Kubota Fuel Pump Problems: Reasons and Ways to Fix

Kubota is a leading company in the agricultural and construction industries, known for producing high-quality machinery. Kubota's products include tractors, utility vehicles, turf equipment, construction machinery, and more. Besides producing its machines, Kubota also builds parts like fuel pumps for other equipment manufacturers and their machines. The commonality with all these machines and parts is the use of internal combustion engines.

For internal combustion engines to run, they need fuel. Fuel pumps supply diesel/gas in almost every internal combustion engine. The fuel pump is essential for delivering fuel from the fuel tank to the engine, where combustion occurs. Suppose the Kubota fuel pump in your machine is weak or shows any other problems. In that case, you might experience difficulty in operating the machine. Thus, in this article, we want to examine some common fuel pump problems in Kubota engines and what may cause them. Additionally, we will look at some ways to fix Kubota fuel pump issues.

Kubota Fuel Pump Problems: Common Symptoms

There are some common symptoms of a problematic, weak, or worn-out fuel pump in your Kubota fuel pump. You can find them below.

1) Difficulty Starting the Machine

The most obvious sign of a fuel pump problem is difficulty powering up your Kubota machine. Combustion engines need fuel to enter the cylinders for ignition to occur. So, if the fuel pump is not supplying the engine with the right amount of fuel, you will find it challenging to start your Kubota. Difficulty starting the engine does not mean the machine will not start. A worn-out or weakened fuel pump may yet pump fuel. Still, the process may take longer or need repeated tries because of a lack of adequate pressure in fuel delivery to the Kubota's engine. If the fuel pump is unhealthy, the engine may require many cranks before it starts.

2) Unusual Noise from Fuel Tank

A problem you may experience if your Kubota fuel pump is malfunctioning is a loud and unusual whirring or whining sound from the it. Fuel pumps produce a sound when operating, but that sound does not stand out. Instead, a regular working fuel pump has a typical humming sound that blends in with the rest of the machine's sound. However, it is common for a bad fuel pump to produce audible whining sounds when it is in operation. Some describe this sound as a howl.

3) Engine Sputter

A clear symptom of a faulty Kubota fuel pump is the engine sputtering. Engine sputter is a term used to describe the feeling and sound of a machine running roughly or unevenly. You may also notice dark smoke from the exhaust if the engine sputters. While many things could cause your machine to sputter, including problems with the ignition system or air intake, a bad fuel pump can also cause it. Engine sputtering occurs because the fuel pump is not supplying adequate fuel consistently at the correct pressure.

4) Sudden Loss of Power

Yet another indicator that the fuel pump is experiencing some problems is when the machine powers down under heavy stress. For example, when driving a Kubota track loader up a hill or carrying a heavy load with a Kubota tractor. So, the loss of power occurs when the fuel pump has become too weak to keep up with the heightened demand for fuel by the engine in such stressful situations. An inability of the fuel pump to supply adequate fuel to the engine might cause your machine to shut down during operation.

5) The Machine Does Not Start

If the Kubota fuel pump malfunctions, the engine may not start. A machine facing difficulty in starting differs from one not starting at all. Assuming the cylinders do not get fuel due to a fuel pump issue. The engine will not start in that condition since internal combustion engines need fuel to ignite. Also, the machine will still crank when you attempt to start it even without fuel reaching the engine.

Note that all these symptoms of a Kubota fuel pump problem could also be symptoms of other issues in your machine. Thus, it would help if you got an expert's help to diagnose the problem.

Common Causes of Kubota Fuel Pump Failure

1) Fuel Inadequacy

When a machine is in operation, it is important for fuel to pass through the fuel pump constantly. Regular flow of fuel helps with internal cooling and lubrication of the pump. Also, if the fuel level is too low, the pump must work harder to produce the same amount of pressure needed to supply the engine.  In this case, the weight of the fuel no longer propels it into the pump. Instead, the pump must draw the fuel. One of the primary causes of fuel pump failure is low fuel levels in the tank. Thus, low levels of fuel in the Kubota will overwork the fuel pump and reduce cooling and lubrication. Worse, low fuel levels may damage the Kubota's fuel pump or wear it out faster.

