Fuel gauge rust

Bocephous · Sep 18, 2015

I've been having some issues with my fuel gauge lately, so I took it apart yesterday. Upon pulling the apparatus from the tank I saw that the top two or three inches of metal were rusted. I sanded it down to the metal, cleaned it up with brake cleaner, and reinstalled. Just thought I'd pass this on as it is something not often checked.

lostcreekranch · Sep 18, 2015

Water in your diesel fuel? Keep your tank full?

Check your main fuel filter for water?

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Bocephous · Sep 20, 2015

There shouldn't be. I have fuel delivered once a year and the container is under cover. Wouldn't water settle to the bottom of the tank? Rusted part was at the top, not covered by fuel.

I do usually keep my tank at or near full.

I plan to change the filter out today or tomorrow.

lostcreekranch · Sep 20, 2015

You can get moisture in a bulk tank just from high humidity air. Assume your tank is vented? Assume you have a filter on outlet of your tank?

There should be a petcock on bottom of your main fuel filter on tractor. Open it slightly and turn on key (don't start) which will start fuel pump and push out any water at bottom of filter.

Don't know how anything could rust in an environment of splashing diesel fuel?

Good luck!

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Bocephous · Sep 20, 2015

rlgustafson said:
You can get moisture in a bulk tank just from high humidity air. Assume your tank is vented? Assume you have a filter on outlet of your tank?

There should be a petcock on bottom of your main fuel filter on tractor. Open it slightly and turn on key (don't start) which will start fuel pump and push out any water at bottom of filter.

Don't know how anything could rust in an environment of splashing diesel fuel?

Good luck!

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Yes, tank is vented, and I have a particle filter on the outlet.

I'll try your idea before I change the filter.

There have been periods when I won't use the tractor for a two weeks or so. Not usually during the warmer months but in the winter, especially if there isn't significant snow to plow.