Mercedes Mullins
Water in a fuel tank can cause damage as it etches and erodes the finely finished mating surfaces. To drain water from a Bobcat fuel filter, you can remove the tank and take the return line off the pump. Then, pump clean fuel through the pump, with the key on and engine off. You can also loosen the high-pressure lines at the injection nozzles and continue pumping to close them one by one. Another method is to siphon the fuel tank into clear glass gallon jugs, allowing the water to settle at the bottom. This method allows you to inspect the fuel for water content and separate it. Additionally, you can swap out the main fuel filter and clean the lift pump and hoses with compressed air. Finally, some Bobcat models have a drain plug on the bottom of the tank, which can be accessed by removing a cover underneath the machine.
How to drain water from a fuel filter bobcat
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location of drain plug | Under the fill spout hose, directly below the tank neck |
| Alternative location | Line coming from the tank |
| Method | Take the line loose, pump out, check before accepting |
| Additional steps | Remove the return line from the pump, pump clean fuel through the pump, loosen high-pressure lines at injection nozzles |
| Siphoning method | Use clear glass gallon jugs, inspect for water, discard fuel |
| Additional steps for siphoning | Use a siphon hose with a brass "klunk" to get to the bottom of the tank |
| Fuel filter | Acts as a water separator, needs a plastic element/baffle in the glass bowl to separate water |
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What You'll Learn
Siphoning the tank
To siphon the tank, you will need to create a siphon hose. One user on a heavy equipment forum details their process of siphoning their Bobcat 863's fuel tank. They used a siphon hose with a brass "klunk" to get the hose to the bottom of the tank without it curling up (it was 1/2" tygon tubing). They siphoned the fuel into clear glass gallon jugs, one gallon at a time, to inspect the fuel for water. Once the water and fuel were separated, the user drained the entire tank and discarded the fuel.
Another user on the same forum details a similar process. They pulled the "plugs" and drained the tank, then put the plug back in and topped off the tank. They also swapped out the main fuel filter, which was mostly full of water, and cleaned the lift pump. They then blew out all the hoses with compressed air and pumped clean diesel through the system to purge any remaining water.
It is important to note that siphoning fuel can be dangerous, and proper safety precautions should be taken. Additionally, it is always a good idea to refer to the owner's manual or seek professional assistance if you are unsure about how to proceed.
Some Bobcat models may have a drain plug on the bottom of the tank, which can be used to drain the fuel or water. However, this may not be the case for all models, and it may be necessary to remove the tank to access the fuel and water.
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Locating the drain plug
To locate the drain plug on your Bobcat, start by identifying the fill spout hose. This hose goes straight down to the tank neck, and the drain plug is located directly below it. Look for a cover underneath the machine in this area, and remove it to access the plug.
Alternatively, you can try to locate a plate on the bottom rear of the Bobcat, behind the rear axle. This plate should be approximately 12 inches wide and 4 inches front-to-back, with three bolts. According to some sources, this plate may cover the drain ports. However, it is unclear which drain plug it corresponds to, as one plug drains the fuel tank, while the other drains the chassis chain oil.
If you are unable to locate the drain plug, it is possible that your particular model of Bobcat does not have one. In this case, you may need to remove the tank to drain the water. Before attempting any repairs or maintenance, it is important to consult the operator's manual for your specific Bobcat model to ensure you are following the correct procedures.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the fuel filter on older Bobcat models may not effectively separate water. In such cases, the filter will only drain out fuel, and a plastic element or baffle may need to be added to the glass bowl to separate water.
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Removing the return line
Locate the Return Line: The return line is connected to the injection pump. It is usually located near the fuel tank and the lift pump. Refer to your Bobcat's manual or seek advice from a qualified technician if you're unsure about the specific location.
Prepare the Necessary Tools: Before starting, ensure you have the necessary tools and safety equipment, such as gloves and eye protection. You may also need tools like wrenches or screwdrivers to loosen and remove components.
Turn Off the Engine: Before beginning any work on your Bobcat, ensure the engine is turned off and cooled down. This is important for safety and to avoid any accidental startups during the process.
