sputtering kubota B3030

[BizDoc]

I was working fine until I put a new load of fuel into the 3030, now I get low power on and off and I need to push the throttle back to idle to stop the problem. Could I have gotten condensation in the diesel fuel, and if so what do I put in the tank to absorb the water. I know in a gasoline engine I use dry gas but what is used for diesel fuel.

Other than that the only thing different is the temperature which was -8 today, but then I can't see why that would matter in the way the engine runs if it gets sufficient fuel and air?

 

[DWW68]

Are you using a fuel treatment? With these temps ther is a lot of problems with the fuel starting to gell. I would change the filter and add some 911 treatment. If water is the problem, it should be noticable in the fuel bowl with the filter.

 

[srs]

the only thing different is the temperature which was -8 today, but then I can't see why that would matter

I agree with DWW that perhaps the fuel might be gelling. How is the heater working, keeping you nice and toasty?

 

[Ductape]

I'll agree...... sounds like a fuel problem. Add Power Service 911 and run it. Can you see cloudy crud forming on the fuel filter? Temps are plenty cold enough to gel fuel.

 

[BizDoc]

I agree with DWW that perhaps the fuel might be gelling. How is the heater working, keeping you nice and toasty?

Thank you all, I'll get some power service 911 in the tractor today.

We got another 6 inches overnight, that makes over 24 inches out there.

Yes the cab heater keeps me nice and toasty. When I was plowing yesterday in the 0 degree temps I remembered why I spent the extra money for the cab. Outside the wind just about tears your face off, but inside the cab I plow with just a shirt on, and have to turn the heater down before long.

 

[BizDoc]

Not sure if it's just that the temp raised to the 20's today or if it was the diesel conditioner, which by the way all stores were out of 911 so I got another brand that supposedly is the same type of anti gel conditioner, but the tractor started up and ran fine all day. Thanks everyone for the information.

 

[smfcpacfp]

If you are running #2 diesel, it begins to gel at 40 degrees (cloud point) and won't flow at below 15 to 20 (flow point). I always use #1 diesel in the winter which has a cloud point of -40 degrees. If #1 clouds, you probably should wait for a warmer day.

 

[BizDoc]

I'm not sure where I'd get #1 Diesel, I'm assuming I'm getting #2 diesel at the local convenience stores. So I'll keep putting the diesel conditioner to the fuel with each new tank while it's cold.

Thank you.

 

[Ductape]

Biz,
I always use the regular Power Service brand fuel additive and haven't had any fuel problems. I've never used the 911 myself, but my understanding is that the 911 will actually dissolve the wax which seperates from the fuel and builds up on the filters, keeping the fuel from flowing. The regular Power Service just keeps it from gelling up front, but can do nothing to dissilove the solids. If you had a fuel issue where it was starting to starve, it would probably be a good idea to change the fuel fiter when you get a chance.

 

[lawn_king]

Bizdoc, a sure sign of water in your fuel is a bad white smoke at start up followed by a stall, the fuel filter will also look like milk.