M5040 no start, pull the fuel tank?

[roygage]

Friend borrowed my 5040 to rake corn stalks prior to round bailing, called this AM as was no crank no start.

I made the trip out and was able jump at the starter and get going, after finished he dropped it back off, tonight I took a peak. The left side between the trans and fuel tank was jammed solid with cornstalks which after I got cleaned out determined had broken a wire on safety switch on the hyd. reverser valve.

Was using a flash light but appears only way to actually reach is to drop the fuel tank. Pulling the floor covering up I did find what I thought might be an access cover but lifting found to only be a false floor that covers some wiring and the heater duct.

On the bright side at least it is not full of fuel. (-:

 

[roygage]

Friend borrowed my 5040 to rake corn stalks prior to round bailing, called this AM as was no crank no start.

I made the trip out and was able jump at the starter and get going, after finished he dropped it back off, tonight I took a peak. The left side between the trans and fuel tank was jammed solid with cornstalks which after I got cleaned out determined had broken a wire on safety switch on the hyd. reverser valve.

Was using a flash light but appears only way to actually reach is to drop the fuel tank. Pulling the floor covering up I did find what I thought might be an access cover but lifting found to only be a false floor that covers some wiring and the heater duct.

On the bright side at least it is not full of fuel. (-:

Got it in the shop and problem resolved this evening. Did have to drop the tank but did not have to take it clear out nor did I have to drain it as was only about a 1/4 tank of fuel in it.

One of the wire ends had pulled off the switch which screws into the top of the hyd. reverser valve. This valve is located behind the fuel tank bolted to the trans. case directly behind the step.

I had to pull the frt. tank strap, 14 mm ratchet wrench big help here, then loosen but not remove the large 19 mm headed bolts hold the rear tank support bracket to the diff. housing. These two bolts point straight up and are easy to get to. Next I placed a jack under the frt. of the tank and then removed the two bolts hold the frt. tank bracket to the trans case, again large 19mm heads.

Before dropping I unhooked the single wire to the fuel sender and also pulled the 12 mm bolt holds the fuel fill to the cab. No need to pull the fill hose from the tank, was able to work it around the step as I slowly dropped the front of the tank until I was able to get the switch out of the reverser and put my end back on which had pulled out.

For good measure I soldered both male ends back on the switch wires and used water sealing shrink tubing.

The switch is not a hyd. pressure switch but a mechanical switch which has it's plunger going into the hyd. unit. As it is not a pressure switch there is no loss of fluid when taken out.

Reverse to put back together. Ahhh, got my baby back.