Tractor Fuel Pumps

What is the purpose of a fuel pump?

A fuel pump draws petrol out of the tank through to the carburettor.  The fuel and air then mix and pass into the combustion chamber.  A fuel lift pump is a mechanical fuel pump. It lifts up and down with the engine then pumps the fuel from the tank into the carburettor.

Fuel pumps have been used since the early 1900’s.  Gravity was used to supply the carburettor with fuel rather than a fuel pump.  To improve safety fuel tanks were moved away from the engine – this then required the use of mechanical fuels pumps to move fuel to the carburettor.

What can go wrong with a fuel pump?

If dirt and debris enter the fuel tank it will be transported to the fuel pump and can cause damage.

Over time older steel tanks can rust, and in more modern tanks plastic can break down. The debris from the decay can enter the fuel pump and wear it down over time.  When a pump is worn it can decrease the engine performance.

Servicing a fuel pump

Servicing your tractor is good practice, it will ensure your engine will last longer and prevent other problems developing.

Clean Water Traps

If a water trap becomes overloaded the water will move on to the fuel pump.  If this happens the fuel reacts with the water and turns into slime.

It is essential to maintain these water traps by cleaning them regularly. This will prevent damage being done to the pump.

Bleeding the System

Modern tractors have an electric fuel pump on the fuel line to supply the diesel to the main injector pump.  The electric fuel pump is usually positioned over one of the fuel filters, locate the bleed screw on a filter.  Open  the bleed screw to  air to pass out and fuel to flow through. Electric pumps will usually run when the ignition is turned on. So unless you hear it running it won’t bleed the system. Once all the air has passed through the fuel system you should be able to start your tractor.

Anglo Agriparts stock fuel pumps for Massey Ferguson, Ferguson, Ford, Fordson, David Brown, Case International Harvetser,  John Deere, Fiat and more: