23 Apr 2012 - Reduce the high cost of fuel system repairs

Helpful tips from the experts at New Holland
A properly maintained fuel system delivers fuel to the combustion chamber and controls the amount of fuel provided in relation to the amount of air. Water and dirt can destroy a fuel system. Water can enter the fuel system through condensation or water-contaminated fuel. Dirt can often be introduced into the system when fuel is added from an unclean remote tank.

Water
Water needs to be removed periodically by draining sediment (located on filter canisters) bowls, so it’s a good idea to frequently check on the condition of the fuel in the water sediment bowls. Water in the machine fuel tank may also be a result of daily temperature changes, seasonal changes, machine heating and cooling during normal operation. When a machine is subjected to changes in temperature, moisture in the air condenses into water inside the tank. To help reduce sediment, try filling the tank at the end of the work day. Be sure that any containers used to fill the tank are clean and checked periodically. Periodically drain the remote tanks and change the remote tank filters as part of your routine maintenance.

Dirt
The abrasive nature of dirt and debris often causes the most damage to fuel systems. Early filter plugging and loss of engine power at higher speeds or loads are usually the first signs of dirt particles in the fuel system. Before the loss of engine power becomes a problem, make sure to replace primary and secondary fuel filters on a routine basis. The fuel filter is a very fine screen designed to trap dirt and reduce damage to the fuel system. Located upstream of the fuel pump, the primary filter catches any contaminants before the fuel travels through the fuel pump. The secondary filter, located downstream of the fuel pump, traps any contaminants in the fuel before it goes into the injection pump. Some engines may require either a primary or secondary filter, while other engines may require both.

Because dirt and contaminants can enter the tank from the cap area, it’s also a good idea to periodically clean the cap and filler neck area.

While fuel system contamination is a fact of life, routine maintenance will help ensure efficient operation, reduce downtime and avoid costly repair bills.