Spout fell in fuel tank, can't get it out - OK to use tractor?

[CompactTractorFan]

Have a bit of a problem here...

Today while refueling, the plastic spout fell off the fuel can and in to the BX's fuel tank. We tried everything we could think of...Went out and bought a transfer pump and a tool to grab small parts. Drained the tank and prodded around. No luck locating the spout. Had my sister (only one of us who could fit their arm in the tank) feel around still with no luck. The only other thing I can think of is to put on the BH and raise one side of the tractor to try to "float" the spout over to where the fuel cap is...

So, my question is: If we end up not being able to reach the spout, will it cause any harm to the tractor if we leave it in the tank? I only ran the tractor for a minute to get it into the garage and there were no apparent problems...

 

[grsthegreat]

I have one floating around in my tank now for 2 months. I cant get to it at all.

Hasn't hurt anything. I plan on trying to borrow a friends camera with a 3 foot flex head to try and retrieve it come spring (hes out of town for winter). It has a hook on the end of the 3 foot flex head and i hope to grab it.

The plastic is gas proof, so i figured ...what the heck. The first time one fell in i was able to retrieve it real easy. this one...nope.

After i get it out im planning on fabricating a screen trap that drops in to protect from further problems....

 

[Don87]

It's just a little tractor...........pick it up by the FEL and shake til it falls out:laughing::laughing:


On a more serious note, I probably wouldn't worry about it unless it tends to cause fuel delivery problems. About the only remedy, if no camera available like grsthegreat mentioned, is to remove the tank. That's a lot of work for a potential non-issue.

 

[SSdoxie]

The spout is large enough diameter that it should not be able to cover or plug the fuel pickup tube and it is treated to resist fuel so it can probabley float around in there for the next 10 - 20 years without problem. Shouldn't ahve to worry about it on immediate nature. Try to get it out when you can but no need to stop using it until you do.

 

[RoyJackson]

Once you run the tractor low on fuel (or drain the tank), use a flash light and inspection mirror (use a couple wire ties to strap the mirror to your wrist...leave it loose enough on your wrist to cut off, but not so loose it'll slip over your hand) to locate the spout...then you should be able to fish it out with those mechanical fingers (tool you bought).
Worst thing that could happen that I can think of (until you get it out) is the fuel level float might get jammed up. I doubt there would be any real damage though.

 

[GrowFarmers]

I had this happen to me with my JD950. Really frustrating because I was fueling up to start some fun jobs and plop, in goes the filler tube. To be fair I was probably already grumpy as I am any time I have to use those stupid new safety valves on the new 5 gal cans and that just topped it off. Once I got done cursing I realized it sorta floated in the fuel, so I filled it the rest of the way and was able to fish it out with a piece of wire. I figured it wouldn't have caused any real harm in there, other than possibly interfering with the fuel gauge float, but I just wanted it out so I kept at it till I succeeded. Sounds like your fuel tank might not be as easy as mine was but I would say your idea of parking on a hill would be worth a try since floating worked for me. Good luck!!

 

[k0ua]

I have got to ask this sorry: Why are you all still using the fuel spouts when there have been so many posts about them falling into the gas tank? Every since these enviromental fuel cans came out is when all this started with the silly slip on spouts that always fall off sooner or later. There I feel better now, hope I did not anger anyone. I don't use it, I use the molded in hook on the neck of the Blitz can and hook it on the filler neck of the Kubota so that it is stabilized. With the enviro valve the fuel does not start to come out until you pull back the safety and push and hold the stupid lever (kinda of a pain but it works) so you don't really need the spout to keep from spilling fuel on you tractor anyway, like you would with an open flow old style can. I would also offer a suggestion, if you are going to use the slip on spout, make it so that it will not slip off by tying a tye-wrap (ziptie) very tightly around the base of the spout, or if that does not work satisfactorly then perhaps a worm drive clamp of the proper size slipped over the spout and tightned up very tight so the spout would never come off again would help. I know none of these suggestions help getting the silly thing out of the tank, but maybe when/if you do get it out, either throw it away, or try one of my suggestions..

James K0UA

 

[GrowFarmers]

I have got to ask this sorry: Why are you all still using the fuel spouts when there have been so many posts about them falling into the gas tank?

Guess I need to spend some more time on TBN, I hasn't seen any of the posts. Gonna be tough spending more time on here ; ).

 

[glkingar]

Had the same thing happen on my NewHolland TC33D. Ended up removing the sending unit and put a coat hanger with a small hook bent on the end. Slipped the hanger through the tube and caught the hook on the end and pulled it out. Now I just use a funnel.