2) Fuel Contamination

Debris, corrosion, and water can lead to contamination in the fuel tank. Fuel itself does not cause corrosion. However, certain chemicals in fuel can speed up metal corrosion. Also, condensation can introduce water into fuel tanks, which can be a corrosive agent. Corrosion of the fuel tank can cause rust and debris to find their way into the fuel pump and damage it. Irrespective of the cause of the corrosion, the fuel pump will still draw contaminants from the tank. Although a fuel filter will remove larger particles, smaller ones may yet pass through and cause damage.

In addition, debris and dirt can clog the filter. Debris can also create minor abrasions and wear on the fuel pump's moving parts. Moreover, debris may cause erosion of the fuel pump's metal components, causing leaks and other damage to the pump. To prevent contaminants from damaging the Kubota fuel pump, use high-quality fuels and replace the fuel filter regularly.

3) Electrical Problems

The fuel pump is an electrical device that uses electrical power to function. So, a problem with the electrical system can damage a Kubota fuel pump. Corroded wiring can lead to a loss of power and cause a short circuit, damaging the pump. You must check the wiring when replacing a damaged pump. Because installing a new fuel pump with the same faulty wiring will likely short circuit and damage it. Other electrical problems that can damage or prevent the fuel pump from working well include a defective relay, a bad fuel pump driver module, or a blown fuse.

4) Faulty Fuel Filter

The fuel filter's location is between the fuel tank and pump, and its purpose is to remove contaminants from the fuel before it gets to the pump. Pollutants like dirt and rust reaching the fuel injectors could cause severe problems for the fuel system. The fuel filter prevents this from happening. Over time the fuel filter will become clogged with particles it has trapped. A clogged filter will reduce fuel flow and cause issues like stalling and some of the other symptoms mentioned above.

How to Fix Kubota Fuel Pump Problems

The first step in repairing a Kubota fuel pump issue is problem detection. Detecting the exact reasons for the symptoms you experience is essential. Some symptoms may result from a problem with a different component, not the fuel pump. Mechanics with experience with the machine should identify issues with fuel pumps and engines in specialized Kubota equipment.

If you are in the USA or Canada, visit Kubota's website to search for authorized service centers or dealers near you. If the machine itself is not from Kubota but uses a Kubota fuel pump or engine, contact mechanics with expertise with those machines.

Fixing a Kubota fuel pump problem will depend on the issue, its extent, and its nature. Sometimes, a clogged fuel filter can cause the problem, and you should replace it.

Other times an electrical issue related to the fuel pump may cause the symptoms we described. To fix electrical issues in Kubota's fuel pump, a mechanic should test the electrical components for power. Depending on the diagnosis, you may need to replace the fuel pump's relay or driver module to restore the functionality of your fuel pump.

Still, you may need to replace the Kubota's engine's fuel pump if it has suffered damage or wear. Replacing the fuel pump is sometimes the best cause of action.

If you suspect a problem with your Kubota fuel pump, we recommend taking the machine to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and recommendations. Some machines may be too large to get to a mechanic, so you may arrange with them to come over for an inspection.

Conclusion

Fuel pumps are essential for the operation of machines with internal combustion engines and it can run into problems. So far, we have highlighted some common symptoms of a Kubota fuel pump problem. These symptoms include difficulty or inability to start the machine, engine sputtering, loss of power, and unusual noises. We have also identified some causes of these symptoms, including low fuel and fuel contamination.

You should know that while these symptoms may result from a faulty fuel pump, they could also point to other issues in your machinery. Thus, you should seek professional help to diagnose and fix the problem. Also, proper maintenance and regular inspections can prevent Kubota fuel pump problems and help your machine operate at peak performance.