5400 gas tank imploded

[mrlegoman]

My dad has a 5400 in which the gas tank has imploded. I'm guessing a bad vent or clogged vent line? Or does the vent only expel excess pressure? What would cause a vacuum so bad that it would implode the entire tank? Looking to replace the tank right now, but need to find the root cause first.

Found this old post that had some helpful links:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...1634-jd-5210-fuel-tank-under.html#post1961477

 

[beenthere]

:welcome: to TBN

 

[Wagtail]

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

As far as I know the vent on the cap is a one-way valve to allow air into the tank to equalise the pressure and allow the fuel to flow. One of the common suggestions for an engine being starved of fuel is to loosen the fuel cap.

Enjoy the site.

 

[ruffdog]

Maybe the tank nearly empty, hot, then, suddenly cooled by running water on it??????

 

[JD5210]

If you feel a tech manual would help on how to replace the tank. Take a look at selectmanuals.com ($29.95). You may want to replace the fuel lines at this time. Note the supply and return lines at least on my 5210 are different sizes. In case you do not already have it here is a link to JD parts. You may want to sign up, to get and compare prices with Philips and other deals.

I have had Philips charge more than what is list, but when I brought it to their attention, they lowered the price.

JDParts: Unsigned Landing Page

 

[bilrus61]

Take the fuel cap off and blow/suck on the center of the outside of the cap. If you can't get air to flow either way it's the fuel cap. Either try to fix it with washing it or pounding on it or have your dealer order you a new fuel cap. <~~~~~best idea really, diesel tastes awful............

 

[jd110]

The 5400 does not use a vented fuel cap. There is a vent on the rear of the tank behind the SMV sign(triangle). Remove the 2 screws holding the sign to access it. It is a plastic fitting pushed through a rubber grommet in the tank with a hose attached to it. The hose could be pinched shut or clogged with dirt. Parts 23, 24, and 26

 

[ruffdog]

good find jd110

 

[mrlegoman]

:welcome: to TBN

Thanks, I'm actually a long time lurker and first time poster. So far 99% of my questions have been answered with a few searches!

 

[mrlegoman]

Update to all: I worked on my dads machine and after taking the rear reflector off, the vent tube (#24 in jd110's pic) was missing. He had grass all caked up around the vent (#23). I cleaned the vent out and installed a new hose. So we're good for now. But the tank itself is ruined. I'm not sure whether to try to take the tank off and set it in the hot sun for a day to see if it will expand back into shape. Or just buy a new/used one off ebay. Do you guys think it would 'pop' back into shape if I drain the diesel out just enough and seal the tank up in the sun?