Jcb telehandler tier 4 fuel problems

[readyplant]

Hi All,

im trying to find if anyone running the new JCB Tier 4 machines have had any major problems, we had one on site which had been run out of fuel (a common occurrence in the hire industry) and what we though would be a small issue had now resulted in a VERY expensive non warranty repair.

Apparently 'contaminated fuel' which we guess is a small amount of water which will always be present was enough to ruin the common rail system, injectors, fuel pump and all had to be replaced.

Surely any site machine wouldn't be deemed fit for purpose if this kind of damage occurs simply from running it out of fuel?!?!

[V8Druid]

Originally Posted by readyplant

Hi All,

im trying to find if anyone running the new JCB Tier 4 machines have had any major problems, we had one on site which had been run out of fuel (a common occurrence in the hire industry) and what we though would be a small issue had now resulted in a VERY expensive non warranty repair.

Apparently 'contaminated fuel' which we guess is a small amount of water which will always be present was enough to ruin the common rail system, injectors, fuel pump and all had to be replaced.

Surely any site machine wouldn't be deemed fit for purpose if this kind of damage occurs simply from running it out of fuel?!?!

Doesn't take much to 'screw' a common rail system, especially the pumps!!
Great whilst working, but so touchy, to anything but perfect conditions, unlike most bombproof diesel motors.

Stepson had a tankful of contaminated fuel in his C2 - 42 lts - from TE*CO (who won't admit it, or liability).
Within 2 miles his motor was dead - new injectors - etc., etc. !!
Injectors were a grand!!!!!

Regrettably most stuff is common rail these days and has to be mollycoddled on the fuel front !

new clauses in the hire terms -
any consequential damage from contaminated fuel or running system dry of fuel, is down to hirer to meet

Might make 'em think

[d4c24a]

may be worth fitting these

http://www.mlsystem.co.uk/fuel/

[Traxcavator.]

The filter sytem should cope with contamination and water. You should never fill from cans drums and barrels. Get a purpose built tank and pump and keep the nozzle and pipe work clean. I have told our guys not to use machine fitted refuelling pumps unless totaly neccesary and then to make sure the hoses are spotless and only fed slightly into the fuel supply tank as the level reduces.

Injectors and fuel pumps can be repaired and replaced alot cheaper by using specialist fuel shops. Grahams extra filter and fuel cleaner is a very good idea.

The new Volvo tier 3 and 4 engined machines have massive water separator filters and water trap bowls. Cat also have special tank fixed water trap filters and high efficiency fuel filters. You shouldn't even pre fil the filters nowerdays. Any modern common rail system will suffer badly from dirt and water contamination.