foreign Object Elimination (FOE) in TC40 fuel tank

hazmat · Jun 9, 2005

Dad was out mowing this week, when the tractor died in the field. As is usual with most diesel engine issues, it was a fuel problem. The service tech diagnosed it as a foreign object in the fuel tank. They were able to rejuvinate the machine by blowing out the fuel line from the filter towards the tank.

However, the object is still in the tank - Dad has had to blow the line out a couple more times. Tech said they could take it back to the shop & drain the tank, but it would be mildly expensive. Suggested that we run it low on fuel & search for the object with a flashlight & try to fish it out.

I suggest he use an inpsection mirror to help find the object. Also read him the riot act about clean fuel. Does anybody have any other tips or tricks to share?

tc35dforme · Jun 9, 2005

Haz, with the construction of the tank, I'd be very surprised if you could fish it out. The tank is oddly shaped and you can't really get a good look in.

If it were me, I'd just pull the tank, do a shake and flush, and reinstall. The tank just mounts with a pair of bolts accessed from the rear .... at the angle iron. Looks easy in the book.

If you're not interested in pulling the tank, pulling the fuel gauge sending unit may get you some better access. That's easy and right on top.

Good Luck

Soundguy · Jun 9, 2005

I agree.. unless it is obvious.. something you can fish out.. like something large.. I'd pull the tank.. or pull the plug onthe tank.

Could even be black sludge built up on the in tank screen... I commonly see that in untreated fuel. or something in the fuel petcock... very small passages in those petcocks.. i just had to replace one on my 7610s for a similar reaon.. bad/contaminated fuel/ plugged filters..

Soundguy

mahlers · Jun 9, 2005

I had a similar problem - but my tank has a drain plug on it. I pulled the hose from the fuel pump, opened the tank drain plug, and blasted compressed air into the tank through the fuel line. It shot out all kinds of dirt, grass, and gunk. Don't ask how that stuff got in there - it had nothing to do with poor fuel handling problems and more to do with someone that I'm in litigation with....

woodlot · Jun 9, 2005

Sounds like your FOE needs a TOTAL PAL..........Take Off Tank And Let PArticle Lose. Sorry couldn't resist /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

hazmat · Jun 9, 2005

Thats a good one /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Sounds like removing the take isn't a huge deal. I'll still let him run the fuel down - then if we can't fish out the FO we can TOTAL PAL /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif