Fordson Dexta Fuel tap Fueltap - microbes or just dirty diesel?

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pat777
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Fordson Dexta Fuel tap Fueltap - microbes or just dirty diesel?

Post by pat777 »

Just wondering how often one should change the fuel tap filter on the Dexta? (The one that sits up inside the diesel fuel tank)

I was out ploughing with the Dexta and I raised the revs up and it started stalling. I figured it must be a problem with the fuel supply. I got her started again but she was very under powered and limped back to the shed. When I emptied the diesel by syphon from the tank and took off the fuel tap the little filter was extremely clogged with a black sludge. No wonder she was getting bogged down and cutting out. The diesel inside the tank looked clean and green. I had replaced the fuel tap when I got the tractor a few years ago. I'm not sure how long I have the tractor now but I'm guessing this filter needs to be changed or cleaned at a set service interval period.

Whilst looking for help diagnosing my issue, I came across a previous thread, which brought up some good information about microbes that can live in the diesel tank and block things up. Might prove of interest to some one else.

https://www.fordsontractorpages.nl/ubb/ ... 01041.html

Thanks in advance for any guidance or advice regarding the fuel tap filter. Do you think the black sludge could be the aforementioned microbes?
Last edited by pat777 on Wed Apr 07, 2021 11:19 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Billy26F5
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Re: Fordson Dexta Fuel tap Fueltap

Post by Billy26F5 »

Sit the tap in petrol at least overnight and then blow or brush, it shouldn't need replacing. While you have it out, clean the fuel tank, that will stop it happening for longer.
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pat777
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Re: Fordson Dexta Fuel tap Fueltap

Post by pat777 »

Thanks for the reply Sandy, it's all back together already. I did soak the filter in petrol for cleaning, not quite as long as you suggest, I'll know now to leave it a little longer next time. The filter didn't seem to want to come off the tap, so I left it on for the petrol soaking. The filter looks like it just pushes on and pulls off, but I didn't want to force it because I didn't have a replacement on hand and I wanted to get on with the ploughing while the weather is good. I guess it is a tight fit for obvious reasons. I guess if I'd known how tricky it was to take off, I would have bought a few spare filters when I order the tap.

I tried cleaning the tank the best I could using a washing up brush taped on to the end of an internal spring pipe/tube bender. Any other tips for cleaning the tank?

In the thread that I linked to someone mentioned about putting some lead in the tank to kill the microbes. Has anyone else done that?

Do people check this filter on a regular basis? I guess it gets blocked gradually over time and perhaps the less experienced such as myself might not notice the gradual drop in performance over time.

Billy26F5
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Re: Fordson Dexta Fuel tap Fueltap

Post by Billy26F5 »

The filter is solidly attached to keep it on, but the old ones might well come off easily. Cleaning the tank with a brush is as good as I can think, you could then put some fuel in it and shake it if you had it off, or flush it with clean fuel if it's still on. The filter will clog if dirt gets in, so if you use clean fuel and have a quick look in the tank from time to time you should be fine.
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pat777
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Re: Fordson Dexta Fuel tap Fueltap

Post by pat777 »

Thanks for the confirmation that the filter on the fuel tap is glued on and not intended for removal. It seemed to have a very fine gauze and some of the black gunge was inside this gauze (on the wrong side of the filter screen). I cannot see the exact fuel tap/filter that I bought over five years ago now, so I guess they changed the design in the supplier I purchased from since that time. They do sell the little filters separately though, so I guess one has to cut off the old filter and push fit a new filter on to the tap if replacement is required. Should this filter be glued on to ensure it stays in place? What kind of glue should be used for such a task?

https://agrilineproducts.com/catalogsea ... q=fuel+tap

On a secondary note, I noticed when I removed the tap that there were some shards of steel on the threads on the fuel tap (it was not cross threaded), but it may indicated that the non original replacement fuel taps are not quite the correct thread pattern. The fuel tap went back on fine, although it was tight going on. I had wrapped some plumbers teflon tape around the threads on the filter.

What is the correct thread pattern for the fordson dexta 1959 fuel tap?

Just out of curiosity if the threads on the tank were damaged beyond repair, how would one go about replacing the part that the fuel tap screws into on the tank or would it be a case of, off to the breakers yard to get a second tank. I'm imagine it may require some specialist knowledge and tools and may be beyond my skill level.

