John Deere 2240 fuel filter air bubbles

[Augustine]

Tractor ran rough and very smoky exhaust. I noticed air bubbles running from bottom left of filter up to the top. I installed new filter. Tractor ran fine for about one minute until the bubbles appeared again. Tractor then died. I bled the filter again. Tractor ran fine, but bubbles kept appearing and tractor would die again. I repeated this process several times. I've cleaned the mounting surface. I don't know why the bubbles keep appearing. Filter clamp seems to be holding it tight. Any ideas? Please help!

 

[kwbretired]

Sounds like your getting air in the system. May want to replace the rubber fuel line from fuel tank to the filter. These lines have been known to leak air in but not leak fuel. How old is tractor?

 

[Tx Jim]

Welcome to TBN
I'll suggest to install new lift pump that's bolted to side of engine OR it's possible fuel line from tank to lift pump has a pin hole in it allowing air into fuel system.

 

[Spanner]

Also check the rubber sealing ring around the top of the filter bowl. It should be circular in cross-section, not flattened (oval cross-section).