We have a 2013 Komatsu 360 that we bought used. Since we bought it we are only getting about 200 hours before the fuel filters are plugged up causing starting issues and power loss. What are others getting in terms of hours before needing to replace the fuel filters? we have about 3000 hrs on it and have heard that fuel pump issues start to arise at this many hours.
Newer machines have much finer fuel filtration than the older units. You may want to have your fuel supply sampled and tested. Also would recommend installing a 3 micron filter on whatever hose you use to fill the machine with. Might need to clean the machine's fuel tank also.
I knew I would forget to post that. Our shop tanks are checked twice a month with dual filters on them. We have filters on our drag up tanks as well. Maybe the machine had contamination before we got it. but after 2 years I would think it would be cleaned out. We've never had to drain water out of the filters and the sentiment bowl was clean this last change at least. I was going to cut the filters open but they are gone already. We aren't real happy with the service we are getting from our dealer so we are looking to unload this machine and get a Cat 336. But this has me puzzled.
Yes, but what filters do you have on your tanks? These newer machines will often be 2 micron, if you have ten micron filters and any algae at all in the fuel, they'll plug quickly. Just guessing though.
Dirty Fuel Tanks Don't Ever Clean Themselves Out. Plus if the level gets low and someone fills the tank quickly churning everything up and starts the machine before the dirt has settled to the bottom your new filters will be plugged in no time. A proper look at the bottom of the tanks is a good first step.
We had to do this when we got our 360 last year. Wasn't something we even thought about before that but when we had the fuel filters getting clogged for no reason we started looking around and asking. Our dealer came down for a software update on the machine and he told me that's a huge problem for people with these new machines.
This is probably the most likely scenario. Another member PMed me about Ashaltene (old diesel breaking down). Also likely. Again is not a supply issue. This is purely for my own entertainment. The boss isn't likely to investigate this this machine is now "junk" in his eyes, so it will go away. He gets "snake bit" easy.
Not all machines are born with suitable filters or filter combinations .