Gerry

 

[lilranch2001]

I guess I am lucky
I can set the jug of fuel on the FEL post and with a funnel in the fuel tank pour the fuel right in without a spout

Hope ya get it out

 

[RoyJackson]

I have got to ask this sorry: Why are you all still using the fuel spouts when there have been so many posts about them falling into the gas tank?
James K0UA

I always use a wide mouthed funnel when I fill my tank. The filler opening on a Deere 4400 is about 5 or 6 inches in diameter, so a funnnel probably isn't necessary, but it does reduce the splashing of diesel on the hood of the tractor. Since there's a screen in the funnel, it also prevents debris from going in the tank.
The downside of a funnel is you cannot see how full the tank is, so there is a possibility of overflow. Hasn't happened to me (yet) on the tractor (it has when filling the walk behind lawn mower though), but I always keep a close eye on the tank...or, you can leave the key to the RUN (not START) position, and watch the fuel level gage (I've done that too).

 

[radioman]

question- which part of the spout did it fall in? The whole thing?

Another question- Why did you drain it since the BX has a irregular shaped tank? I would've filled it 3/4's full and THEN feel around for the spout. Its plastic after all, it might float- but then this post might show my ignorance- I havent tried to see if plastic will float in oil like it does with water.

 

[k0ua]

question- which part of the spout did it fall in? The whole thing?

Another question- Why did you drain it since the BX has a irregular shaped tank? I would've filled it 3/4's full and THEN feel around for the spout. Its plastic after all, it might float- but then this post might show my ignorance- I havent tried to see if plastic will float in oil like it does with water.

Blitz USA - Gas Cans & Fuel Containment, Oil Change & Accessories, Lifting Aids

look on the right hand side of the web page to the Enviro cans and you will see the push on translucent spout. This is what falls in the fuel tanks. Throw it away or figure out a way to fasten it to the rest of the mechanism securely as I suggested, as obviously the manufacture did not do a good job of designing this thing.

James K0UA

 

[grsthegreat]

Mine fell off cause of my own fault. there is a raised section that actually locks onto the can, and i never remember to push it on all the way. My tank is l shaped and deep. i cant visually see the bottom unless i had insect eyes on antenna.

 

[RoyJackson]

Blitz USA - Gas Cans & Fuel Containment, Oil Change & Accessories, Lifting Aids

look on the right hand side of the web page to the Enviro cans and you will see the push on translucent spout. This is what falls in the fuel tanks. Throw it away or figure out a way to fasten it to the rest of the mechanism securely as I suggested, as obviously the manufacture did not do a good job of designing this thing.

James K0UA

I see what you mean. I have a Blitz can I'm pretty satisfied with...but never got that push on spout...never even knew they were available, in fact.
I reckon I'll stick with my funnel.

 

[k0ua]

I see what you mean. I have a Blitz can I'm pretty satisfied with...but never got that push on spout...never even knew they were available, in fact.
I reckon I'll stick with my funnel.

Wise choice, I don't need the spout because the Diesel filler neck sticks up from the hood, the only time you need the spout is trying to fill a car with a recessed fuel filler neck, you cannot reach it without a spout or a funnel. If you look closely you can see a little protrusion that hangs down from the black short spout that you can catch on edge of your tractor fuel filler neck. and rest there by gravity. Now you don't have to hold the can at all just hold down the valve lever. I throw an old towel on the hood to keep from scratching up the paint job on the hood as the fuel can rests on the hood.

James K0UA

 

[grsthegreat]

Ill try using a large mouth funnel the next time i fuel up......see if it works. I would like to find one with an internal screen ....time to do some Google search.

 

[RoyJackson]

Ill try using a large mouth funnel the next time i fuel up......see if it works. I would like to find one with an internal screen ....time to do some Google search.

I can't recall where I got mine...had it for years. Probably AutoZone, Wal-Mart...some place like that.

 

[grsthegreat]

I can't recall where I got mine...had it for years. Probably AutoZone, Wal-Mart...some place like that.

does it have a catch screen in it?

 

[Coyote machine]

One could also drill a small hole in the spout close to where it attaches to the Blitz can and tie a string to the nozzle and to the lever area on the can so the nozzle can be removed, or used, depending on need and if it came loose/fell off it would be retrievable.
As far as retrieving the spouts already hiding in tractor tanks how about letting the tank go low to almost empty and then putting tractor on a slope where the spout would have to move to the fill opening area then retrieving it with a claw stick, (push button with 3 prongs)?