How do I defrost my fuel line?

[RayCo]

Last night I went out to start my tractor, which has been sitting outside because of garage clutter, and I noticed that the usual sound of the fuel pump wasn't heard when I had the key in the on position before starting it. So, basically, it started and ran until it was out of fuel on the other side of the pump. It's been very cold in my area, so I'm guessing I have a diesel sludge problem. Short of warming everything up, what else do I have to do? I'm guessing it's not just as simple as pouring some additive in the fuel tank and waiting for everything to magically ungunk.

 

[Gizmo2]

Power Service Products, diesel fuel additives, prevent gelling, clean injectors, disperse water, boost cetane, reduce emissions, improve fuel economyPower Service Products, diesel fuel additives, prevent gelling, clean injectors, disperse water, boos
Then run this in the tank...
Power Service Products, diesel fuel additives, prevent gelling, clean injectors, disperse water, boost cetane, reduce emissions, improve fuel economyPower Service Products, diesel fuel additives, prevent gelling, clean injectors, disperse water, boos

 

[RayCo]

That will be fantastic if they work, especially since I can pick them up at TSC after work. I will give them a try; thanks!

 

[Gizmo2]

It works. I never had needed it before two years ago but the diesel fuel has change and now I do.

 

[leonz]

Last night I went out to start my tractor, which has been sitting outside because of garage clutter, and I noticed that the usual sound of the fuel pump wasn't heard when I had the key in the on position before starting it. So, basically, it started and ran until it was out of fuel on the other side of the pump. It's been very cold in my area, so I'm guessing I have a diesel sludge problem. Short of warming everything up, what else do I have to do? I'm guessing it's not just as simple as pouring some additive in the fuel tank and waiting for everything to magically ungunk.

You may have algae problems if you have water in the fuel just everyone else does.

The water will make the fuel filters mushroom and plug.

If you own a salamander heater I would let it warm the tractor for 30 minutes
then try to start it.

Water settles to the bottom in diesel fuel and gasoline both so you may have pulled water from the bottom of the tank into the filter and plugged it.

 

[Thomas]

I known some to use hand held heat blower gun..distance of 6" from fuel line and slowly keep moving,also if you can shut the fuel off at tank plus remove filter so sludge can drain out..clean bowl install new filter.

 

[radioman]

I dont think its sludge. Your BX is too new. I think either your fuel gelled up or filter waxed up. a bottle of ps 911 or a gallon or kerosene added to tank will help to ungel it.

Either you gotta find a way to warm up the tractor to ungel the feul or you need to add 911 or kerosene and possibly replace both feul filters. Once you get old feul issue taken care of and tractor started, you need to add something to fresh diesel to lower the waxing/gelling point from now on unless you keep it in heated garage.

 

[Egon]

Sounds like you don't have a block heater so!

Throw a tarp over the tractor and put an electric heater under it. When all is warm clean out the filters and also drain some fuel off the bottom of the tank if possible. Add the additive of your choice[no alcohol content] and bleed the injector pump. Start tractor.:thumbsup:

Make sure additives are added to fuel on as tractor is refueled.:thumbsup:

 

[Ductape]

I like Egon's method of making a tent over the tractor and blow hot air under it with a salamander or similar heater. Unfortunately, if your fuel has gelled, the parrafin in the fuel solidifies and just warming it may not turn the parrafin back to a liquid. The Power Service 911 in the red bottle claims to chemically turn it back into liquid to get fuel flowing again. I'd try both the heat and Power Service 911. In the future, mix a bit of the Power Service in the white bottle with your fuel for cheap insurance. The 911 is not for regular use.

 

[RayCo]

Thanks y'all! This is the first winter I've had the thing outside. I have to get it back into the garage!