Story and a Question

[Howard H.]

Went to service out the old JD 6030 that hadn't moved in 20 years and we couldn't get it to start. We narrowed it down to the copper fuel line between the tank and sediment bowl. The fuel seemed fine in the tank (it only had a small amount in it while it set for so long, and we had put 10-15 gallons of fresh in it).

We finally took the fuel line completely off the tractor and still could not blow 120 psi of air through it! Wondering what the problem could be - and with no other ideas, I started heating the line with a torch, and next thing liquid started bubbling and spitting out of one end - and then the other end popped up a little flame on it!

After a couple minutes of that, air then blew freely through it, we put it back on - and the ol' 6030 fired up like the day it woke up on the factory floor!! ha ha

What could have solidified in the line - and blocked it like that?? We never actually found anything - bugs, leaves, rust, etc...


After we took it for a spin in the field, the steering is extremely stiff... I don't remember it giving any steering trouble when we parked it so long ago. The hydraulic oil is fine. Any suggestions on what to check or look for on the steering issue??


Thanks for any ideas,
Howard

 

[JD Dave]

If it has a 3 point hitch, check operation of the lift arms. When was the last time the hydraulic filter was changed and the suction screen was cleaned? Check hydraulic pressure at SCV outlet. Pressure should be 2,900 PSI. Check hydraulic oil flow rate. Jack front of tractor and determine if there is any binding in the steering. If still a problem it might be a faulty steering control valve.

 

[Loosehandle]

Miracle the injection pump worked

 

[used red MN]

What could have solidified in the line - and blocked it like that??

Okay I am no hydrocarbon engineer and my work in a refinery for the last 25 years has only been in an “equipment inspection” capacity. After that much time, if your curios, you tend to learn a few things about the process going on inside of all the stuff your walking around. Diesel fuel is indeed a product refined from crude oil and I’m not going to go into the realm of “bio” produced products. The finished No. 2 diesel (or fuel oil- FO) is a “cut” product from a certain point in the refining process. Multiple “units” or separate sections of the refinery produce a cut of No. 2 FO. Although the “cut” is suitable, and laboratory tested to be in spec for sale as a “diesel fuel” it “could be” turned back into a stream for further processing as another process units feed and be broke down into other lighter products. There in is your answer, the “cut” of diesel fuel still contains a mix of products that contain lighter and heavier molecules. This is what happened over time, the heavy molecules settled out into that section of the line and transformed into basically “tar”. Basically very similar to when a “varnish“ substance is found in a gasoline tank and systems after setting unused. But due to the lower flash point or evaporation rate of diesel it does not dissipate or disappear as gasoline would.

 

[scootergmc]

I think it was gelled up gummy diesel goo. I too can't believe the injection pump wasn't an issue.

 

[Howard H.]

I think it was gelled up gummy diesel goo. I too can't believe the injection pump wasn't an issue.

I was a bit surprised myself. We only had one 900 cca battery on it - and back when we were farming with it - and also on my dad’s 6030 - we typically had two batteries to turn the ol beast over good.

But it just kicked right off and sounds great. I’ve got a lot of other little stuff to maintain on it, but I’m happy to have it back in action.

 

[Howard H.]

Okay I am no hydrocarbon engineer and my work in a refinery for the last 25 years has only been in an “equipment inspection” capacity. After that much time, if your curios, you tend to learn a few things about the process going on inside of all the stuff your walking around. Diesel fuel is indeed a product refined from crude oil and I’m not going to go into the realm of “bio” produced products. The finished No. 2 diesel (or fuel oil- FO) is a “cut” product from a certain point in the refining process. Multiple “units” or separate sections of the refinery produce a cut of No. 2 FO. Although the “cut” is suitable, and laboratory tested to be in spec for sale as a “diesel fuel” it “could be” turned back into a stream for further processing as another process units feed and be broke down into other lighter products. There in is your answer, the “cut” of diesel fuel still contains a mix of products that contain lighter and heavier molecules. This is what happened over time, the heavy molecules settled out into that section of the line and transformed into basically “tar”. Basically very similar to when a “varnish“ substance is found in a gasoline tank and systems after setting unused. But due to the lower flash point or evaporation rate of diesel it does not dissipate or disappear as gasoline would.

Thanks! It must be like you say - especially the way it popped a little “lantern-size” flame out one end when I heated it, but I’ve sure never run into that before.

We had a lot of trouble with a tanker load of diesel from the refinery with algae in it years ago - and I was half-suspecting to find the line full of that trash…

 

[Gambles]

We had a lot of trouble with a tanker load of diesel from the refinery with algae in it years ago - and I was half-suspecting to find the line full of that trash…

My first thought was that the algae was growing in that fuel line. Perhaps you could have some new fuel filters on hand. It’s possible you will soon need them.

 

[used red MN]

My first thought was that the algae was growing in that fuel line. Perhaps you could have some new fuel filters on hand. It’s possible you will soon need them.

This tractor sat for 20 years. The fuel made before ULSD was introduced in 2006 was far less likely to produce and support microbiological growth such as algae. Removing sulfur strips away a natural antimicrobial agent. Additionally, modern refining and biodiesel blends make the fuel attract and hold more moisture, creating an ideal breeding ground at the fuel-water boundary. This is the reasoning why algae was probably not the source of his issue.

 

[shaun wallace]

Paraffin build up. Fuel turned to it.