Oil & Fuel Best way to fill up CK35 diesel tank?

jelc · Jul 1, 2008

OK.... I already ran out of diesel on my freshly delivered CK35

I find it impossible to fill up the tank without spilling with a 5 gallon can and flexible spout, and I don't think getting a funnel will help much.

What is the best way to fill up? Hand pump? If so, what make/model do you use and where is the best place to buy such things?

JLC

mauistardog · Jul 1, 2008

I had the same problem on my ck30. I cut the bottom off a 32 oz gateraid bottle to use as a funnel. the threads on the top of the bottle screws in to the threads of the fuel tank pretty good.

aloha
joe

jelc · Jul 1, 2008

Ahhh.... a creative, and cheap, solution. I like it!

Thanks, JLC

Spider · Jul 1, 2008

I just use a funnel and fill from the Jerry Can. The main problem is deciding when the tank is full. Too used to filling the larger MF tractors from Jerry Cans and needing several to fill it up rather than one.

LBrown59 · Jul 1, 2008

jelc said:
OK.... I already ran out of diesel on my freshly delivered CK35

I find it impossible to fill up the tank without spilling with a 5 gallon can and flexible spout, and I don't think getting a funnel will help much.

What is the best way to fill up? Hand pump? If so, what make/model do you use and where is the best place to buy such things?

JLC

Sandtiger · Jul 1, 2008

mauistardog said:
I had the same problem on my ck30. I cut the bottom off a 32 oz gateraid bottle to use as a funnel. the threads on the top of the bottle screws in to the threads of the fuel tank pretty good.

aloha
joe

I echo the thanks. I spilt diesel everywhere from one of those @#*%$ yellow plastic cans. I finally took the spout off and poured it in using a funnel. I'll run out and buy some gatoraid tomorrow (this is on a DK35).

Thanks!

JoelD · Jul 1, 2008

Real nice photo of the your filling set up. I'll be over in an hour for a fill.

Highbeam · Jul 2, 2008

I have the solution that doesn't involve dirty messy funnels. I have three modern 5 gallon ventless cans for diesel. I have a barrel and crank pump but due to the teensy weensy fuel tanks on out tractors only allowing for a half day's work I need to refill during the day onsite away from my tank so I bring cans. Also I use the powerservice additive and don't want to treat the tank, trating the cans is superior for mixing and measurement.

The important trick is to stick your finger in the dang spout. If your finger isn't big enough then you've got to eat more meat. So it goes like this:

1) open high zoot chrome fuel door.
2) Remove cap and set on hood with threaded side up so you don't get it dirty.
3) Remove gas can cap and grab it with your right hand.
4) Step up onto the right side front tire and set knees against loader arm, set gas can on loader arm.
5) Jamb your adequately large finger in the fill spout, making a good seal.
6) Go to fill the tank and when all is aligned, remove your finger and let it pour.
7) Watch the tank fill while supporting the tank with your right hand and your body with your left hand on the loader support that runs across the dash.
8) If you find that you need to stop the flow before the can runs out, stick your finger back in the hole and tip it back.
9) Dismount your tractor, reainstall fill cap being sure to clean dirt from gasket seal.
10) Resist the urge to stick that finger in your ear, and instead wipe it on your leg, repeatedly "sniff" the finger at 30 minute intervals until the smell goes away.

These ventless cans are a little better about being plugged with your finger becuase you are also stopping air and creating a vacuum in the tank.

rd_macgregor · Jul 2, 2008

I have a DK45 and always dread the balancing act on the front tire while trying to put in fuel. In the past, I have used a big funnel which wedges into the filler opening, but I now do it in two steps. I have a cheap self-starting siphon (with an in-line plastic squeeze bulb) that will take about 95% of the fuel out of the can. For the last little bit, I put on the spout and pour it in...by then there is so little in the can that I can tilt it far enough to get the spout aimed into the tank without spilling.
Finally, I always put a full 20L can in when the gauge gets low (rather than trying to fill the tank right up to the top); I know I'll overflow/spill if I try to top it off, but I maybe somebody makes an automatic shutoff filler tube...?
I spent nearly $250 on fuel for my tractor, lawnmower and truck last Saturday! Aaaarrrgh!
BOB