Here is a link to a clip on YouTube showing a similar tap/ filter (it's off a ford 3000)and although the gunge on this one is a lot different colour to the gunge I found on mine, it gives a good indication of just how blocked up these in tank filters can get. You might want to watch it on mute, don't say I didn't warn you!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C9nqpnf_9c

Brian Cox
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Re: Fordson Dexta Fuel tap Fueltap

Post by Brian Cox »

Pat, this is maybe not relevant but here it is.
Before I got my Dexta, I restored a petrol/ paraffin tractor. One day while out for a run, the tractor started losing power, because I had cleaned the whole fuel system, I had an inspiration, fuel cap1 Right enough after cleaning out the air hole in the cap, away she went no problem. After fifty odd years it was no surprize it was clogged up :clap:

pat777
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Re: Fordson Dexta Fuel tap Fueltap

Post by pat777 »

Thanks for that information Brian, I don't think it was relevant in my case, the fuel tap filter on my tractor was well and truly gunked up. Having said that I must investigate my fuel cap and see if the air hole needs cleaning out.

Daves rusty bits
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Re: Fordson Dexta Fuel tap Fueltap

Post by Daves rusty bits »

Pat I think you`ll need to take the tank off to clean it properly. I spent a lot of time cleaning a tank on my IH in situ and every time I thought I`d got it clean it would starve itself of fuel a day or week later with the tap filter, lift pump filter or main filters clogged.
Take the tank off, tip in a gallon of boiling water and a good dose of washing soda and a foot of chain and give it a good work out. When you refill with clean, fresh diesel add a bottle of diesel sludge treatment and tip some of it down the fuel pipe from the tank to the lift pump followed by a good blast with an air line before you reconnect them.
This worked for me and solved the problem permanantly, unlike my previous attempts when I once conked out on the main road right opposite the pub as it got dark - I didn`t have lights at the time. Half the village knew next day.Dave
1960 Power Major, 1975 International 475 - well no ones perfect.

pat777
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Re: Fordson Dexta Fuel tap Fueltap

Post by pat777 »

Thanks for the fuel tank cleaning tips Dave. I don't use my tractor on the road thankfully, so not to far to go, to get her back to the shed. I forgot to say earlier on that my Dexta is back purring like a kitten. It's amazing how you can gradually lose power over time and not really notice. It's only when it comes to doing a bit of heavy duty work that symptoms really become noticeable. I can really feel the difference in her now in terms of the power output at the higher revs and even when she is idling she is running a whole lot better.

Here is the main post by "tmac" from the previously linked to thread about the microbes...

https://www.fordsontractorpages.nl/ubb/ ... 01041.html
I really dont know a lot about microbes but reconize the symptoms of them. Old age can also cause black fuel in the red dyed farm fuel we get here. If red diesel or stove oil get infested it just wont fire. Infections in tanks will involve cleaning the storage tank. The additives that will kill the stuff are usualy expensive to buy. I have found that either a little of lead sulfate or copper sulfate desolved in some diesel then added to the stoarge tank seems to end the infections. To keep your tractor free of this stuff I put about a dozen 00 or bigger lead shot in the tank. This also help keep your tank clean by ajutating the sedement in the fuel tank where these comtaminents in the fuel then are filtered out by your fuel filters. The lead that is both deposited by mechanical forces and chemical action will help keep the bacteria out.
For those that are not familiar with Fuel Microbes here is a little article from yhe net.

" "
The bacterial colonies can be seen floating in diesel collected in bottle


Bacterial contamination occurs when some strain of bacteria get carried forward from the refining stage. The rest enter by exposing the fuel to the atmosphere in storage tanks, delivery trucks, wagons, dispensing stations, pipelines and in vehicle's own tank. Some of these bacteria are aerobic, which require oxygen for multiplication and the other are anaerobic which live in oxygen-depleted atmosphere like sulfate reducing bacteria
Biodegradation of Diesel.
Invisible to naked eye, the bacteria spores are actively mobile in the fuel. The fast reproduction and multiplication time allows them to exploit any good growth conditions provided by the temperature, agitation and water contents in the fuel. Bacteria rely on the fuel (carbon) molecules and the molecules of additives present in the fuel to support its life cycle.

The great diversity of bacteria's life cycle means that it can utilise any organic substance in the fuel. As bacteria keep on with its life cycle of consuming fuel molecules and secretion, partial breakdown of products occur. These secretions of breakdown fuel become food for other microbes. This continuous process assisted by fresh supply of diesel into the tank, leads to the rapid development of a consortium of microbes which biodegrade the fuel.