Remove the Return Line: Start by locating the fittings or clamps that secure the return line to the injection pump. Carefully loosen and remove these fittings, being mindful of any fuel or water that may spill. Have a suitable container ready to catch any fluids that may drain.
Inspect the Return Line: Once the return line is removed, inspect it for any signs of damage or deterioration. If the line is cracked, brittle, or clogged, it should be replaced with a new one to ensure proper fuel flow and prevent further contamination.
Clean the Injection Pump: With the return line removed, you can now focus on the injection pump. Pump clean fuel through the pump to flush out any remaining water and contaminants. This step is crucial to preventing water from entering the engine and causing further damage.
Loosen High-Pressure Lines: As mentioned in the previous step, water can cause damage to finely finished mating surfaces. To minimize this damage, loosen the high-pressure lines at the injection nozzles one by one and continue pumping clean fuel through the system.
Remember, working on fuel systems can be dangerous, so ensure you have the necessary knowledge, skills, and equipment to perform these tasks safely. If you're unsure about any part of the process, don't hesitate to consult a qualified technician or seek advice from a Bobcat mechanic.
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Using a glass jug test
To drain water from the fuel filter of a Bobcat, it is important to first locate the fuel filter. The fuel filter is usually located inside the rear compartment of the Bobcat and has a white or tan fuel knob.
One way to determine the presence of water in the fuel is by using a glass jug test. This involves siphoning the fuel into clear glass jugs to inspect for water. As water is denser than fuel, it will settle at the bottom of the jug. If water is present, it should be drained until no more water comes out. It is recommended to drain the water weekly and change the fuel filter annually or every 500 hours.
The glass jug test can also be performed using a clear glass in-line fuel filter installed between the fuel tank and the lift pump. This allows for easy visualisation of water in the fuel and subsequent draining and cleaning of the filter.
It is important to note that the stock Bobcat filter on older machines may not separate water effectively and might require a plastic element or baffle in the glass bowl to enhance water separation. Newer Bobcat series may have a fuel filter with a built-in separator bowl and drain valve, making it easier to determine when it is time to drain the filter.
By regularly performing the glass jug test and draining any water from the fuel system, you can maintain the performance of your Bobcat's engine and prevent potential damage to fuel system components.
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Cleaning the lift pump
To clean the lift pump of your Bobcat, you will need to drain the water from the fuel tank and fuel system. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Locate the Drain Plug
Firstly, locate the drain plug on your Bobcat. According to some sources, there is a drain plug on the bottom of the fuel tank. This drain plug is located directly below the fill spout hose. You may need to remove a cover underneath the machine to access this plug.
Siphon the Fuel Tank
Before proceeding with cleaning the lift pump, it is important to address the water in the fuel tank. One method is to siphon the fuel into clear glass containers, allowing you to inspect the fuel for water and separate it. This process will help you identify when you have drained pure diesel fuel without water.
Swap the Fuel Filter
The next step is to swap out the main fuel filter, which may be filled with water. Replace it with a new, dry filter.
Clean the Lift Pump
Now it's time to focus on the lift pump itself. Clean the lift pump by blowing out all the hoses below it with compressed air. Ensure you direct the air flow away from your body and others to prevent any injury.
Prime the System with Clean Diesel
Using a primer bulb, pump clean diesel from a bottle up through all the hoses, filters, and the lift pump. This process will help purge any remaining water from the system.
Crank the Engine
Finally, crank the engine. With the bottle of clean diesel, feed the fuel pump as you walk the Bobcat back into your workshop.
By following these steps, you will effectively clean the lift pump of your Bobcat and remove water from the fuel system, ensuring the smooth operation of your equipment.
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Frequently asked questions
There is a drain on the bottom of the fuel filter assembly to remove water. The filter acts as a water separator. You can also siphon the water out of the tank.
You can siphon the fuel into a clear glass container and inspect the fuel for water at the bottom.
Water can cause damage to the injection pump. It can etch and erode the finely finished mating surfaces.
