Did I Make a Mistake?

[fried1765]

Yesterday afternoon I did receive calls from the parts person at the dealership. Provided an update in regards to the tank and other parts on order. Hopefully the tank will arrive soon. I did ask that they reach out to Mahindra in regards to the failure rate concerning this fuel tank design. Mahindra was elusive and wouldn't directly answer the question - leaves a lot to be desired (don't even get me started in regards to Mahindra's customer service line). If Mahindra won't answer a simple question to help quantify mounting options - I believe this will be the last Mahindra product I purchase. I plan on mounting the tank with straps and to not use their design of mounting the tank with bolts to the rear of the tractor in an effort to try to prevent future occurrences. If they don't request to take possession of the original cracked tank I plan on plastic welding it for a backup should I need a replacement. Yesterday I created a case with the EPA in regards to this issue so now two Governmental agencies have the information. Not sure what good it will do to help push Mahindra to redesign this mess however it's worth a try.

-Chris

Many years ago, I created a case with the Consumer Product Safety Commission with regard to a 200 HP Johnson outboard.
The case pushed OMC to take corrective action, for me at least.

 

[Chrisb009]

Quick update...dealership was successful at obtaining a new tank. They shipped it and I received it this evening. The dealership has really gone to lengths working with their Mahindra rep to locate a tank and get it in my hands. I’ll start to work out the details of how I’ll mount the tank in an effort to prevent future issues.

-Chris

 

[fried1765]

Quick update...dealership was successful at obtaining a new tank. They shipped it and I received it this evening. The dealership has really gone to lengths working with their Mahindra rep to locate a tank and get it in my hands. I’ll start to work out the details of how I’ll mount the tank in an effort to prevent future issues.

-Chris

Very nice news !

 

[rademamj1]

Terrific news. Keep us updated on your fuel tank mounting method. Some future Mahindra owners may benefit.

 

[Chrisb009]

So a quick update - after careful consideration I decided to not attach the tank to a mounting bracket. After measuring and reviewing the area it simply didn't make much sense. It would have caused the tank to set out 1/2" to 1" from the back wall of the tractor cab which would have caused alignment issues with the upper metal cover. I decided to mount the tank to the back wall of the tractor using straps. You may be asking - why not use the bolts and simply bolt it back into place. The bolts is what caused the issue in the first place - every single tank mount insert cracked the tank. I didn't want to chance another cracked tank. So on to the install; I used stainless steel bands, heat shrink and stainless steel securing clamps. I mounted the tank to get an idea of how long to cut the heat shrink and stainless steel bands. The heat shrink is used to cover the stainless steel bands on the outside of the tractor. I wanted something that wasn't readily noticeable and provide some limited protection to the tank thus the black heat shrink. At the same time I also marked the back wall of the tractor as to where I would cut slits for the stainless steel bands ingress into the cab. Once I had marked the back wall (measured and triple checked) I cut four small slits in the back of the tractor cab using an air die grinder. I then fed the straps through the heat shrink (marked the bands as to where the heat shrink should rest as to not have too much heat shrink). I then fed the bands through slits and around the tank. I went inside the cab and used the banding tool to tighten the straps. The clips were the hardest part as the clips are designed for a pole (round structure). I had to use pliers to bend the ends of the clips to hold the straps in place (didn't want to hammer on the tractor back wall as to prevent damage). Note: use something under the clips when bending the ends to prevent paint damage - I used thick cardboard. I finished the project by applying a little clear silicone to the band area inside the cad to prevent water infiltration via wicking action from the bands. Overall I'm pleased with the look and functionality - shouldn't have any fuel tank issues in the future (I hope). And BTW - remove the operators seat as you'll need the added space for banding functions.

 

[AWSubie]

Wow! Nicely done, looks great!

 

[MoKelly]

What a journey. I am glad it finally went your way.

MoKelly

 

[fried1765]

