Oil & Fuel L4701 Engine Cutting out

[usarmyretiredsgm]

I am having trouble with my L4701. It has only 150 hours. The engine is cutting out. I changed the filter in the clear element and the mainline fuel filter. Bled the air as directed, multiple times. The tractor runs ok for a short period and then cuts out. It will start back up in a few minutes but continues to cut out. It seems it may have a pinhole in the line and is sucking air. Anyone else experience this problem and if so what was the solution.

Thanks
Phillip

 

[sweettractors]

It does sound like air in fuel system. Did you have this problem before you changed filters? Ken Sweet

 

[davesl708]

To find a pinhole leak in the fuel line apply some pressure to the fuel tank and look for wet spots.
It may be water in the fuel. Do you add Power Service or other fuel additive to remove water?

 

[usarmyretiredsgm]

I found no water in either of the inline filters. Have not added and additives for water removal but will today.

 

[usarmyretiredsgm]

Yes, the problem was what caused me to change out the two inline filters.

 

[Mysfyt]

Is it slowly shutting down or is it an immediate thing? Air in the system usually makes the rpm's go up and down before it shuts down or the engine will run sporadic. If its shutting down fast, could be the safety switch in the seat?

 

[Grandad4]

Have you ruled out some kind of safety interlock gizmo that's not working right?

 

[MHarryE]

Is there a possibility you have a plugged air vent into the fuel tank? Have had that and also gelled fuel that gave similar symptoms.

 

[usarmyretiredsgm]

Ok, the original problem was resolved by taking the tractor to the shop. The mechanic told me a "bug" was in the fuel tank and would get sucked into the outflow and cause the shutdown. This was back in Jan. I am now experiencing the same problem. If I keep an eye on the fuel bulb I can see an air pocket at the top of the filter and when it is about an inch deep the tractor stalls. I expect a similar problem again. How do you get into the fuel system to remove the offending obstruction? If this is going to be a recurring event I want to know how to correct this myself. I have my fuel tank hose line covered to prevent any future crap getting into the line before filling the tractor. What a hassle.

 

[Grandad4]

Well, the mechanic was generally correct... something is blocking the fuel flow in or from the tank. If he got the first "bug" out, there's another one, or something else. Sounds like it's time to drain the tank completely and clean it, plus the lines going into the fuel filter. Under warranty perhaps?