
If your tractor is struggling with clogged fuel lines, you may need to bleed the fuel filter. This is a common issue with the John Deere 4020 tractor, which has been in operation for many years. The process of bleeding the fuel filter involves removing air from the system, which can be done by opening the bleed screw and pumping the hand primer until air-free fuel comes out. This process may need to be repeated several times, and it is important to exercise caution when working with diesel fuel.
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What You'll Learn

The first step is to fill the tank halfway with fuel
Filling the tank halfway with fuel is an important first step when bleeding a 4020 square fuel filter. This is because it is crucial to ensure the fuel filter does not run dry during the bleeding process. A dry fuel filter can cause issues with the engine, and it is always recommended to fill any filter before running your machine.
Additionally, filling the tank halfway provides enough fuel to prime the system effectively. Priming the system is necessary to remove trapped air, and having sufficient fuel in the tank ensures that the bleeding process can be completed without interruptions.
Furthermore, having fuel in the tank helps to lubricate the system during the bleeding process, reducing the risk of damage to components. It also allows for a more effective assessment of any leaks in the system, as the presence of fuel makes it easier to identify leaks and their sources.
By filling the tank halfway, you also create a margin of safety. This ensures that, even if some fuel is lost during the bleeding process, there is still enough fuel in the tank to maintain the necessary fuel pressure and supply for the engine.
Therefore, filling the tank halfway with fuel is a crucial first step when bleeding a 4020 square fuel filter. It helps to ensure a smooth and effective bleeding process, reducing potential complications and risks.
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Open the top bleed screw and use the hand primer
To bleed a 4020 square fuel filter, you must first open the top bleed screw. Then, use the hand primer or hand pump until air-free fuel comes out. You may need to pump the hand primer around 50 times.
Next, loosen the supply line at the injection pump and pump until air-free fuel comes out, then tighten the line. If the engine still won't crank, loosen the injector lines at the injectors to let air out. Be cautious and avoid putting your fingers near the injector line with diesel fuel spraying out. The fuel can be injected under the skin, which is very dangerous.
After installing a new filter, open the bleed screw on the filter base. Pump the handle on the transfer or lift pump until air-free fuel comes out of the bleeder, then close the bleeder screw and start the engine. If you don't feel any resistance when moving the lever on the transfer pump, turn the engine over a little to get the cam shaft off the high lobe for the transfer pump.
If your tractor still won't start after changing the fuel filter, there may be air in the system. You can try flushing the tank before putting the line back on. If there is a lot of debris, you may have plugged the new filter.
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Close the screw and pump the lever 20-30 times
To bleed a 4020 square fuel filter, you must first fill the tank at least half full of fuel. Then, open the top bleed screw. You can then locate the lever on the lift pump and pump until you get a good stream of clean fuel out of the filter. Close the screw and pump the lever 20-30 times.
This process is important as it ensures that air is removed from the fuel system. Air in the system can cause power loss and engine failure. By pumping the lever, you are forcing the air out of the system and replacing it with fuel.
It is important to be cautious when performing this task. Diesel fuel can be dangerous if it comes into contact with skin. Always ensure that you are working in a well-ventilated area and avoid putting your fingers near the injector lines.
After pumping the lever 20-30 times, you can move on to the next step, which is to open one injector line on the pump. This will allow any remaining air to escape and ensure that the system is fully bled.
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Open one injector line and crank the engine
To bleed a 4020 square fuel filter, you must first fill the tank at least half full of fuel. Then, open the top bleed screw. On the lift pump, there is a lever that should be pumped until a good stream of clean fuel comes out of the filter. Close the screw and pump the lever for another 20-30 strokes.
Now, to the crux of the issue: opening one injector line and cranking the engine. This is what you do:
Open one injector line on the pump. Crank the engine over until it starts or until you get fuel spraying out of the line. If the engine starts, shut it off, tighten the line, and restart. This will allow any remaining air to work its way out of the system.
It is important to note that you should never put your fingers near an injector line with diesel fuel spraying out. The fuel can be injected under the skin, which is very dangerous.
If the engine still won't crank, you may need to loosen the injector lines to let air out. Typically, you would bleed the air from the top plastic screw and water from the bottom plastic screw on double-stacked filters.
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If the engine starts, shut it off, tighten the line, and restart
To begin the process of bleeding your 4020 square fuel filter, start by filling the tank with fuel. Open the top bleed screw, which is located on the filter body, and operate the hand pump on the fuel pump. Continue pumping until you see fuel coming out of the bleed screw. This step ensures that any air trapped in the system is released, and you achieve an uninterrupted flow of fuel.
Once you observe fuel coming out of the bleed screw, it's important to close the screw securely. After closing the screw, continue pumping the hand primer for an additional 20 to 50 strokes. This step ensures that the fuel system is adequately primed and reduces the risk of air pockets forming again.
In some cases, you might need to loosen the injector lines to release trapped air. This step is especially important if the engine still won't crank after completing the previous steps. Be cautious when working with injector lines, as diesel fuel spraying out can be dangerous if it comes into contact with your skin.
Finally, tighten the injector line and restart the engine. This final restart ensures that any remaining air is purged from the system, and the tractor should now run smoothly with a properly bled fuel filter. Remember to refer to your operator manual for additional guidance and safety precautions specific to your tractor model.
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Frequently asked questions
First, fill the tank at least half full of fuel. Then, open the top bleed screw and pump the hand primer until air-free fuel comes out. Close the screw and pump the lever for another 20-30 strokes.
Open one injector line on the pump, then crank the engine over until it starts or you get fuel spraying out of the line. If it starts, shut it off, tighten the line, and restart.
You may have air in the system after changing the filters. Try bleeding the air from the top plastic screw and water from the bottom plastic screw.
You may need to loosen the injector lines to let air out. Be cautious, as you must never put your fingers near an injector line with diesel fuel spraying out.











































