Gator is a series of utility vehicles from John Deere designed to haul loads or travel through multiple terrains. The diesel engine used on Gator XUVs and UTVs is reliable, but the airlock in the fuel line is an annoying issue for many users. You need to bleed air from the fuel line to keep the engine running.
But how to bleed air from John Deere Gator? You need to loosen the bleeder screw on the fuel filters and pump the fuel pump primer lever to bleed air from the fuel line. After priming the fuel system, you can turn the vehicle on.
This will be a step-by-step guide on how to bleed air from the fuel line on your John Deere Gator. Make sure you follow along.
Why Do You Need to Bleed Air from John Deere Gator?
If the fuel tank of your Gator gets empty while driving, air can penetrate the fuel line. The same incident can also happen while doing routine maintenance, especially replacing the fuel filter on the vehicle.
When this happens, the air gets trapped inside the fuel system and creates bubbles. These air bubbles prevent the fuel pump from sending fuel to the engine.
As a result, the engine will have a hard time running. It will shut down and not start in the worst-case scenario. You need to bleed or purge the trapped air from the fuel line to fix the problem.
Things You Will Need to Bleed Air from John Deere Gator
Here is a list of tools you might need during the process.
- Flat-head screwdriver
- A large piece of rag
- Bucket
- Clean diesel fuel
How to Bleed Air from John Deere Gator
Follow the steps below to purge air from the fuel line of your Gator vehicles.
1. Fill the Fuel Tank
You need to fill up the fuel tank with clean diesel fuel. When the tank is full, it will increase pressure inside the fuel line while priming the system. As a result, the trapped air will be bled a lot faster.
2. Turn the Vehicle On and Off
When the vehicle is in the off position, turn the key to the on position. Remember, you don’t want to crank the engine. Just rotate the key one notch and then turn the key to the off position again.
3. Check the Fuel Shut-Off Valve
If the valve is closed, no fuel can travel through the system. Check whether the arrow on the valve is pointing upward to ensure it is open.
4. Locate the Bleed Screw
Bleed screws are usually located on the fuel filter of your vehicle. These screws should be tightly closed when you check.
5. Place A Bucket Underneath
Before starting to bleed air from the system, place a bucket underneath to prevent oil spills from messing up the floor.
6. Loosen Bleed Screw
Take a flat-head screwdriver and slightly turn the bleed screw anti-clockwise. If necessary, you can do one or two more turns. But don’t remove the screw completely. You should notice oil coming from the screw holes.
7. Pump the Fuel Primer Lever
Now you should prime the fuel pump manually. Move the primer lever up and down and continue the motion for some time. Once you hear the fuel is returning to the tank through the hose, stop moving the lever.
8. Tighten Bleed Screw
Use your screwdriver to tighten the bleed screw by turning it clockwise. Don’t overtighten the screw.
9. Clean the Fuel Filter
Take a large rag and wipe off any excess fuel from the fuel filter area.
10. Turn the Engine On
Insert the key into the ignition and crank the engine. It should turn on without any issues.
Check this video:
Conclusion
Despite the impressive performance of a John Deere Gator, you might experience rough engine performance or starting problems. It mostly happens when the fuel level is low, or the fuel filter has been changed. If the air isn’t bled manually, it will block the fuel from getting into the engine.
So, bleeding air from your John Deere Gator is extremely important. We showed how to do it in a few simple steps. You can bleed air from the fuel line following these steps, which will save the cost of calling a mechanic. Make sure there is no air bubble inside the fuel line to keep the system pristine.
