Tractor Died While Blowing Snow!

RustyA · Dec 21, 2022

Add some 911 to tank and top off fuel with straight #1 fuel or kerosene. Warm fuel filter with your magnetic heater or heat gun long enough to get blended/treated fuel to injector rail.

Cycledude · Dec 21, 2022

RustyA said:
Add some 911 to tank and top off fuel with straight #1 fuel or kerosene. Warm fuel filter with your magnetic heater or heat gun long enough to get blended/treated fuel to injector rail.

Heating the filter sounds like a good idea but pretty unlikely it would actually help, once the filter gets plugged from water or waxing the only reliable way to fix it is install a new filter, at least that’s been my experience in a couple million miles of truck driving.
After reading this thread I’m planning to stop at NAPA tomorrow and buy a bottle of the Power Service fuel treatment they have on sale for $8.99

Avenger · Dec 21, 2022

Fortunately, I have two of every filter for every vehicle I own. I have an extra fuel filter. I'll change it out tomorrow and do the 50% diesel 50% 911 in it. I'll also add the 911 to the tank (its mostly full) as soon as I can get to the store to buy some. I'll then top it up with #1. Hopefully that will get me back up and running. If not, then more troubleshooting. Thankfully I have the rest of the week off work!

ruffdog · Dec 21, 2022

Fuel treatment should be added and mixed above 32deg so it will help when it gets colder.

sd455dan · Dec 22, 2022

Avenger have you seen this LS owner video?

Sounds like any water , even a little bit of tank condensation that freezes can possibly cut off the fuel supply. One of the signs for this owner was the hand pump stuck in a certain position, had to be just a little ice.

From what he said no fuel gelling
The red bottle of 911 took care of it.

When it first died no codes then he had a 157 code Which does appear to be different than the code you referenced.

Cycledude · Dec 22, 2022

Hoping to hear Avengers tractor is back to running normally today !

crashz · Dec 22, 2022

Yep - moisture from condensation will make the gelling worse. If you have a clear filter bowl and it looks cloudy, its gelling.

Since I usually have summer blended fuel left over I usually cut it a little with kerosene. No more than 20%, as kerosene has even less lubricity than Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel.

I use Power Service, Howes and Amsoil All-in1 (depending on price and availability). Don't be stingy, use plenty. More is usually better because it also helps with lubricity (within reason, a diesel engine won't run on only Power Service very well).

I also try to avoid the 911 and other emergency bottles. They have a significant amount of alcohol in them and have been known to damage pumps and injectors if overused (according to my diesel shop guys).

CobyRupert · Dec 22, 2022

Sounds like filter.
I have used a blow dryer on a filter to warm it up to get me back to the shed. Maybe I was lucky.
I think diesel fuel can start to get cloudy around 40°F as the wax (not the technical name) begins to separate.
I would never trust my retailer to have the correct winter mix for the temperatures a week from now.

LouNY · Dec 22, 2022

My guess would be fuel gelling also.
With a common rail system I would not use 911.
My inclination would be to pull the filter, maybe even blow back to the fuel tank with some air if possible.
Add kerosene to the fuel tank along with an additive for gelling.
If you can get any heat to it will help, I've used propane torches before on fuel lines and pumps, carefully.
You can also heat your intake manifold when trying to start it after getting the fuel filter changed and primed.
I have a cordless heat gun that sits at the ready in the winter to unfreeze my door lock/latch something like it would
be good for warming things up.
Fixing fuel issues in the cold is never fun.
If possible getting someone to tow it to a warm heated garage would be the easiest way to go.