I have a Massey 290, made about 1984, which has been a rugged workhorse and done everything I've asked of it.  It was first registered to an agricultural college, then to a stud farm then me, so it hasn't had a very hard life.  There is just one problem with it, a recurring blocked fuel filter!

On top of the fuel outlet from the tank there is a tiny nylon filter.  There is never a problem with it except when running at a constant 1750 revs (engine speed for correct PTO speed) when after a while it will falter and die.  If you disconnect the fuel line from the lift pump and blow back up the pipe, the blockage is cleared, and after bleeding the fuel system the tractor re-starts fine.  Apart from developing a taste for diesel, this is really disruptive and a pain in the neck.

I am always careful when filling the tank and always use a funnel with a fine mesh filter just to be on the safe side,

After it had happened a couple of times, I took the tank off and cleaned it out with an air line.  Inside the tank there was a loose filter (as well as the one still attached to the fuel outlet) so I surmise that this problem had happened before and been resolved by knocking the filter off.  After a while the problem returned and, after talking to my local Massey dealer, who advised NOT to remove the offending filter, I had the tank steam cleaned.  That was back in March and yesterday, after topping about 5 acres it happened again.

My inclination now is to get rid of the filter, despite the dealer's advice, and keep a careful eye on the main fuel filter and change it more often than the handbook says.

Has anyone had any similar problems and resolved them?

Any suggestions would be gratefully received!

Had exactly this problem on a Mf 165. New main filters clogged very quickly so I investigated the tank and ,as you say , the little nylon filter was also clogged with slime. I took the tank off and found no less than 6 filters rolling about inside. The only solution is to take all tank fittings off ( return pipe, outlet and filler cap) tun it upside down and steam wash until the slime stops coming out. I think it is due to water from condensation rather than dirt and will gradually build up again so keep the tank full and use very clean cans for re-fueling. I also did an MLC tractor some years ago and that was full of sycamore leaves (??)

 Had no problem since but it is going to be a problem with little used tractors. This one only does a bit of summer topping and is the shoot beaters tractor in winter  

I HAD THIS WITH A 290 JUST CUT THE TOP OFF THE FILTER

when i worked in the fitter trade my boss gave me a bollocking for taking that filter even though my colege tutor said to hell with them!! i think your dealer is just after some easy buisness i would loose the filter after all you got much easier ones to change further down the line!!

Thanks chaps for your advice.  I think I'll abandon the little filter but keep the tank topped up in case it is condensation related - although I have never seen any signs of water in the sight bowl of the main filter.