Regan Brown
Water in the fuel tank of a skid steer can cause the engine to shut off shortly after startup. This is because water can clog up the fuel lines. To clean water out of a skid steer fuel filter, you can use a shop vac to suck out the water, blow clean air into the tank, and then use the shop vac again. You can also siphon the water out, flush the tank with diesel, and then siphon again. If your skid steer is older, you can use a drill-powered pump to empty the bottom of the tank, and then pump the contents into a white bucket and let it sit to see how contaminated the fuel is.
How to clean water out of a skid steer fuel filter
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First steps | Remove fuel cap, place a fuel-catching container under the tank, unscrew the fuel line nut or hose on the base of the tank |
| Draining the tank | Use an extraction pump to remove fuel and sediment from the base of the tank, blow out debris with an air compressor |
| Cleaning the fuel lines | Remove the fuel line, insert the air compressor nozzle in the hose and blow air back toward the tank to remove debris, replace and secure the lines |
| Using a water separator | Drain the water separator, replace fuel filters |
| Refilling the tank | Fill the tank with fresh diesel fuel, add diesel fuel tank cleaner |
| Alternative methods | Siphon out the fuel, use a shop vac to suck out debris, flush with fuel, blow clean air into the tank, use a wet vac hose to suck out debris, use a solvent to dilute water in the tank |
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What You'll Learn
Drain the fuel tank
If you have water in your skid steer fuel filter, it is important to drain the fuel tank and clean the tank and fuel lines.
First, remove the fuel cap. Place a fuel-catching container under the tank to collect the fuel and water mixture. Then, unscrew the fuel line nut or hose on the base of the fuel tank. Once the tank stops draining, use an extraction pump to remove any fuel and sediment settled at the base of the tank.
You can also try siphoning out as much of the fuel and water mixture as possible, then vacuuming out the rest with a shop vac. After that, blow clean air into the tank and vacuum again.
Another method is to use a drill-powered pump to empty the bottom of the tank. Pump the contents into a white bucket and let it sit for a minute to see if the water and diesel separate. This will give you an idea of how contaminated the fuel is.
Finally, fill the tank with fresh diesel fuel and add a diesel fuel tank cleaner.
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Use a shop vac to remove water
To clean water out of a skid steer fuel filter, you can use a shop vac to remove the water. This method involves first draining the tank as much as possible. Then, disconnect the fuel line and use a shop vac with a small hose from the fill cap to suck out the water.
It is important to be cautious when using this method, as pulling a large vacuum tank full of fuel fumes with a cheap, non-sealed, high-rpm electric motor can be dangerous. Be sure to work outside, away from anything combustible, and ensure no one else is around.
One user reported that they ran their skid steer until the low fuel light came on, then emptied the rest of the tank using the bottom drain. They then used a shop vac, which sucked out around 2 gallons of water and gunk.
Another user suggested using a siphon to empty the tank first, then using a shop vac to remove the remaining water. They then blew clean air into the tank and used the shop vac again. They repeated this process, ensuring the line was plugged at the engine.
A third user recommended using a cheap electric pressure washer to poke through the fill hole and blast the bottom of the tank with high-pressure water. They noted that this was possible because there was no strainer installed in their tank.
It is important to note that some tanks have a drain plug at the bottom, which can be removed to drain the water. If your tank has a drain plug, you may not need to use a shop vac to remove the water.
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Clean the fuel lines
If you're dealing with water in the fuel lines of your skid steer, there are several methods you can use to clean them out. Here are the steps you can follow:
Firstly, it is important to drain the fuel tank and remove any water and contaminants. You can do this by siphoning out as much fuel as possible and then using a shop vacuum to remove any remaining fuel, water, and debris. Make sure to use a small hose attachment that fits into the fill cap, and be cautious of any flammable materials or residue.
Next, you can flush the fuel lines with a solvent or degreaser. A solvent like ethyl alcohol will dilute any remaining water in the lines. Alternatively, you can use a strong soap or degreaser, spraying it into the fuel lines and tank to break up any remaining contaminants. After applying the degreaser, you will need to flush the system with water several times to remove any trace of the degreaser.
Another method is to use an electric fuel pump and fuel line to recirculate clean fuel through the system. Install a fuel filter and the electric fuel pump, then put in about a quarter tank of clean fuel. Recirculate the fuel from the bottom of the tank to the top, changing the filter as it becomes clogged. Continue this process until the fuel lines are clean.
Additionally, you can use an air compressor to blow out any debris in the fuel lines. Remove the fuel line before the fuel rail or injection pump, and insert the air compressor nozzle. Blow air back toward the tank to remove any debris, then replace and secure the fuel lines.
Finally, refill the tank with fresh fuel and add a diesel fuel tank cleaner. This will help remove any remaining contaminants and ensure that your skid steer operates optimally.
Remember to exercise caution when working with fuel systems and flammable materials, and always refer to your machine's specific instructions or seek professional guidance if needed.
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Use a solvent to dilute water
Water, sediments, or other contaminants can enter the fuel tank and clog the fuel lines if your skid steer sits idle for a few months without operation. This can cause the engine to cut off shortly after firing up. To tackle this issue, you need to drain the fuel and clean the tank and fuel lines.
One method to clean the fuel filter is to use a solvent to dilute the water. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Step 1: Relieve the Fuel System's Pressure
Before starting, relieve the pressure in your fuel system. Check your owner's manual to locate the fuse for your fuel pump. Remove the fuse and start your engine, letting it run for 1-2 minutes.
Step 2: Disconnect the Battery
After relieving the pressure, disconnect your battery.
Step 3: Locate and Remove the Fuel Filter
The fuel filter's location varies by make and model, so refer to your owner's manual. Typically, it is found somewhere along the fuel line between the engine and fuel tank. Place a bucket or jar under the filter to catch any spilled fuel. Detach the clips that fasten the fuel line to the filter, and then remove the fuel lines using a wrench or hose clamps. Finally, remove the filter from its bracket.
Step 4: Spray the Filter with Solvent Cleaner
Once the filter is removed, spray it with a solvent cleaner. A common solvent used is a fuel system cleaner, which is a chemical mixture that dissolves carbon deposits and impurities. Alternatively, organic solvents like acetone or ethanol can be used for soaking the filter element. Carb cleaner is another solvent option, which can be sprayed onto the filter.
Step 5: Let the Filter Dry
After spraying the solvent, let the filter dry for about an hour.
Step 6: Reinstall the Filter and Reconnect the Battery
Once the filter is dry, reinstall it into the fuel system and reconnect your battery.
Step 7: Test the Engine
Finally, start your engine and test if it is running properly.
Using a solvent to clean the fuel filter can effectively remove water and contaminants. However, it is important to choose the right solvent and follow the necessary safety precautions to avoid any damage to the fuel filter or the environment.
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Flush the tank with water
Flushing your fuel tank with water is a last resort to remove a lot of sludge if you have limited tools and no other way to gain access to the inside of the tank.
First, siphon out as much of the fuel as possible. Next, unhook the fuel line from the tank and use a shop vac to suck out any remaining gunk. Then, blow clean air into the tank and use the shop vac again to remove any debris.
Now, you can flush the tank with water. Fill the tank with water a couple of times, ensuring that you get rid of any traces of degreaser. If you don't have a large high-pressure water pump, you can stop the water from leaving the tank at the bottom and let it fill and overflow from the top. Alternatively, you can siphon the water out through a hose, which allows you to vacuum up anything that has settled at the bottom of the tank.
After flushing the tank with water, you'll need to fill the tank with fresh diesel fuel and add a diesel fuel tank cleaner.
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