Thought I had a real problem with my JD 3039R.. Moving wood to the house when it just up and quit, halfway outta the pole shed.. WTH.. Couldn't see fuel in the tank although the gauge showed 3/4 full.. Looked to be empty. (damn, gauge must be crap).. Tried to dump in 5 gallons of diesel, but only about 1.5 got in before it was full.. WTH.. Ok, maybe it's the filter.. I had bought a full filter kit for this thing two years ago, thank God.. Grabbed the screw-on can and changed that.. Nothing, nada, same malady.. WTH??? Checked the fuel bowl for water.. It's only 1/2 full of anything.. WTH?

Ok, listening to the fuel pump and it seems OK; I can hear it running but it's pressurizing the tank cap; spitting out fuel!!! WTH??

Digging through the book, checking everything when - AHA! There's a secondary fuel filter above the sediment bowl - an 'insert' style paper filter.. Dug through the kit and found it.. Back down to the shed with another filter wrench and changed [i[that[/i]... Book said the system is self-priming but to wait at least 15 seconds with the key on before trying to start it..

Tried. Nope.. WTH???? Turned on the key again and waited another full minute.. Rolled it over and VROOM! Finally! Finished my chores then called the dealer to cancel the service call I made for tomorrow.. Now I better buy another pair of filters..

At least it didn't happen during some big snowstorm when I REALLY woulda been in some deep doo..

As a last resort.....read the book!

Excellent. Now buy a lottery ticket and replacement filters for next time.

The next time will be something different - that's a rule.

Lucky you! Those paper filters plug and collapse when water is present.

How many hours on that filter / tractor?

Yep,when all else fails,read the directions.
Glad you figured it out.

been [bleep] with my 12v since noon.

Started my '05 yesterday and noticed dripping, water pump. Got one and will change it as soon as it's daylight. Always sumpthin.

540...


Indeed! Just never thought there would be TWO filters on that compact tractor.. The fuel I use comes from the local gas stations - and I've never had to change a fuel filter on the last two tractors I've had - and that covers 16+ years... WHO-da thunk it?

It was just the way it quit - like the key was shut off.. Usually a fuel-starved engine loses some power and/or won't rev up fully.. That's what stumped me originally..

Well you certainly got your money's worth. Everyone is different, but on a diesel I'll at least change the fuel filter(s) just before winter annually regardless of hours used.