The extra-cellular slime produced by the bacteria help them to attach to the surfaces and also protect the colony from changes in the environment. Slime (bacteria colony consisting of different interdependent organisms ) may deactivate or prevent the effectiveness of chemical biocide widely used for controlling bacterial activity.

Proliferation of aerobic bacteria and the formation of bio film as discussed above help to promote the growth of sulfate reducing bacteria in the fuel. SRB are highly dangerous and known for causing corrosion in fuel tank, pumps and injectors. In addition to this, SRB produce hydrogen sulfide, a harmful and lethal substance. A concentration of 300 ppm in the air we breathe is considered life threatening. Storage tanks are highly susceptible to SRB attack.

Contamination and degradation affects engine components adversely. The sludge and slime block filters to cause restriction of diesel flow, promote corrosion and pitting in fuel pump and injectors to cause uneven and unregulated fuel supply and large biomass forced through the filters can cause incomplete combustion.

The emulsifying agents produced by bacteria help moisture to get emulsified with diesel and gets injected into the cylinders to cause corrosion in pistons and piston rings. All these factors contribute to filter blocking, lack of power, fuel pump and injector malfunction, increased smoke, engine noise and vibration.

Less efficient and degraded diesel cannot produce the required power from each combustion stroke from the injected volume. This will result in more fuel volume to be injected resulting in increased fuel consumption.

The diesel filter is an important component in a precisely balanced fuel system. Any malfunction in the fuel filter affects the engine performance adversely. Biomass and slime produced by bacteria block the fine filter elements in a very short time causing fuel starvation.

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Re: Fordson Dexta Fuel tap Fueltap

Post by fenhayman »

Occasionally had the same problem when working away from the farm. Carried a normal tubular bicycle pump and cut the connector down to about 1/2 inch. If a blockage occurred turn off tank tap, undo pipe from tank, turn tap back on and give a few good blasts of air into the tank.Turn tap back on and check that there is a full flow of fuel. Re-connect pipe. Only a short term measure but have got another half days running before having to repeat.

pat777
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Re: Fordson Dexta Fuel tap Fueltap

Post by pat777 »

Thanks for the tip fenhayman, certainly good for emergency situations, especially when travelling on the roads...

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Re: Fordson Dexta Fuel tap Fueltap - microbes or just dirty diesel?

Post by pat777 »

So I decided I had better change the fuel filter, as I had only replaced it once since I got the tractor. There was a lot of black sludge inside the fuel filter. I thought while I was at it, I had better give the diesel tank a good clean out. I decided to leave the tank in place on the tractor to avoid having to take the steering wheel off. I went with boiling water and washing powder detergent for the cleaning solution. Blocked the threaded hole at the bottom of the tank from the outside with a round stick and let the solution get to work, gave the tank a good brushing with a brush cable tied onto a plumbers internal pipe bending spring. Lots of flushing out with water hose also. Tank is spotless now, although a little rusty at the bottom. Dried the tank with a heat gun. So hopefully when I get it all back together it will be a permanent solution to the bogging down/fuel starvation issue.

I came across this video on YouTube, might be of interest to someone. It shows the bacteria growth in the tank that can take place. I've no connection to the product being advertised and cannot advise on it's effectiveness. Thanks again to everyone for the previous advice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW4rzbM1ZH4

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Re: Fordson Dexta Fuel tap Fueltap - microbes or just dirty diesel?

Post by Billy26F5 »

Pour about 1 gallon of diesel in for the final clean, move it around to take anything else out before you fill it up, make sure you empty it before you fill it up for use.
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Re: Fordson Dexta Fuel tap Fueltap - microbes or just dirty diesel?

Post by Billy26F5 »

pat777 wrote:
Sat May 01, 2021 9:21 pm
I came across this video on YouTube, might be of interest to someone. It shows the bacteria growth in the tank that can take place. I've no connection to the product being advertised and cannot advise on it's effectiveness. Thanks again to everyone for the previous advice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW4rzbM1ZH4
I would recommend against using the stuff as it turns the fuel in to a dirty mass. Much better to clean the tank out.
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pat777
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Re: Fordson Dexta Fuel tap Fueltap - microbes or just dirty diesel?

Post by pat777 »

Thanks for the tip Sandy on the flushing the tank with new diesel before use.

