Did I Make a Mistake?

[Chrisb009]

Replacing your leaking tank with another of the exact same design?

That is repeating a failed project, and expecting a different result.
What will be your plan after 2nd tank also fails?

Totally agree - could have the same issue unless a change in design occurred.

 

[Chrisb009]

So quick update to this fiasco. Called the selling dealer this afternoon. They have a couple of tractors with the same tank design. They are going to pull a tank from one of the tractors and inspect it for cracks around the inserts. If there's no cracks I believe they will to ship it to me. Now the concern comes into play log term. I'm almost assured I'll experience the same issue at some future point in time. One idea is to take the old tank and have an aluminum tank fabricated. A second idea is to change the tank altogether and go with a tank mounted in the step area on the left side of the tractor. One issue with a different tank mounted in a different area could be the draw of fuel from the tank as the current design seems to be somewhat gravity fed.

Thanks,

Chris

 

[Peter 315]

All that work for a new tractor I would put the tank on and see if they come up with a better tank mounting system before I made a new tank setup..And keep all the paper work and pictures.

 

[buck12]

Good to hear they are taking care of the issue and you can use your new tractor.

 

[rademamj1]

Chris....I like the idea of yours fabricating an aluminum fuel tank to mount exactly the same way and similar dimensions as your original tank. I cannot see any downside except for cost. Aluminum welding should seal all metal seams quite well. It's certainly not going to be prone to stress cracking. And will look really sharp.

Alternatively, You could also consider rescuing the original tank, by simply applying a several layers of fiberglass with extra resin around the exterior, to seal all leaks and add strength to the current tank. Paint it red. Its certainly a lot lower cost than fabrication.

 

[s219]

Is it possible to replace with a generic tank? You could probably find a better quality tank that fits in the same area. Or go completely generic and just rig something that works. I've been around a lot of old equipment that had it's tank replaced by something generic (sometimes it's portable marine tank for an outboard motor that just gets strapped somewhere on top).

 

[Chrisb009]

Good to hear they are taking care of the issue and you can use your new tractor.

They were supposed to remove and review a tank today and call me to discuss findings. Call never came so it痴 not exactly being taken care of yet. Hopefully they call tomorrow.

 

[Chrisb009]

Chris....I like the idea of yours fabricating an aluminum fuel tank to mount exactly the same way and similar dimensions as your original tank. I cannot see any downside except for cost. Aluminum welding should seal all metal seams quite well. It's certainly not going to be prone to stress cracking. And will look really sharp.

Alternatively, You could also consider rescuing the original tank, by simply applying a several layers of fiberglass with extra resin around the exterior, to seal all leaks and add strength to the current tank. Paint it red. Its certainly a lot lower cost than fabrication.

I like the aluminum idea as it would prevent any future issues. One would assume something as simple as a fluid container, fuel tank in this case, could be made without leaks.

Not sure about reinforcing the current tank. It’s cracked at every brass insert. My concern is that it would still leak at the brass inserts.

 

[Chrisb009]

Is it possible to replace with a generic tank? You could probably find a better quality tank that fits in the same area. Or go completely generic and just rig something that works. I've been around a lot of old equipment that had it's tank replaced by something generic (sometimes it's portable marine tank for an outboard motor that just gets strapped somewhere on top).

I’ve given a generic tank a thought...problem is mounting location. The only location that’s not going to require substantial tank modification is a tank which hangs by the cab step. I’d have to fab up brackets but brackets are a whole lots easier than tank mods or a full fab. Other issue is fuel draw...current tank is drawn from the bottom via gravity. I’ve also considered fab’ing up my own tank from aluminum. I have the equipment to cut and weld it..the time it would require is questionable.

 

[Leadfoot64]

I致e given a generic tank a thought...problem is mounting location. The only location that痴 not going to require substantial tank modification is a tank which hangs by the cab step. I壇 have to fab up brackets but brackets are a whole lots easier than tank mods or a full fab. Other issue is fuel draw...current tank is drawn from the bottom via gravity. I致e also considered fab段ng up my own tank from aluminum. I have the equipment to cut and weld it..the time it would require is questionable.

Not sure if the inserts caused the tank to fail by being overtorqued or if the way the tank was mounted caused it to fail by flexing and vibration and torsion on those bolts but you could possibly make a metal plate with holes that are tight tolerance that line up exactly with the insert holes in the tank. This metal plate would take the stress off the inserts from vibration and torsion and flexing, but it still wouldnt help you if the inserts are twisting and cracking tank due to mounting torque. You could always mount them with light torque and use loctite to hold them in..