Strain That Fuel

Garybake · Oct 12, 2011

I have used only two yellow 5 gallon deisel fuel containers from Midwest Can Company since 2006 when my BX24 was new and only purchased fuel from Spencer Fuels here in MI a well known fuel distributor. I have had fuel problems on and off since 2007, ecspecially when the tank was low and the worst being last winter when I had to reverse blow the tank line before the filter to get decent flow again. It was out in the snow while my FEL was piling it high. Well today before I installed my new Bro-Tek skid shields and prepare for winter, I decided to pull the tank and find what has been this mystery blockage. I retrieved four pieces of spiral twist yellow plastic pieces that I match to the vent drilling for the fuel cans. I went to Midwest Can Company's website and see they do not offer vent caps in the handle any longer so they must have heard enough complaints.
At least this winter I have peace of mind with fresh filters, lubricated and skid plates (Thank You Richard Bro-Tek). I will shamlessly plug your product behind my debris bag. FILTER THAT FUEL Everyone.
Go Tigers!!!
Gary Baker

Short Game · Oct 12, 2011

C'mon, Tigers!

Tractor Seabee · Oct 13, 2011

I solved the problem of contaminating fuel in cans and the associated transfer process. I bought a 50 gallon tank and a manual rotary pump by Fil-Rite. I added a 10 micron spin off filter at the pump discharge. I used unistrut and put the tank on wheels so I can move it around easy. The wheels also give clearance so I can lift with the FEL fork attachments and put it in and out of the pickup for filling. I have the same arrangemant for my gasoline storage. Sure makes it easy for us old codgers. Each Tank assembly set me back around $500 and a couple hours fooling around with it.

I don't buy enough fuel per year to warrant a larger tank or going for untaxed fuel and I get 10% off with my Kroger awards card. Every little bit helps as I say when I take a whiz in the creek. Here in WA if you keep your reciepts you can apply for a tax rebate on all fuel dedicated to off-road use.

Ron

Sackett2 · Oct 13, 2011

My Montana came with a filter screen in the opening of the fuel tank; I like this feature; even more after reading your post.

Skyco · Oct 13, 2011

Garybake said:
I went to Midwest Can Company's website and see they do not offer vent caps in the handle any longer so they must have heard enough complaints.

They don't offer cans with vent caps anymore because of the ridiculous government fuel can requirements now.....

A Mr. Funnel would prevent this. I have one but admit I don't use it most of the time..messy to carry around with the tractor since I transport mine back and forth between my camp and home.

North Country · Oct 13, 2011

Tractor Seabee said:
I solved the problem of contaminating fuel in cans and the associated transfer process. I bought a 50 gallon tank and a manual rotary pump by Fil-Rite. I added a 10 micron spin off filter at the pump discharge. I used unistrut and put the tank on wheels so I can move it around easy. The wheels also give clearance so I can lift with the FEL fork attachments and put it in and out of the pickup for filling. I have the same arrangemant for my gasoline storage. Sure makes it easy for us old codgers. Each Tank assembly set me back around $500 and a couple hours fooling around with it.

I don't buy enough fuel per year to warrant a larger tank or going for untaxed fuel and I get 10% off with my Kroger awards card. Every little bit helps as I say when I take a whiz in the creek. Here in WA if you keep your reciepts you can apply for a tax rebate on all fuel dedicated to off-road use.

Ron

So you fill it in the back up the pickup - is it DOT/EPA/"Fire Police" approved or do you just fill it and drive away? Ever had any issues with it?

sweep · Oct 13, 2011

Skyco said:
A Mr. Funnel would prevent this. I have one but admit I don't use it most of the time..messy to carry around with the tractor since I transport mine back and forth between my camp and home.

I love my Mr Funnel..even removes water. I use it 100% all the time. Amazing how much crud it collects-and I get my fuel from the local Marathon station which gets new fuel every 4-5 days..they sell al lot.. My fuel sediment bowl stays super clean.

Tractor Seabee · Oct 13, 2011

North Country and all,

My tank is asme code labeled tank. The way it was explainedto me; the DOT regs only apply to permanent installed tanks used as auxillary fuel for the vehicle and commercial uses. My tank is sold as a transfer tank so does not require DOT tag. I checked with the fire dept and got their blessing as long as I do not put in a garage or enclosed shed. They reccommend not fueling with in open flames such as a furnace (mine is electric), fireplace, or burn pile. EPA, when they have time to find my little tank on a farm off the beaten path I will deal with it then I guess. I think thjere is a minimum tank size mine is under if I remember the air pollution rules. My brother-in- law has 120 acres and 10 times the equip I have, a 500 gallon Diesel, and 250 gallon gas tanks and has never been bothered. His tanks date way before these regs were enen thought of. As I have the filter I saved $200 buying a steel tank rather than an aluminum one. The Aluminum corrodes with alcohol gas worse than steel rusts. I check for water often, and use Stay-Bil in the gas and a diesel stabilizer water absorber in the diesel. Due to my generator and less than desirable power service I use a lot of gas in the 17.5 KW genset. Used 100 gallons last winter and this summer just for that. Mower, chain saws, rototiller, & etc uses another 50 gallons a year. That is a lot of can dumping for this old man.

Ron

Garybake · Oct 13, 2011

Great Info,
Thanks Skyco & Sweep! Never heard of Mr. Funnel and just ordered two online. A small one for two strokes (wood dust & the small chainsaw fill opennings are common mix). I have been using paint strainers inside a large galvanized funnel with steel mesh screen in neck that sits nice in the BX's 3" oppenning (fall leaf magnet???). I like the idea of built in water prevention as these MI weather temp swings can cause condinsate in storage cans that are not full but still need to be vented. Last thing I want to do is tear all this down again for something like a leaf or container crud (internal or external).
Keep Going Tiger's!
Gary:thumbsup:

Skyco · Oct 15, 2011

I commend you for pulling the BX24 tank- that is quite a job! I tried to remove mine but couldn't get the dang 1/4" valve knob or the mower knob off, was afraid of damaging something...
Here is my story http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/185186-how-remove-1-4-valve.html