Venting The Fuel Tank: John Deere's Approach

how does john deere vent the fuel tank

John Deere tractor owners have been discussing the best methods for venting the fuel tank of their vehicles. One user on Green Tractor Talk reported that their tractor was stalling and starving for fuel. They discovered that the fuel line had a leak and was sucking in air. They replaced the fuel line and the problem was solved. Another user on the same forum reported that their tractor was stalling after running for half an hour. They were advised to check if the tank cap vent was clogged and to replace it if necessary. They were also advised to check for debris in the pickup tube in the tank. A user on My Tractor Forum reported that their tractor was surging and asked whether the fuel tank was vented through the cap or elsewhere. They were advised to check the fuel pressure and to clean the radiator screen and in-tank filter.

Characteristics Values
Fuel tank venting method Vented fuel caps, vented through the cap, or vented via cut threads on the fill spout
Fuel starvation issues May be caused by blocked vents, contaminated fuel, or fuel supply problems
Troubleshooting steps Check for debris, clean fuel tank, carburetor, and fuel lines, replace fuel filter, ensure proper ventilation
Tank vent location Under a plastic cover right behind the fuel cap, molded into the plastic tank housing
Tank vent replacement The tank vent on some models is non-replaceable, requiring a new fuel tank if faulty

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John Deere fuel tank caps are vented on the 1 series and 4105

The fuel system or fuel tank must be vented in some manner so that when fuel is consumed by the engine, the fuel tank does not develop a vacuum. This can cause the engine to slow down and then speed up, or "surge".

Some John Deere fuel tank caps are vented with cut threads on the fill spout, allowing the threads to vent. Others are vented through the cap, and if left outside, should be covered with a bag to prevent rainwater from entering the tank.

If you are experiencing fuel starvation problems, you can check if the fuel cap is vented by blowing it out with air or soaking it in a solvent such as Varsol or break clean.

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Some John Deere tractors have a closed vent system

John Deere tractors have different types of ventilation systems. Some John Deere tractors have a closed vent system. This means that the system is closed to prevent vapours from escaping into the atmosphere. In this system, an extra hose from the carburettor area connects to a moulded part of the tank that goes to the filler neck. This allows the tank to vent when the engine is running and pulls the vapours back into the engine to be burned.

The closed vent system is likely to be a result of EPA rules on gasoline-powered engines. If the vent is blocked, it could create a vacuum inside the tank, causing fuel starvation. This can be fixed by loosening the cap to allow venting, or by replacing the cap with a vented one.

Some John Deere fuel caps are vented, particularly on the 1 series and 4105. It is likely that the 5 series also has vented fuel caps. Vented fuel caps have cut threads on the fill spout, allowing venting. However, some John Deere tractors, such as the S240 Lawn Tractor, have non-vented caps. In these cases, the tank must vent somewhere else, as it has to be able to pull in outside air to burn a tank of fuel.

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A blocked vent can cause a vacuum inside the tank, starving the engine of fuel

John Deere fuel tank caps are vented to prevent a vacuum from forming inside the tank, which can starve the engine of fuel. If the vent is blocked, it can cause a vacuum to form inside the tank, which will starve the engine of fuel and cause the engine to lose power. This is a common problem that can be fixed by cleaning or replacing the fuel tank vent.

The fuel tank vent on a John Deere Z915E is located under a plastic cover right behind the fuel cap and is moulded into the plastic tank housing. The vent is not replaceable, so if it is not working, the entire fuel tank will need to be replaced.

There are a few ways to determine if the fuel tank vent is blocked. One way is to remove the fuel cap and check if the engine runs again. If the engine starts running again, it is likely that the vent was blocked, and the act of removing the fuel cap has allowed air to enter the tank and equalise the pressure. Another way to check is to loosen the fuel cap slightly so that it vents. If the engine runs without issue after this, it is likely that the vent was blocked.

If the fuel tank vent is blocked, it can be cleaned. One way to do this is to spray carb cleaner through the vent hole. If the vent is severely blocked, it may be necessary to replace the fuel cap or the entire fuel tank.

It is important to note that fuel stabilisers do little to prevent fuel from going bad. Fuel stabilisers aim to prevent oxygen from interacting with gasoline, but since fuel is already oxygenated, fuel stabilisers are ineffective.

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The tank vent on the Z915 is non-replaceable and moulded into the tank

The tank vent on the Z915 is an integral part of the fuel tank and cannot be replaced separately. If the vent is not working, the entire fuel tank will need to be replaced. The tank vent is located under a plastic cover right behind the fuel cap. It is moulded into the plastic tank housing.

The vapours from the fuel come through the hole and exit through a hose. If the mower is starving for gas and losing power, the tank vent may need to be cleaned. To do this, you will need to locate the external hole and spray some carb cleaner through it.

It is important to note that the tank vent on the Z915 is not accessible or replaceable as a separate component. If there are any issues with the tank vent, it may be necessary to consult a John Deere technician or an authorised service centre for further assistance. They will have the knowledge and tools to properly diagnose and address any problems with the fuel tank vent.

Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning of the fuel tank and its components, including the tank vent, are crucial to ensure the optimal performance of the equipment. This may include inspecting and clearing any debris or blockages from the fuel tank and associated systems, as well as ensuring that all parts are in good condition and functioning properly. By prioritising maintenance and taking proactive measures, you can help prevent issues and prolong the lifespan of your John Deere equipment.

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To fix a blocked vent, some suggest loosening the cap to allow the tank to vent

A blocked fuel tank vent can cause issues with the engine, such as poor performance, stalling, and difficulty filling up the tank. In some cases, the engine may even completely stall and refuse to start. To fix a blocked vent, one suggestion is to loosen the cap to allow the tank to vent. This solution is supported by several online sources, particularly for John Deere tractors.

For example, one user reported that their John Deere tractor experienced fuel starvation problems, and they found that taking the cap off and riding with it open resolved the issue. Another user with a similar problem was advised to "crack open the gas cap" to check if the problem persisted, indicating that a loose cap allows the tank to vent.

In addition to loosening the cap, other methods to clear a blocked vent include blowing through the vent line or using compressed air to clear any blockages. It is important to exercise caution when performing these tasks to avoid damaging the tank or releasing gas into the air.

It is worth noting that the fuel tank vent on the John Deere Z915E is non-replaceable and molded into the tank, so a blocked vent may require replacing the entire fuel tank. However, loosening the cap or performing other clearing methods may still be worth attempting before resorting to a replacement.

Frequently asked questions

If your tractor is not vented, and in the absence of another dedicated vent, you will not be able to burn a tank of fuel. If you are unsure, you can loosen the cap to see if it vents.

The tank vent is located under a plastic cover right behind the fuel cap and is moulded into the plastic tank housing.

If the fuel tank or cap is vented, and the vent is blocked, it could create a vacuum inside the tank, causing the tractor to starve for fuel.

You can loosen the cap to see if it vents. If it is vented, you can replace the cap or leave it loose to see if the tractor continues to run.

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