As far as the YouTube link goes, I was only really linking to it, to show the bacteria growing in the fuel images. I would concur with your advice on cleaning being the best method to resolve the issues that I was having.

I was quite surprised that anything could survive in such a harsh environment as a fuel tank. Having read the previous advice on dealing with the microbes that can live in the diesel tank,
To keep your tractor free of this stuff I put about a dozen 00 or bigger lead shot in the tank. This also help keep your tank clean by ajutating the sedement in the fuel tank where these comtaminents in the fuel then are filtered out by your fuel filters. The lead that is both deposited by mechanical forces and chemical action will help keep the bacteria out.
I was thinking about rolling up a piece of roofing lead into a cylindrical shape and wire tying it to keep it's shape and putting it in the diesel tank on my fordson dexta. I'm aware of the risks of damaging the filter that sits up proud inside the tank but would having a piece of lead in the diesel tank have any consequences for the engine?

Emiel
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Re: Fordson Dexta Fuel tap Fueltap - microbes or just dirty diesel?

Post by Emiel »

Hi,

These bacteria are very happy in an environment where diesel and water are available.

IMHO the only cure is keeping your tank clean. So gauze in funnel, fuel out of clean containers or better from the petrol station directly.

Water gets in the tank easily, when temperatures go down there will be condensation on the steel above fuel level. Keeping your tank filled up prevents this.

I had this issue in our Hanomag tractor some years ago. The filter element was covered in a slimy jelly substance with a terrible smell. I think this is a problem with 21st century diesel and too little use.

I don’t believe in fuel additives but do believe in cleaning and regular maintenance.

Rgds emiel
Best regards

Emiel

N 1937, E27N 1948, 8N 1949, E27N 1950, E1A Diesel 1953, E1ADKN PP 1956, Dexta 1959, NH Clayson M103 1964

pat777
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Re: Fordson Dexta Fuel tap Fueltap - microbes or just dirty diesel?

Post by pat777 »

Thanks again for the reply Emiel. I definitely think that my problems were caused by long periods of non use over winter. The tractor is kept outside in an open shed and possibly suffered with condensation forming inside the tank. I have been very careful with filling with clean diesel in the past. I think I will have to be even more careful in future. There is a gauze on the funnel of of my diesel cannister tank, but from now on I will use an additional funnel with a gauze at the filler hole for future fills. Unfortunately I cannot go to directly to the petrol station to fill up, due to my dexta definitely not being of the roadworthy variety.

Is it okay to fill right up to the very top of the tank with diesel, just I notice that there is a return pipe that is up near the top of the tank, that returns unused diesel to the tank I presume. In the past I have not filled above the point where the return pipe comes into the tank, for fear that the diesel would back flow into this pipe. Maybe this is not a problem.

Also I noticed when I was cleaning the diesel tank on my dexta yesterday that there is a another small piece of a bent pipe inside the tank up near the top. What is the purpose of this pipe?

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Re: Fordson Dexta Fuel tap Fueltap - microbes or just dirty diesel?

Post by Daves rusty bits »

Thats the end of the return pipe it comes up the inside of the tank, or at least it does on my PM. Top tip if the tank is lined with a sealant and this pipe gets blocked with sealant, thread a length of mig wire up through with a cordless drill, it removes the sealant and doesn`t damage the pipe. Don`t ask how I know. :oops: :oops: Filling to the top with fuel is normal Dave
1960 Power Major, 1975 International 475 - well no ones perfect.

pat777
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Re: Fordson Dexta Fuel tap Fueltap - microbes or just dirty diesel?

Post by pat777 »

Thanks for the reply Dave, I've been out to have another look inside the tank and I can clearly see now that the bent bit of pipe is the return pipe inside the tank. I had wrongly assumed that the return pipe outside the tank was just discharged in to the tank at the point that it enters lower than the bent piece of pipe. I shall keep her topped up to the brim from now on after use, hopefully that will avoid the condensation problem.

Any one have any thoughts on keeping a piece of lead in the tank to kill off any microbes?

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Re: Fordson Dexta Fuel tap Fueltap - microbes or just dirty diesel?

Post by Billy26F5 »

I would't put any lead in, I'd keep an eye on it regularly. That pipe is the leak off line from the injectors, it'll be full of fuel anyway. If there were a problem with filling the tank full it would be a leaking pipe, but it wouldn't go down far (only about 3/16" or so).
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