Oil & Fuel JD 770 tractor running out of fuel with a full tank, why?

[JD755]

I wonder how Mr. Craig made out with his 770?

If your tractor sets for an extended period of time, it's worth putting a stabilizer or other additive in the tank. Some of these additives have an anti-bacteriological agent to prevent that algae build up.

I use three five gallon cans to store my diesel. In the Fall when I'm getting toward my last purchases for the year and trying to minimize the amount stored over the winter, I mix an additive in each can. This way both the tractor and cans have "stable" fuel since I never know how much I may need to use the tractor over the Winter. BTW I'm always glad I don't have the newer auto-vent style cans. Manual venting with my thumb makes it so much easier to control fuel flow. I created those stencils myself to make it clear the red cans get diesel.

 

[whistlepig]

Good advice, open the fuel cap when it starts to die-if you hear a big whoosh sound and the engine runs fine then you need a new cap.

This may sound too simple to be true but it has happened enough to me that it is the very first thing I check.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

My tractor (770) does sit for a month to 6 weeks.

What exactly do you use for a diesel additive.??

I too am curious to know how the OP made out.??

 

[JD755]

My tractor (770) does sit for a month to 6 weeks.

What exactly do you use for a diesel additive.??

I too am curious to know how the OP made out.??

A month to six weeks should not be a problem with fuel. For longer term I use STA-BIL. There are several other brands of products also. I have no experience to say one is better than another. The links below do include a pdf discussing microbial contamination.

Don't know why the first one says browsing error, but it works.
Deprecated Browser Error
http://www.goldeagle.com/UserFiles/file/Diesel Tank Maintenance.pdf

 

[kennyd]

My tractor (770) does sit for a month to 6 weeks.

What exactly do you use for a diesel additive.??

I too am curious to know how the OP made out.??

Wal-Mart sells a additive just for diesel fuel...the name escapes me at the moment but it is good stuff.

 

[JD755]

I have used STA-BIL for many years. It is advertised for both gas and diesel. But I see on the website link in my previous post they sell a version just for diesel. I have never noticed that in stores and don't know if it is something new. Looks like it is available only in larger quantities.

UPDATE - A few months ago I bought a new bottle. I just checked that and it no longer says diesel. So evidently they did create a new product just for diesel and removed that wording from their standard product. Guess I should try some of the new stuff now.

 

[JD755]

I have used STA-BIL for many years. It is advertised for both gas and diesel. But I see on the website link in my previous post they sell a version just for diesel. I have never noticed that in stores and don't know if it is something new. Looks like it is available only in larger quantities.

UPDATE - A few months ago I bought a new bottle. I just checked that and it no longer says diesel. So evidently they did create a new product just for diesel and removed that wording from their standard product. Guess I should try some of the new stuff now.

From the product website. It is a new product:

Q: I thought Regular (Red) STA-BIL worked in Diesel Fuel, how is Diesel Formula STA-BIL better?
A: Regulatory actions taken by the EPA over the last few years have resulted in diesel fuel reformulations (reduction of sulfur content), creating a need for more, specialized diesel-specific additives that add needed lubricity agents back to the fuel, and to help protect against corrosion and the breakdown of fuel caused by thermal oxidation (heating of the fuel as it re-circulates through the system). In addition, Regular STA-BIL contains a red dye, which can lead to potential legal issues if used in On-Road Diesel fuel, as Off-Road Diesel is purposely dyed red for tax subsidy purposes.

Website also shows it is not widely available yet like the standard product. (No Wal-Mart etc.) Looks like I have to go to Tractor Supply to get it.

 

[RoyJackson]

From the product website. It is a new product:

Q: I thought Regular (Red) STA-BIL worked in Diesel Fuel, how is Diesel Formula STA-BIL better?
A: Regulatory actions taken by the EPA over the last few years have resulted in diesel fuel reformulations (reduction of sulfur content), creating a need for more, specialized diesel-specific additives that add needed lubricity agents back to the fuel, and to help protect against corrosion and the breakdown of fuel caused by thermal oxidation (heating of the fuel as it re-circulates through the system). In addition, Regular STA-BIL contains a red dye, which can lead to potential legal issues if used in On-Road Diesel fuel, as Off-Road Diesel is purposely dyed red for tax subsidy purposes.

Website also shows it is not widely available yet like the standard product. (No Wal-Mart etc.) Looks like I have to go to Tractor Supply to get it.

Great post, JD755!!! I'll be looking for this new additive.

That bolded part of the quote may require explanantion. Road diesel has reduced sulfur (sulfur lubricates the top end) and may have detrimental effects to the longevity of the engine...especially older engines. I'm not sure if new (tier III or tier IV?) engines have been modified to accomodate this lower sulfur content, but I'm sure JD755's old Deere 755 hasn't. My 2000 Deere 4400 probably hasn't either.

 

[Matt in Virginia]

Wal-Mart sells a additive just for diesel fuel...the name escapes me at the moment but it is good stuff.

fwiw,
The additive they sell is Power Service Diesel Kleen +Cetane Boost and Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Booster. The latter prevents fuel gelling. I used it when I was living above the snow line in Colorado with my 05' Powerstroke. (Also learned of the beauty of Synthetic 5-40w Rotella on Cold Starts. Granted that is another story and off topic...)

Regards, Matt.

Btw, Power Service also sells a product called Bio-Kleen(Not at Walmart) which is a Diesel Fuel Biocide. Kills the bacteria and fungus in your tank. We've used it in farm tractors and over the Road Tractors to good effect...

 

[kennyd]

fwiw,
The additive they sell is Power Service Diesel Kleen +Cetane Boost and Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Booster. The latter prevents fuel gelling. I used it when I was living above the snow line in Colorado with my 05' Powerstroke. (Also learned of the beauty of Synthetic 5-40w Rotella on Cold Starts. Granted that is another story and off topic...)

Regards, Matt.

Btw, Power Service also sells a product called Bio-Kleen(Not at Walmart) which is a Diesel Fuel Biocide. Kills the bacteria and fungus in your tank. We've used it in farm tractors and over the Road Tractors to good effect...

Thanks Matt-Power Service it is:thumbsup: