Oil & Fuel M5040 quit running

[sgipson]

M5040 used for 6 hours then engine started bogging down a would only run at an idle. Then would not start and run at all.
When checking everything I noticed the fuel cap was missing. I either left it off completely when filling earlier or did not tighten.
Have 1/4 tank of diesel.
If something fell into the filler opening what would be the best place to start checking? Hose connection at tank ????

 

[art]

Depending on when the cap became missing and what might be in the tank, possibly 1/4 full of water or crud you might have to drain that as well.

Your description is definitely a fuel problem. Get some new filters and see what comes out of the tank when you drain it!

 

[crazyal]

A coworker with the same tractor had a similar problem. He didn't say if he left the cap off or not but he got some hay while brush hogging onto his tank. The fuel line had to be removed from the tank to the filter and blown out to get the tractor to run again. It took the dealer a couple of shots before they got it.

 

[big bubba]

did the same thing w/my m8540 which is basically the same set up as yours. brush hogged in dusty cond. for about an hour w/o fuel cap. experienced no engine problems, but when i discovered my mistake i:
1) completely drained fuel tank. then poured a few more gallons to flush it.
2) replaced drain plug, filled w/about 5 gallons w/extra conditioner (i use howes)
3) removed & cleaned fuel water separator, (wasn't too bad), and ran fresh fuel through it before reinstalling
4) then removed filter, ran more fuel through it before replacing
5) purged lines of air (plunger on top of filter) & engine started right up
6) also changed engine oil & filter (know it's overkill, but wanted no chance of dusty particulates in the crankcase).
peace of mind, never skipped a beat. now i put my fuel cap right on top of my fuel container stuff to make me replace it once filled. good luck

 

[big bubba]

btw your lucky, my tank had 20 gal when i discovered it....yup, i'm sure many would say just run it though it if it still runs, they're tough....not this puppy. apparently it got to yours. hopefully a quick fix. bb