484 Fuel Problem

[Jay in AL]

I'm really struggling with a fuel problem with my 484 and could use some ideas. I'm a relatively new tractor owner and learning things as I go, so don't be surprised if I overlook something obvious.

My model has one fuel filter on the left side with a bowl underneath.

A couple of weeks ago while I was clearing, I hit something that broke the bowl and bent the fuel filter. I was able to order a new bowl and filter (ordered 2 sets) but had a hard time getting it to go back together properly. I put a message on the board here and got some great help and was able to get it back running again.

Saturday, I was working away and ran out of fuel so I put more in the tank. Things haven't been the same since. Basically I noticed that when I was riding the engine would rev and sputter and then, eventually, cut off.

A friend mentioned bleeding the fuel lines right as they enter the intake valves? (not sure what it's called). I did that the other night and ran around in the dark for a bit and it seemed like that really helped.

This afternoon, I was all ready to get back to clearing and about 10-15 minutes, the engine slowed and started sputtering and giving me trouble again. I was able to get it back to the house. I removed the screw on top of the fuel filter head to check and see if there was air in there, and it looks like there is.

Basically, it seems like air is getting in there somehow and I'm not sure what to do at this point. The filter assembly doesn't seem very solid to me, and I'm just not sure that it's together properly despite trying to follow the parts diagram. I also just can't seem to get the filter full of fuel despite running the engine, CPR with the fuel tank, etc.

Any thoughts or ideas for me to try out there?

Thanks in advance!

 

[old]

Well one thing comes to mind. Since you ran it out which you should never do with a diesel you probably have water/dirt in the filter now and that will cause you problems like that. I would try a new filter and see what happens then from now on don't run it out. LOL
Hobby farm

 

[Michael Soldan]

OK, first go to the fuel tank and disconnect the fitting/line to the front..is there a fuel flow or is it plugged there? Diesel fuel can grow algae that can cause all kinds of problems. An alcohol base fuel conditioner/injector cleaner / line deicer will help get rid of the algae that can block up flow. Go to the front and disconnect the line to the fuel filter..now blow through the line with a compressor or stick a piece of rubber hose over the end and blow through it. If clear reconnect the line at the tank. Open the valve there, you should get a flow of fuel to the front, reconnect if you do. Check all lines carefully, a line may not leak fuel out but it may suck air in and a diesel isn't going to work with air sucking into the line. From the fuel filter follow your line from there to the pump, check that line carefully. My 584 had a leak in the line from the fuel filter to the pump, wouldn't drip fuel but was sucking air. After replacing that line the tractor starts and runs like a champ. So check lines carefully. Use a diesel conditioner available at auto parts store. It will remove water , lube the pump and destroy algae. I found it hard to believe algae would flourish in diesel fuel, but its the water that gets in the tank/lines /filters that the algae live in, can create a biomass of sludgy looking stuff which will clog a line. Finally if you pour diesel into the filter and fill it up, then put the screw back in you will get the system to suck fuel all the way through the pump and it will begin to run correctly. I've scratched my head on mine for a long time before I figured out a line was sucking air but not dripping fuel. Good luck.