Fuel issue with Kubota M6040

[Cherrypicker7]

Been cold in Northern Michigan, so thought my fuel might have gelled. Tractor just wouldn't start. Went through the process of adding 911, and fuel treatment but couldn't get the thing running replaced both filters, one in the separator and the cartridge fuel filter, pretty much same result. Fuel gauge on this M6040 works periodically so wasn't sure I hadn't run out of fuel. Added 10 gallons still no joy. On this tractor the fuel runs from the tank through the fuel separator/sediment bulb, to the "manual fuel pump, then to the main fuel filter and then to the high pressure pump. After several additional attempts began to suspect something in the tank was plugging off the fuel flow. I found the line running to the tank blew air through it and could hear fuel gurgling in the tank, and fuel was flowing out. I reconnected the line, and still no luck. There is a hand purge/pump on top of the fuel filter assembly and I attempted to prime the system, but noticed that there appeared to be air at the top of the sediment bulb. My next step was to take an electric fuel pump that I had, a replacement for another tractor, disconnected the line from the tank and dropped a line from the electric pump in a 5 gallon can of fresh diesel. I followed the fuel path, through the sediment bulb, unscrewed the filter until fuel was flowing there, there was a "banjo bolt" running into the high pressure pump and I backed that out until fuel flowed there. Snugged it back up, with the e-pump. Finally I was able to get it running. So now I am faced with figuring out how to clean out whatever it is that apparently if plugging the outlet in the tank. It appears to me there is a fuel level sending device that is bolted into the top of the tank underneath the operators platform. I am hoping I can get to it without removing the tank, siphon out or drain the tank and get down there with a wet dry vacuum and clean it out. Meanwhile I am considering running a fuel line back to the tank down through the fill spout and using that e pump to keep it running until I can get it in somewhere warm and dry to finish up the job. I'd be interested if anyone has a better idea.

 

[LouNY]

911 sucks,
If you heard gurgling in the tank and fuel was flowing out, myself I'd add about 10 gallons of kerosene (#1 fuel oil). Then using your e pump I'd connect that to the fuel tank and retrace the fuel path bleeding as you go. once it's running remove the e pump from the loop. Be sure your mechanical or electric lift pump is working and delivering fuel to the high pressure pump. A bad lift pump can take out an injection pump.

 

[Thunder chicken]

Is there 2 lines in/out of the tank? One being a return? Perhaps you blew air through the 'other'?
On the 60 series, they are hard to tell apart, and rigjt next to each other.
I had a similar issue, ended up being a piece of foil from an additive lid had fallen in, blocking the fuel line hole. Seems to me it was just a nipple threaded into the tank, no lines or prefilters in the tank, just a hole.
It required removing the tank, which was not difficult, just time. Sloshing, shaking, dumping to get it out. Wouldnt be fun out in the cold!

 

[Tx Jim]

In addition to checking for good fuel flow from tank to inj pump be sure fuel tank vent isn't clogged.