Fuel Filter Mod for $25

[Bee-Positive]

I know!!! Another boring fuel filter MOD – TWF!!! But I’m posting it anyways. LOL

I’m on a tight budget and couldn’t talk myself into pulling the trigger on buying a $40 - $70 fuel filter from a bigger tractor model as others on OTT have done (and quite well I must say).

So I thought what the hey, Kubota puts faith in their cheap little filters so why not try using what I have but make it better. So I relocated the OEM filter from under the tractor to the front and made a little aluminum bracket to attach to where the 2nd filter is already mounted. Also used the same filter holder/bracket the original primary filter had to mount to the new aluminum bracket.

What a PITA (as everyone knows) getting to the first filter underneath. I was worried about clearance with the hood but it fits great, plenty of room. Third picture is with the hood closed.

Half a bag of zip ties and no leaks. BAZINGA!!!

5/16" ID Fuel Line Hose SAE 30R7, 150 psi 10' $12.00
Stainless Steel 5/16" Mini Ball Valve Shut Off Valve 5/16" Hose Barb $ 8.50
Brass Barb Union Hose Fittings, 5/16” to 5/16” with Hose Clamps $ 5.25
Homemade Bracket Free
Total $25.75

 

[JasonW]

Looks good. All ideas are different.

I had a similar filter set up on my ZD.
I upgraded to a fuel filter/water separator assembly from a L3800. It was $30 new, installed it as the primary and left the factory filters underneath(after installing new ones).
Now I have a clear fuel bowl that I can inspect and change quickly instead of dealing with four hose clamps.

 

[D2Cat]

I know!!! Another boring fuel filter MOD – TWF!!! But I’m posting it anyways. LOL

I’m on a tight budget and couldn’t talk myself into pulling the trigger on buying a $40 - $70 fuel filter from a bigger tractor model as others on OTT have done (and quite well I must say).

So I thought what the hey, Kubota puts faith in their cheap little filters so why not try using what I have but make it better. So I relocated the OEM filter from under the tractor to the front and made a little aluminum bracket to attach to where the 2nd filter is already mounted. Also used the same filter holder/bracket the original primary filter had to mount to the new aluminum bracket.

What a PITA (as everyone knows) getting to the first filter underneath. I was worried about clearance with the hood but it fits great, plenty of room. Third picture is with the hood closed.

Half a bag of zip ties and no leaks. BAZINGA!!!

5/16" ID Fuel Line Hose SAE 30R7, 150 psi 10' $12.00
Stainless Steel 5/16" Mini Ball Valve Shut Off Valve 5/16" Hose Barb $ 8.50
Brass Barb Union Hose Fittings, 5/16” to 5/16” with Hose Clamps $ 5.25
Homemade Bracket Free
Total $25.75

Any time you fabricate something that works like you want it the cost doesn't compare to the satisfaction of problem solving!!!

 

[Bee-Positive]

Any time you fabricate something that works like you want it the cost doesn't compare to the satisfaction of problem solving!!!

You nailed it! Very satisfied after "what if I try this" and it actually worked. How many times did T. Edison try to make a light bulb that lasted before he got it right?

The problem I solved here is the abuse my body takes laying under the tractor trying to change the filter in the GD location Kubota thought was a good idea.

Thanks.

 

[Bee-Positive]

Looks good. All ideas are different.

I had a similar filter set up on my ZD.
I upgraded to a fuel filter/water separator assembly from a L3800. It was $30 new, installed it as the primary and left the factory filters underneath(after installing new ones).
Now I have a clear fuel bowl that I can inspect and change quickly instead of dealing with four hose clamps.

I figured down the road if I save up enough nickels in my wish jar I can always "upgrade" the filter.

Question - if you left the original factory filters in-place won't they get gummed up over time? You'll have to replace them eventually I would imagine.

 

[JasonW]

I figured down the road if I save up enough nickels in my wish jar I can always "upgrade" the filter.

Question - if you left the original factory filters in-place won't they get gummed up over time? You'll have to replace them eventually I would imagine.

