TZ22DA stuttering...secondary fuel filter, how to reach and replace it

[Sparty21]

I have a 3 year old TZ22da Subcompact New Holland with 200 hours on it. It just started to stutter and stall out. It was time for the full maintenance anyway.....
I figured it was a fuel issue. I picked up the two fuel filters, primary and secondary. I replaced the primary filter located behind the left rear tire without too much of a problem. The stuttering continued. I located the secondary fuel filter with water catch bowl and for the life of me, I can't get in close enough to even grab it with my hands let alone get a wrench in there. What is the trick to changing that filter? Do I have to remove the right front side panels near the engine?
And do you think the stuttering fuel starved type of behaviour is due to the fuel? The primary filter had not been changed since new and it was very dirty.
Thanks
Sparty21

 

[RickB]

Remove the RH side panel to access the secondary filter. Your symptoms would make me think it needs it.

 

[Sparty21]

Thanks. I will try to get to it this evening and let you know how it turns out. Thanks for the reply.
Sparty21

 

[Sparty21]

Ok, I got home from work and took the right side panel off the engine side of the New Holland to get to the secondary fuel filter. This is my first experience \working on a diesel engine and I am not quite sure what I am doing.
I took the bulb off the secondary filter and replaced the filter. I left the gas take full. I drained some \fuel through the filter with the bulb off for 30 seconds or so. It looked like fuel to me. So I closed the valve and screwed on the bulb.
I restarted the engine...and the same thing....stuttering and not much above 1k rpms. Then I syphoned the diesel from the tank and took off the rear primary fuel filter on the from gas tank side and drained that till empty.
I added just a bit of fuel, put the key on for a bit (manual says that gets the air out) then started it again. It fires right up, but was stuttering right from the start. What can I do now?
Sparty21

 

[bman]

Sparty,

There is a secondary fuel tank in front of the main tank that holds about a 1/2 quart of fuel. If that tank becomes clogged, you will see the same symptoms as you are describing. I would suggest that you try bypassing that tank. If you problem goes away, then that was your issue, and I would leave that tank bypassed. I would also suggest using an algicide in your fuel to preven algae build up. That can occur if the tractor sits for an extended period of time between usage. Hope that helps.

 

[Sparty21]

Thanks Bman. I will try that. I did pick up a gasket for the secondary fuel filter...the rubber item that fits on the top of the glass tube and picked up regular auto hose clamps that screw down. The service parts guys said to look for any type of air getting into the system. This morning I started the engine and it ran a strong 3k for about 4-5 minutes. Once the temp gauge moved about a 1/3 of the way up the engine started stuttering and stalling again. It seems to happen once warm. Could this somehow be the heat causing a clamp or connection to expand and let air in?
Sparty21

 

[RickB]

Thanks Bman. I will try that. I did pick up a gasket for the secondary fuel filter...the rubber item that fits on the top of the glass tube and picked up regular auto hose clamps that screw down. The service parts guys said to look for any type of air getting into the system. This morning I started the engine and it ran a strong 3k for about 4-5 minutes. Once the temp gauge moved about a 1/3 of the way up the engine started stuttering and stalling again. It seems to happen once warm. Could this somehow be the heat causing a clamp or connection to expand and let air in?
Sparty21

That sounds more like a dose of gasoline in the tank than anything else.

 

[Sparty21]

Ah Hah. I started the engine again and got out of the seat to watch it. After it warmed up about 1/3rd on the temp guage I saw the secondary fuel filter leaking around the large bolt. I removed the unit and examined it. There are stripped threads on it and doesn't allow a real tight fit. I ordered the new part and should have it in a few days. I am recalling seeing some fluid marks on the pole barn floor during this engine stuttering. Had to be the diesel from this fuel filter leak.
I am guessing and hoping this is the fix. I will let you all know.
Thanks
Sparty

 

[Sparty21]

Took a week to get the replacement secondary fuel filter/shut off in. Installed it, and it runs like brand new again.
It was the problem.....
Thanks for the help.
Sparty