Stumped

[greerhub]

Tractor may run fine for hours but quits for no apparent reason Blessing line doesn’t work only pulling gets it started. May then run for days but quits while working or idling Repeat

 

[big bubba]

Welcome to the forum. not sure what a "blessing line is"? i'd start with the fuel system. change fuel filter, clean sediment/water separator bowl. when doing that, open the shut off &be sure there's ample fuel flow. while you're at it, maybe drain off a quart of fuel as well. check return line. maybe crack the filler cap when cranking to be sure a vent isn't plugged

also could be contaminated fuel problem, moisture, etc. maybe others here will recommend a product for problem fuel. let us know how it goes

 

[flyerdan]

I'd suspect some part of the fuel delivery system is getting too hot and giving a vapor lock condition. Check if anything runs close to an exhaust manifold or hot component, also, some vehicles had heat shields at the base of the carb, so if that's missing or damaged it could be an issue (if it's a gasser).
The fact that it can be pull started and will only happen sporadically tends to suggest something other than a mechanical problem.

 

[pmsmechanic]

Next time this happens, remove the fuel line coming from the tank to the lift pump. (I'm pretty sure this engine is a diesel.) There should a strong flow of fuel out of the line. If there isn't, blow some compressed air back into the fuel tank. If the flow then increases there is some junk in the tank that is periodically obstructing the flow. Or if the fuel line is rubber it might be collapsing internally. It could be too that the lift pump/fuel line has a leak and is causing you problems. Is there air in the fuel filters?

 

[1Mech]

When it dies, does it spit and sputter, or does it just shut off like you turned it off?
Is it a diesel or gasoline?