freezing tc24da

[Soundguy]

sounds like diesel 911 time.. and if it has water traps, svc them.. plus the treated fuel.

soundguy

 

[MikePA]

Re: Note to self

With the information gathered here I will make a "note to myself" for next year, since the tractor rarely gets used in October and pretty much just sits in Nov-Dec. I will need to do something for the following years or until I can build a new barn.

During fall let the tractor run low on fuel and start with additves. Do a few warm ups in the off months. Purchase new fuel just before the first heavy snow (which can be anywhere from November to February) mix with additives and top off tank.

No offense, but good grief, you don't have to make it this complicated.

Whenever you buy fuel, add in anti-gel and a biocide and always fill the tractor tank when done using it (to prevent water condensing). There's no need to try and time your actions with the calendar, IMO.

 

[RickB]

Re: Note to self

No offense, but good grief, you don't have to make it this complicated.

Whenever you buy fuel, add in anti-gel and a biocide and always fill the tractor tank when done using it (to prevent water condensing). There's no need to try and time your actions with the calendar, IMO.

A filter change in the Fall makes sense. Gets any accumulated water out of the filter assembly. True for cartridge or spin ons. Anti-gel use in July isn't for me.

 

[MikePA]

Re: Note to self

Anti-gel use in July isn't for me.

If there's a chance that fuel will be used in Nov/Dec, it should be.

 

[jinman]

I don't want to beat this to death, but with all the water you had in your fuel, you might consider one of these. I just bought one this last year and started using it for filling my tractor. It's a pain, but not as much a pain as water in your fuel.

 

[MiserableOldFart]

I wasn't sure, but I thought that picture was of ice, not gelled fuel. It doesn't look anything like my gelled fuel.. but I didn't want to post without being sure.

I agree that it's necessary to change the filter (or at least remove the bowl and filter and clean out the bowl) regularly. The owner's manual recommends very 50 hours, but I find if I don't do it more often, even in the summer, it's asking for trouble. Again, I think the very small size of the filter on these little tractors comes into play. Probably if the tractor is used regularly or constantly, 50 hour intervals are enough, but in a case like me (tractor has 170 hours in 3 1/2 years) doing it every couple months makes sense.

The Mr. Funnel makes sense, though I haven't gotten around to making the purchase myself. I've never had water problems, but if I did, I'd probably run for it. I do use a fine mesh screen in my funnel per manual instructions and I often find interesting items there. The last "find" was about six dead wasps.

 

[jjcc246]

when i had to park mine outside i put a trouble light in the engine compartment and just left it on, not leaning on anything that could bburn or melt. kept it warm enough that it would start even after sitting in the coldest weather for several days

 

[The Haymaker]

Looks to me like it's just water that accumulated over a lengthy period of time. I've had it happen rapidly after leaving a leaky can in the back of my truck during a rainy week.

Checking the filter bowl as part of your regular quick inspection (grease, kick the tires, and check the oil level) would've revealed water buildup. It's a different color than fuel and the filter ends will begin to rust.

In a pinch just remove the bowl and dump the water/fuel that is in it. Of course, this needs to be done before it freezes.

There is also another fuel filter under the fender on the LH side of that tractor.

Be very careful adding treatments. Add a set amount to the can each time you fill it. Adding to the tank each time will, over time, raise the treatment to dangerous levels. We toasted an engine top end in a big truck by doing that.

Other than proper fuel storage, another BIG cure for condensation buildup, if you must store outside, is keep the tank full. If there's no air space, there's no condensation.