Kubota B2910 Engine Problem

[DJ in NH]

Hi guys,
I have a Kubota B2910 that I purchased new in 2004 that currently has 670 hrs on it. Great little tractor that has never had a single problem until today. I started it up this morning and it ran fine for about 20 minutes then it sounded like it was running out of fuel then quit. I can restart the engine and it will only run for about 10 to 30 seconds then quits. I replaced the fuel filter which was a little dirty but it didn’t make any difference. Fuel tank is about 3/4 full. I seem to have a good flow of fuel going to the fuel filter so I don’t think that is an issue. Not sure what to check next. I know it has a mechanical lift pump in between the fuel filter and injector pump. Not sure if that could be the problem or how to check the lift pump. Any advise or input would be greatly appreciated .

Thanks,
Dick

 

[TheOldHokie]

Hi guys,
I have a Kubota B2910 that I purchased new in 2004 that currently has 670 hrs on it. Great little tractor that has never had a single problem until today. I started it up this morning and it ran fine for about 20 minutes then it sounded like it was running out of fuel then quit. I can restart the engine and it will only run for about 10 to 30 seconds then quits. I replaced the fuel filter which was a little dirty but it didn’t make any difference. Fuel tank is about 3/4 full. I seem to have a good flow of fuel going to the fuel filter so I don’t think that is an issue. Not sure what to check next. I know it has a mechanical lift pump in between the fuel filter and injector pump. Not sure if that could be the problem or how to check the lift pump. Any advise or input would be greatly appreciated .

Thanks,
Dick

Check the fuel shutoff solenoid.(aka stop solenoid). It is activated by the key swirch or any of the safety interlock switches. Here is a link to the workshop manual if you dont already have one

https://www.kubotabooks.com/AutoIndex/index.php?dir=Tractor%20Owners%20Manuals/&file=B2410_%20B2710_%20B2910_%20B7800_9Y011-13031%5B1%5D%20WSM.pdf

TOH

 

[Blackhole49]

From pictures, it looks like your tank is high inf front of the dash and gravity to the filter? You might try blowing air from the fuel filter back to the tank. To check the pump, disconnect the fuel line from the injection pump and crank the engine over. If little or no fuel coming out, check flow to the inlet of the pump.

 

[DJ in NH]

Thanks guys for your input and assistance.
Here is a update as of today.
I spoke to my local Kubota dealer today and they were very helpful. The service manager said that they see very few defective mechanical lift pumps. He said typically what they see with tractors that had similar symptoms as mine was one of two things.

1. Failure of the fuel line going from the fuel tank to the fuel filter. The line has an inner core and outer jacket. They have seen tractors where the inner line collapses while the outer jacket holds tight.

2. Debris in the fuel tank restricting fuel flow.

I disconnected the fuel line feeding the fuel filter and found a steady stream of fuel but it was rather weak. I took an air line and gave it a few good shots. Now I have a very good flow of fuel. Tractor started right up and ran great for a couple hours.

BTW: I drained the fuel tank completely dry and didn’t see any debris / dirt whatsoever. Refilled tank with fresh fuel.

Happy my tractor is now running but not so happy that I am not really sure what caused the problem in the first place.

Once again thanks guys.

 

[Blackhole49]

Thanks guys for your input and assistance.
Here is a update as of today.
I spoke to my local Kubota dealer today and they were very helpful. The service manager said that they see very few defective mechanical lift pumps. He said typically what they see with tractors that had similar symptoms as mine was one of two things.

1. Failure of the fuel line going from the fuel tank to the fuel filter. The line has an inner core and outer jacket. They have seen tractors where the inner line collapses while the outer jacket holds tight.

2. Debris in the fuel tank restricting fuel flow.

I disconnected the fuel line feeding the fuel filter and found a steady stream of fuel but it was rather weak. I took an air line and gave it a few good shots. Now I have a very good flow of fuel. Tractor started right up and ran great for a couple hours.

BTW: I drained the fuel tank completely dry and didn’t see any debris / dirt whatsoever. Refilled tank with fresh fuel.

Happy my tractor is now running but not so happy that I am not really sure what caused the problem in the first place.

Once again thanks guys.

A couple of things if the problem returns. Blowing air could have cause a collapsing line to temporarily expand. Don't know how your fuel line is plumed inside the tank, but on my JD 1145 (2 individual tanks valved separately) the suction lines have a tiny screen on the end of each one that plugs with very little debris. This was my solution to that.