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Case Tractors Discussion Forum
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VAC Minimum Fuel Level in Tank

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Gary Cash

09-05-2005 23:32:32




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After a frustrating afternoon trying to keep my VAC running for more than a minute or so after each start, I discovered that it needs over 6" of gas in the gas tank or the float bowl level drops, the carb runs lean and the engine quits. I keep the tank fairly full so it has not done this before. I"m assuming the "head" of fuel needs to be high enough to overcome flow resistance in the carb and allow for sufficient gravity feed.
Is this normal?

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Eric Foster

09-09-2005 11:51:53




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 Re: VAC Minimum Fuel Level in Tank in reply to Gary Cash, 09-05-2005 23:32:32  
I'd agree with the gas cap diagnosis. Mine is vented. Sounds like you might be drawing a vacuum in the tank. Also, my fuel line is fairly level from the sediment bowl to the carb inlet.

Check your carb model too. I chased fuel issues for 2 years before I found out that the previous owner put the wrong carb on it. I believe it should be a TSX-114 if a Marvel. Not sure if Zenith was 61 or 161.

Good luck

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Gary Cash

09-07-2005 12:23:01




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 Re: VAC Minimum Fuel Level in Tank in reply to Gary Cash, 09-05-2005 23:32:32  
Since I've tried everything else including assuring that there are no restrictions at any point in the fuel flow, I'm going to re-route the fuel line to keep it above the carb. I'll let you guys know if it works.
Thanks for all of your inputs and suggestions.



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Gary Cash

09-20-2005 13:04:41




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 Re: VAC Minimum Fuel Level in Tank in reply to Gary Cash, 09-07-2005 12:23:01  
I re-routed the fuel line so it now runs almost straight back from the sediment bowl to the carb. I've run it down to 2 inches of fuel and still no problems. Looks like the routing was the problem. Go figure!
Thanks again for all of your inputs.



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Cases n Harleys

09-06-2005 18:44:40




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 Re: VAC Minimum Fuel Level in Tank in reply to Gary Cash, 09-05-2005 23:32:32  
My Dad has a 1951 vac and I have a 1951 vai, both tractors are used guite regularly and when they run out of fuel your lucky to have a half inch in the bottom, with all that You say You have changed or checked I would look at the gas cap(vented, non vented)and have You unscrewed the sediment bowl from the tank? some of the ol timers use to add a short peice of copper or steel pipe in the top of the sediment bowl instead of taking the tank off and just cleaning the darn thing, also You say You checked the screen in the top of the sediment bowl? Hope someone in here gives You a little light on the subject, good luck. Jim Edmonds

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Gary Cash

09-06-2005 23:36:20




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 Re: VAC Minimum Fuel Level in Tank in reply to Cases n Harleys, 09-06-2005 18:44:40  
When I replaced the sediment bowl, I noticed that the pipe that enters the tank does stick up above the bottom of the tank about 1/2" but it does not restrict flow above that point. My fuel line from the sediment bowl to the carb does drop down about 8" below the carb inlet before rising to connect to the carb. How is your VAC fuel line routed?



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Cases n Harleys

09-07-2005 09:57:00




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 Re: VAC Minimum Fuel Level in Tank in reply to Gary Cash, 09-06-2005 23:36:20  
I went and looked at My tractor and Dads to be sure, both are identacle, 1/4 inch copper running straight from the sediment bowl across the bell housing back behind the air cleaner and straight on over to the carb. But as long as thers no air trapped in the line it can hang to the ground, liquids always find there own level as long as there is no restriction. If all else fails take the time to remove the carb, take the carb apart and make sure nothing is around the float valve that might cause restriction, also make sure the float raises and lowers easily with no binding. For what it's worth, I use to own a 2000 model polaris 4-wheeler that gave Me fits, run a while then guit, run and quit, drove Me nuts well to make a long story short when the problem was found, it was a small spider that God only knows how had gotten in the fuel system and was in the float bowl, ever so often he got sucked up against the main jet and cut the fuel supply off. Sure hope You get a handle on this fuel problem, guess it's just another way to prove tractors are a little like women, have figured them out yet neither.

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Sam#3

09-07-2005 06:05:22




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 Re: VAC Minimum Fuel Level in Tank in reply to Gary Cash, 09-06-2005 23:36:20  
My VAC will show about three quarters of an inch when it stops running. I suspect it has a nipple, such as yours, to prevent trash from entering the line.
That loop may be your problem. Most lines run nearly level at the Carburetor.



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Jerry W

09-06-2005 05:46:21




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 Re: VAC Minimum Fuel Level in Tank in reply to Gary Cash, 09-05-2005 23:32:32  
My VAC's can run the tank dry. I would look for restrictions somewhere.

Jerry



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Gary Cash

09-06-2005 15:50:20




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 Re: VAC Minimum Fuel Level in Tank in reply to Jerry W, 09-06-2005 05:46:21  
I've replaced the fuel feed line, checked and re-checked every orifice in the carb, adjusted and re-adjusted the float, checked the tank (no screen or other obstruction), replaced the glass sediment trap & valve. No change. The VAC runs perfectly until the fuel level drops to about 6".



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F-I-T

09-07-2005 07:04:19




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 Re: VAC Minimum Fuel Level in Tank in reply to Gary Cash, 09-06-2005 15:50:20  
Gary:

If you disconnect the line at the carb and let it drain in to a container, how far does it drain with the fuel tank cap on? If it will drain completely, then you solved that you have some hinky carb/float/inlet screen issue, and not a fuel line/tank problem.

My $.02

Frank



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GeoMo

09-06-2005 04:59:01




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 Re: VAC Minimum Fuel Level in Tank in reply to Gary Cash, 09-05-2005 23:32:32  
I would check the shutoff valve and screen in the tank. Valve allowed a reserve by turning out one (1) turn but by turning completly out you could use all the fuel in the tank.



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