I installed new filters when I added the filter/water separator ahead of them. That assembly is the only filter on a L3800(and other models) so no particulates should get past it.
My transfer tank that I fill my equipment with has a filter. I also treat my fuel with algaecide.

So I’m not sure what they would get “gummed” up with?

 

[Bee-Positive]

I installed new filters when I added the filter/water separator ahead of them.

I thought you put the new filter after the OEM filters - thanks for the clarification.

 

[jaxs]

Looks good. All ideas are different.

I had a similar filter set up on my ZD.
I upgraded to a fuel filter/water separator assembly from a L3800. It was $30 new, installed it as the primary and left the factory filters underneath(after installing new ones).
Now I have a clear fuel bowl that I can inspect and change quickly instead of dealing with four hose clamps.

This sounds like a vast improvement over factory filters and reasonably priced. For the ultra frugal a good source of filter base with water separator is boat salvage yard.

Has Kubota said why they use 2 identical filters in series? I understand logic of prefilter to stop large particals before they reach microfilter but I don't understand this setup.

 

[JimDeL]

...Has Kubota said why they use 2 identical filters in series? I understand logic of prefilter to stop large particals before they reach microfilter but I don't understand this setup.

I don't understand that either. If the first filter catches the crap then there should be nothing for the second one to catch. That's sort of borne out by the fact that the under-hood filter on mine seems to be perfectly clean.

 

[JasonW]

This sounds like a vast improvement over factory filters and reasonably priced. For the ultra frugal a good source of filter base with water separator is boat salvage yard.

Has Kubota said why they use 2 identical filters in series? I understand logic of prefilter to stop large particals before they reach microfilter but I don't understand this setup.

On my ZD’s factory filters the two filters are set up before and after the electric lift pump.

 

[Bee-Positive]

I agree with all the above.
I believe all BX are set up the same way. Pimary filter - fuel pump - secondary filter.
So maybe the second filter is to catch anything if the fuel pump shreds into pieces? Don't even know if that's possible, but never say never.

 

[JimDeL]

...So maybe the second filter is to catch anything if the fuel pump shreds into pieces? Don't even know if that's possible, but never say never.

That's the only thing I could think of, too.

 

[07wingnut]

I don't understand that either. If the first filter catches the crap then there should be nothing for the second one to catch. That's sort of borne out by the fact that the under-hood filter on mine seems to be perfectly clean.

I imagine the dual filter assembly was designed with the first filter capturing large debris before it gets to the fuel pump. Filters are cheaper than fuel pumps.

 

[Bee-Positive]

I imagine the dual filter assembly was designed with the first filter capturing large debris before it gets to the fuel pump. Filters are cheaper than fuel pumps.

A true statement.

But...the two filters (on my BX anyways) are the same filter. Any particles NOT captured by the first would also NOT be captured by the second. So why not just put one filter in before the pump? As stated above, unless the pump comes apart (since there is nothing else between the two filters) and a backup is needed.

I have no issue with there being two filters and as you say it cheap insurance, but my beef is where Big K decided to mount the first filter and the reason I posted this Mod.

 

[jaxs]

A true statement.

But...the two filters (on my BX anyways) are the same filter. Any particles NOT captured by the first would also NOT be captured by the second. So why not just put one filter in before the pump? As stated above, unless the pump comes apart (since there is nothing else between the two filters) and a backup is needed.

I have no issue with there being two filters and as you say it cheap insurance, but my beef is where Big K decided to mount the first filter and the reason I posted this Mod.

I see your dilemma so to find the answer I donned my old orange lamp shade that resembles a Samauri hat and here's the reason I found for that.
Hat say "put filter in obscure place were customer never think to look". " Customer replace secondary filter at intervals recommended but tractor begin starving for fuel despite replacing secondary filter 5 times, flushing fuel system 3 times and many other parts. In desperation customer have dealer pick tractor up and checked out under warranty. Dealer say problem customer fault for not changing hide-out filter. Dealer give big bill an make customer feel stupid plus convince customer only buy parts from dealer. Customer tell friends only overpriced dealer shop and parts work.