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0% Financing or Save Up to $3000 on Select BX Series Tractors
0% Financing or Save Up to $4500 on Select L02 and LX20 Series Tractors
INSTANT REBATE Up to $500 on Select Land Pride Implements
Talk to a Kubota expert: 843-889-2292
How to Properly Remove Water and Clean Your Kubota Tractor’s Diesel Fuel Tank

How to Properly Remove Water and Clean Your Kubota Tractor’s Diesel Fuel Tank

At Steen Enterprises, we often see a rash of issues related to water in diesel fuel tanks as we get closer to warmer weather. When your diesel-powered Kubota tractor or construction equipment sits idle a few months without operating, water, sediment, or other contaminants can appear in the fuel tank and clog the fuel lines.

You’ll most likely discover this shortly after you start up your machine. Not too long after you fire up the engine, it will most likely cut off, as if it’s out of fuel. When this happens, it’s time to drain and clean the tank and fuel lines. Below are the steps our techs at Steen Enterprises recommend following.

 

What You’ll Need

To tackle this project, have the following on hand:

  • Wrench set
  • Container to catch the diesel fuel
  • Fluid extraction pump with a flexible hose
  • Air compressor with high-pressure nozzle
  • Your Kubota owner’s manual
  • Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel tank cleaner (such as Power Service Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner)
  • Replacement fuel filter(s)

 

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Diesel Fuel Tank

Step 1: Remove the fuel cap.

Step 2: Place the fuel catching container under the tank.

Step 3: Unscrew the fuel line nut or hose on the base of the fuel tank.

Step 4: Once the tank stops draining, use the extraction pump to remove any remaining fuel and sediment settled at the base of the tank. It may be necessary to blow out debris with the air compressor.

Step 5: Remove your fuel line just before your fuel rail or injection pump. Insert the air compressor nozzle into the hose and blow air back toward the tank to remove any debris in the fuel lines. After blowing out the lines, replace and secure them.

Step 6: Screw the diesel fuel line nut or hose back onto the base of the diesel fuel tank.

Step 7: If equipped, drain the water separator and replace the fuel filters.

Step 8: Fill up the tank with fresh diesel fuel.

Step 9: Pour the correct amount of diesel fuel tank cleaner into the tank.

Step 10: Replace the fuel cap and fire up your machine.

Step 11: Bleed your fuel system. On later model Kubota tractors, turn your key on and allow the electric fuel pump to flow fuel up to the filters. Crank the engine over until it self bleeds and starts.

On models with injection pumps, there is a bleeder screw where the fuel line meets the injection pump. Open the bleeder screw to purge air and crank the engine until it starts. When the engine starts, close the bleeder screw. Please consult your owner’s manual to identify which system you have and for further details.

With those steps completed, your Kubota diesel fuel tank should be clean for trouble-free operation of your tractor or other diesel-powered equipment.

Rather Have the Steen Team Handle It?

If you’d rather leave this to the pros, our service department is here. Our technicians work on Kubota tractors and construction equipment every day and can handle fuel system cleaning, filter replacement, and anything else your machine needs to run right.

Phone: 843-889-2292

Address: 7634 Savannah Hwy, Adams Run, SC 29426

Book a service appointment:  steenent.com/service-appointment-bookings

Kubota parts:  steenent.com/new-equipment/kubota