Install your FASS correctly

Back in October, Chuck Toney wrote a short article about the benefits of installing a FASS kit on his Versatile 835 tractor. The fuel air separation system (FASS) is a combination of fuel pump and filters that removes air from the fuel. “When the air is removed, fuel atomizes better and the timing is more accurate. This increases power and fuel economy,” Chuck wrote.

Chuck, who farms near Gull Lake, Sask., has a degree in mechanized agriculture from U of S. He installed the FASS kit himself and says most farmers should be able to do the same if they follow the instructions. This is a key point, and it’s the reason Chuck emailed again this week. Turns out some farmers read his article and had a FASS kit installed on their tractors. Some of them didn’t get it installed properly, so they phoned Chuck. 

In his email to me, Chuck wrote: “Last week I received a call from a fellow who had his mechanic install one on his neighbours tractor and on his. He did not install it properly. They missed installing a Hobbs Switch Part # 78143 on an oil pressure line, which only allows the FASS to run after the motor is running. I don't know why they did not have proper instructions or what went wrong. The proper FASS fuel system is a "UIME 150/150." The Hobbs switch is included in this kit.”

“In my efforts to solve the problem I found out that Taber Diesel has several PT pumps at their shop that a FASS has caused to leak because of improper installation.” Chuck says if your PT (pressure-time) pump is leaking, just pull the fuse on the FASS for now and then get it installed properly when you have the time.

Chuck recommends you buy from an approved FASS dealer. They should know what they’re doing. To find one and to find out more about how the system works, go to Diesel Performance Products’ FASS website at www.fassride.com or call them at 636-433-5410. Ask for Dan, Chuck says.

I talked to Chuck on Wednesday this week. He and his brother had just started seeding, and they were putting in a mix of oats and clover. They’re dry down in southwest Saskatchewan where it’s been dry. “We need a shot of rain,” he says. As for the tractor, “it’s working wonderfully. It fired right up this morning and has lots of power.”

In case you missed Chuck's original article from the October 20 Grainews (page 3), here it is again…

Chuck Toney from Gull Lake, Sask., sent us the following email describing the two steps he took to improve the fuel efficiency of his Versatile 4WD:

I have two fuel saving tips for any tractor or truck with an 855 Cummins. We have an 835 Versatile tractor that we used two different things to get more power and better fuel economy. We put a FASS (fuel air separation system) on it. This is a combination of fuel pump and filters that removes air from the fuel. When the air is removed, fuel atomizes better and the timing is more accurate. This increases power and fuel economy.

We bought our FASS from Pittsburgh Diesel. You’ll probably find other dealers across the Prairies.

We also put an additional fuel line on our 835 that goes to the front of the head. Now fuel is supplied to the front and the rear of the head. This equalizes the fuel pressure supplied to the injectors so the engine runs smoother and has more power. These modifications allowed us to use a higher gear and run 200 rpm slower. The additional fuel line was easy to install and inexpensive.

We got the idea to put the additional fuel line on from Pittsburgh Diesel since we purchased their dual line kit for our 400 Cummins in our tandem. It cost $85. We made our own dual line kit for our 835. Our 835 starts without ether when the temperature is below zero and it doesn't smoke white when it warms up. The dual line kit is supposed to give an additional 25 hp on an 350-400 Cummins. The dual line would work on any Cummins with the PT fuel system. I hope this helps anyone who wants more power and better fuel efficiency.