So a quick update - after careful consideration I decided to not attach the tank to a mounting bracket. After measuring and reviewing the area it simply didn't make much sense. It would have caused the tank to set out 1/2" to 1" from the back wall of the tractor cab which would have caused alignment issues with the upper metal cover. I decided to mount the tank to the back wall of the tractor using straps. You may be asking - why not use the bolts and simply bolt it back into place. The bolts is what caused the issue in the first place - every single tank mount insert cracked the tank. I didn't want to chance another cracked tank. So on to the install; I used stainless steel bands, heat shrink and stainless steel securing clamps. I mounted the tank to get an idea of how long to cut the heat shrink and stainless steel bands. The heat shrink is used to cover the stainless steel bands on the outside of the tractor. I wanted something that wasn't readily noticeable and provide some limited protection to the tank thus the black heat shrink. At the same time I also marked the back wall of the tractor as to where I would cut slits for the stainless steel bands ingress into the cab. Once I had marked the back wall (measured and triple checked) I cut four small slits in the back of the tractor cab using an air die grinder. I then fed the straps through the heat shrink (marked the bands as to where the heat shrink should rest as to not have too much heat shrink). I then fed the bands through slits and around the tank. I went inside the cab and used the banding tool to tighten the straps. The clips were the hardest part as the clips are designed for a pole (round structure). I had to use pliers to bend the ends of the clips to hold the straps in place (didn't want to hammer on the tractor back wall as to prevent damage). Note: use something under the clips when bending the ends to prevent paint damage - I used thick cardboard. I finished the project by applying a little clear silicone to the band area inside the cad to prevent water infiltration via wicking action from the bands. Overall I'm pleased with the look and functionality - shouldn't have any fuel tank issues in the future (I hope). And BTW - remove the operators seat as you'll need the added space for banding functions.

View attachment 686063View attachment 686064

EXCELLENT......looks very professional!

 

[Chrisb009]

Wow! Nicely done, looks great!

Thank you..simply put some thought into the project and take the time to do a reasonable job.

-Chris

 

[Reb954]

Looks good but I do have a question. Are the straps the only thing holding up the tank or is there something else under it?

 

[Chrisb009]

Looks good but I do have a question. Are the straps the only thing holding up the tank or is there something else under it?

So there are three brackets under the tank (two on each side and one in the middle) however due to the molding of the tank only two actually make contact and the third (left side) is approximately 1/2” from touching. The tank is a tight fit, it’s wide at the top and narrow at the bottom creating a “V” of sorts, so it doesn’t require much support. I did take this into consideration before deciding on strapping the tank. I wanted to ensure the tank was fully supported and not left dangling by the straps alone. The straps I chose are capable of over 800pds each however straps alone to support the tank wouldn’t be my choice.

-Chris

 

[Chrisb009]

EXCELLENT......looks very professional!

Thank you...one trait my Father instilled was to do a job quick and professional. It痴 the same principal I apply every day.

-Chris

 

[Chrisb009]

What a journey. I am glad it finally went your way.

MoKelly

Was very happy when the tank showed up at the door Saturday evening.

-Chris

 

[Chrisb009]

BTW...the dealership really came through...very happy with the owner and parts folks. Can’t ask for a better outcome.

-Chris

 

[fried1765]

Thank you...one trait my Father instilled was to do a job quick and professional. Itç—´ the same principal I apply every day.

-Chris

I can certainly relate to that!
My father was a professional wood carver from Germany, who worked extensively on the organ case in St. Patrick's Cathedral.

 

[Chrisb009]

I can certainly relate to that!
My father was a professional wood carver from Germany, who worked extensively on the organ case in St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Oh my goodness - that is absolutely cool! Requires a tremendous amount of talent to be a wood carver. My father is a Journeyman Cabinet maker and house builder. As a child and teen I worked on construction sites and learned the basics of work ethics.

-Chris

 

[Molalla1]

You have done a great retrofit . . . and you did not make a mistake .

 

[claggstractors]

Been a while since I have been on here but hope this helps you some what. This is the service bulletin from TYM that covers your model and problem.View attachment tym-sb20-024-change-of-the-way-to-assemble-fuel-tank.pdf

 

[rademamj1]

Wow...been along time I not see this thread, and just want to say to Chris: Very Nicely Done. Your new fuel tank and mounting approach definitely removes any stress on the tank. Love the heat shrink wrapping on the steel straps. Everything looks OEM.

 

[CoThG]

Recently purchased a Mahindra 2645. It痴 a new 2019 model. I picked it up a little more than three weeks ago from a dealer in Alabama. I filled it up around two weeks back. A few days later I could smell diesel fuel. It looked as if it may have been leaking around the main fuel line existing the bottom of the fuel tank. I tightened it up. A few days later I noticed it was still leaking so I removed the top cover off the back of the cab and looked at the return line. The area was dry. I removed the six cab bolts which attaches the fuel tank to the tractor and found every tank insert has cracked the tank and has caused it to leak at four attachment points. I called the selling dealer who suggested I call my local dealer. I called the local dealer and found out this tank has no ETA and there are zero in the supply chain. Did I make a mistake in purchasing Mahindra? Should I take it back to the selling dealer and request a full refund? Should I take legal action against the selling dealer and Mahindra? Appreciate any insight.

Thanks,

Chris

Mahindras have a history of fuel leaks. I'd have the dealer buy it back from you at full price. If not, I'd sue them. Then go buy a Kubota and enjoy trouble free tractoring.