Fuel cap off for 2 weeks and tractor in the field???

[pharmvet]

Pulled a bone head mistake and left the fuel cap off my 7710 after fueling up. Went on vacation with tractor parked under tree. Maybe rained 1/4 inch entire time. Came back and realized what I had done. Dealership said to drain all fuel, replace with about 5 gallons of clean fresh fuel, run for about an hour, stop and replace fuel filter and clean sediment bowl, fill up with clean fuel, pour in fuel additive and not look back. Any other advice??

 

[20 20]

don't forget to put the cap on when done

 

[JC-jetro]

If the valve to sediment bowl/filter assembly was left closed then I would not worry about downstream stuff. I'd valve the tank off, take the hose off and empty the fuel in ot an appropriate jug. Before I do anything I'd park the tractor in the sun so after draining the tank heat up without the fuel cap. I might cover the hole up with a can partially to keep the potential rain out but allow the water vapor to scape. It does not harm to change the fuel filter and sediment bowl as well, it might be a good opportunity now.

JC,

 

[Egon]

Before I do anything I'd park the tractor in the sun so after draining the tank heat up without the fuel cap.

You may get some water in the injection system doing this.

 

[JC-jetro]

You may get some water in the injection system doing this.

I suggested to put an empty can over the opening. Can also wrap it loosely on top with plastic to shed rain water, if indeed there is rain but to allow for evaporation and escaping of water moisture.

JC,

 

[Egon]

I was kinda thinking about what happens when you move the tractor.

 

[beenthere]

Before I do anything I'd park the tractor in the sun

I'd drain the fuel before starting the engine. Agree with Egon that keeping any moisture out of the system beyond the tank would be top priority.

Sounds like the dealer has the best plan. Drain, put 5 gal fresh in, run, drain, change filter and put in more fresh fuel.

I'd guess the water was on the bottom and right in position to go to the fuel filter and then maybe the engine.

 

[jinman]

If you indeed only had 1/4" of rain, then the amount of water in that tank is less than a quarter cup. There's a good chance it's less. That amount should be caught by the filter bowl. I think your dealer gave you great advice. Drain the fuel, add fresh, change the fuel filter and go for it.

 

[pharmvet]

GOT ER DONE. Thee hours later and covered in diesel but I got her done. Got 8 five gallon buckets full of diesel. My separater was very dirty, but I suspect it haddnt been cleaned for some time so maybe some of this needed to be done anyway. Now have a fresh full tank of fuel with a can of additive, new fuel filter, and a clean separater. I can sleep good tonight. Thanks for the advice, suggestions.

 

[beenthere]

Sounds like it would have made a good video.

Glad to hear of the progress. 40 gallon....Wow. Think maybe I'd a just.....nah! You did the right thing. IMO