L2501 won't start - dirt in fuel downstream of filter.

[rusty0080]

I have a 2020 L2501 HST with 66 hours. It ran great and have had no issues. I was moving some logs in the back corner of my property the other day and something knocked off the fuel filter canister. I shut the machine down and quickly cleaned off as much of the dirt and mud as I could, and hastily put the filter back on so I could limp the tractor back to the house. In hindsight, that was the wrong move, but can't change it now. After putting the fuel filter back, I opened the valve to bleed the air and started the tractor then closed the valve. It started and ran for about 30 seconds then died when I tried to increase the throttle. I tried several times and it would start every time, but would die after a few seconds. I suspect that I introduced dirt into the fuel system downstream of the filter. So the question is, what can I do to fix it? Will a fuel system additive like seafoam dissolve the dirt or clear the blockage? Can I remove the fuel injectors and clean them manually or just replace them? Could the issue be something else?

 

[85Hokie]

SO - what you are saying is that there is a possibility that "dirt" got past the filter and now has entered the injection pump?

 

[rusty0080]

SO - what you are saying is that there is a possibility that "dirt" got past the filter and now has entered the injection pump?

Yes, that is my belief.

 

[whitetiger]

Could the issue be something else?

You knocked the clear plastic cup off of the filter housing and were able to screw it back on? The cup or head may be damaged/cracked.
You may very well have a suction leak at the filter cup or housing.

You can not clean the injectors yourself, if you decide they need to be cleaned they will have to be sent to a diesel fuel pump shop.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

There is also a "bleeder knob" that you might have to use.

I can't remember if you turn it clockwise fully and then start it and let it run for a few seconds to bleed it?

I am sure someone can post the proper way to do it. Its probably in the shop manual somewhere.

BTW, I did basically the same thing with mine when I first got it.

Hence I made a guard for it, and all the other exposed filters.

Looks like its "off to the shop" for you.

https://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/threads/fuel-filter-guard.61706/#post-609702

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

If you did get dirt and debris in the fuel system, the chances of it getting all the way to the injectors is rare.

It first will get caught in the lift pump, then in the reserve of the injection pump, then if it doesn't destroy the individual injection pumps or delivery valves on the way through, then it will get to the Injectors.

Pull the housing for the fuel filter and replace all of it.
As @whitetiger stated your very likely to have a crack in there somewhere and it's sucking air in with the fuel.

 

[jstring]

So how did you fix it? I'm in the same boat. Broke filter housing, replaced, started then died. Bleed with valve at injector pump but no luck

 

[Mak65]

This may sound obvious ( no offense meant) but did you open the valve and run for at least 30 seconds per manual? Did you close it all the way afterward?

 

[jstring]

Started with bleeder knob with no luck. If the air gets past the injector pump you need to bleed the injectors. You take a 10mm wrench and loosen the fuel lines to each of the 3 injectors on top of the engine. They will bubble a bit releasing the air trapped downstream of the injector pump. Noticed opening the bleed valve accelerates the flow. Common problem from what I've read.

 

[whitetiger]

You take a 10mm wrench

You might want to grab a 17mm also.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Started with bleeder knob with no luck. If the air gets past the injector pump you need to bleed the injectors. You take a 10mm wrench and loosen the fuel lines to each of the 3 injectors on top of the engine. They will bubble a bit releasing the air trapped downstream of the injector pump. Noticed opening the bleed valve accelerates the flow. Common problem from what I've read.

If your using a 10mm wrench to loosen fuel injector lines, you're not working on a Kubota!