Fuel delivery problem

[kpawluk]

I have a 2003 Ranger 500 with 265 hours. After about 2 miles of low range driving in heavy pulling with weed sprayer working, unit seems to run out of gas. After cool down period 30 minutes or so, seems to run fine until it stops in 15 or so minutes. If seat is removed, I could not get it to stall a third time before I ran out spray. Second time for this problem. First time I took it to dealer and they could find no problems. Fuel pump problem, wiring or what? Anyone else suffer similiar trouble? Thanks!

[Rotorpaul]

I HAVEN'T HAD THIS PROBLEM ON A RANGER, BUT SPEAKING IN GENERAL TERMS, THIS COULD BE VAPOR LOCKING IF IT HAPPENS IN HOT WEATHER OR WHEN YOUR MACHINE IS HOT AND PRE HEATING YOUR FUEL IN THE TANK OR LINES.
THE OTHER POSSIBIITY IS THAT YOUR FUEL FILTER OR TANK OUTLET IS PARTIALLY PLUGGED. THAT CAN ALLOW FUEL TO TRAVEL THROUGH THROUGH THE FILTER OR OUTLET SLOWLY, ENOUGH FLOW TO RUN FOR A WHILE, THEN STALL. THEN IF YOU STOP, WAIT AND INVESTIGATE FOR A WHILE, THEN TRY IT AGAIN YOU CAN RUN FOR A FEW MORE MINUTES AND START THE PROCESS OVER. I'M CERTAINLY NOT SURE WHAT YOUR PARTICULAR PROBLEM IS BUT FUEL FILTERS ARE CHEAP AND EASY TO TRY. ALSO CHECK FUEL FLOW OUT OF YOUR TANK AS WELL.
IF THIS DOESN'T HELP, YOU NEED BETTER ADVICE. BEST OF LUCK.

[GRAZOR]

Next time it happens, loosen the fuel cap and see if there is a vacuum hiss when you do. That would indicate a vent line clogg not allowing enough air in.

If it runs fine with a loose cap then start checking the vent line for a pinch or kink.

Other causes could be some sort of crud in the float bolw or fuel filter that is blocking things. I always suspect a few drops of water since many of our machines are filled from gas cans.

Gary

[GPER]

I finally got my Ranger over to Haspin Acres this weekend and my daughter got in a couple hours of driving time. Then it died and I did get it started long enough to get it back on the trailer to get it home.

After I got it home I took the seats and all the stuff off and replaced the fuel filter and the spark plug and it fired right up then. I put in one of the glass filters so I can see the filter and it is bigger then the one that was on it. I cut the stock one open and there was a wad of crap in it smaller then a pea. That small of a fuel filter is a bad deal if you ask me.

[GRAZOR]

I have to agree with you there GPER!

Over many years we have seen fuel filters get smaller and smaller and I have always said that any gasoline engine that is typically filled from our 5 gallon gas cans are subject to get all sorts of junk poured into them. The filter is the first place I look when fuel delivery seems to be the problem and keeping a spare handy is always a good idea.

I still love the old style ones found on many farm machines with the removable glass bowl. They probably don't filter as well but you sure can see whats in there mucking up the works!

Gary

[GPER]

True Gary, for 10 bucks for the glass in line filter is the next best thing.