Oil & Fuel Fuel Cap Leak Branson 4020

[BTDT]

Does the fuel tank have a vent on it? It appears to me that sitting on slope, fuel covers filler neck and air and fuel expansion in tank builds pressure and force fuel out cap. See attatchment. Maybe try venting tank on top by installing small rubber tubing (like fuel line on chainsaw). Just a thought.

 

[ronT]

BTDT,

You are correct about pressure building up. There are 2 tank vents(I think they are vents-white cylinder shaped) located under the seat area. Pic attached.

Shortly after I first bought the tractor on a warm day with the sun shining on it, fuel would leak out of one of these vents. This was with the tractor cold not running. I had to loosen the fuel cap to relieve the pressure and then it would stop leaking. I haven't used the tractor much this past summer dealing with a family member dying from lung cancer. Now in the fall using it a little more and no more leaks from the vent but it leaks from the cap if I'm on the slightest downgrade. Most of my property is sloped so lost a considerable amount of fuel. I should pull off the lines leading to the white plastic vents and test it then to see if it leaks. Maybe they are plugged.

Happy Holidays all
Ron

 

[ronT]

Has anybody else that has a fuel cap leak ever corrected their problem?

I just started using my tractor again more often and with the price of fuel...can't afford to watch it leak out. Talked to my dealer about it a couple weeks back...he's never heard of the problem but will call Branson. I never heard back so I called Branson myself. Their response was that they know it can leak but nothing to correct it until a new design comes out. I suggested an extension on the fill tube. He agreed that would probably work but they have nothing.

I checked the big box stores plumbing to make up one but the thread design is different.

Will just have to keep it less than half full to use it or move to an area that has flat ground.

 

[mudcat]

Maybe you could use a rubber coupling to extend the filler neck strap it to the mud sheild and use a different cap.

 

[sndyknght]

I had exactly the same problem. The white fuel filter rides high in the filler tube. I had to get a flat screwdriver to get it deep enough into the tube so the cap closed properly, and did not leak

 

[ronT]

sndyknght good for you if that corrected your leak.

I already tried that with mine. I left the screen out once and also pushed it farther down the fill tube to the second lip which let the fuel cap screw down farther but still leaks. Just have to keep mine less than half full.

Good luck with yours.

 

[Willie G]

My filter resisted going inside the filler neck until I used a scuff pad to remove just a smidgen around the edges...now it fits down inside the neck and doesn't leak!

YMMV...of course.

 

[ronT]

I need to use my tractor and fill the tank. Since Branson would not give me the time of day on a fix for it, I came up with this temporary fix until I figure out something better. No leaks...so far it works.

The fuel screen also fits in it. Don't know if the fuel will eat it up or not, so how long it will last remains to be seen.

 

[jgreen]

I don't think my first attempt for input worked. I like your setup but some info for your setup. If the rubber coupler in your photo is from a building supply store for water/sewer, the hose is not compatible with fuel. The fuel will attack the hose softning and eventually turning the hose to a jelly like substance. I don't think you would want this in your fuel system. If you go to a auto parts/tractor supply store and ask for fuel tank filler hose of the correct diameter they will should be able to supply you the correct hose. It is sold by the inch is a little pricey but worth the cost. Be careful some of the lesser experienced parts people will try and sell you straight hose for a radiator/engine connection and it is not compatible with fuel. I cannot speak about the PVC part of your setup but maybe someone else can add some input. Oh yes, the filler cap on my 2810 also leaks! Good luck.

 

[ronT]

jgreen thanks for your input. The rubber coupler came from a Tractor supply store but not sure if it is compatible. I am going to check into it deeper before I put it to much use.

This problem seems to be more wide spread than previously thought and Branson really should address this issue, not sweep it under the rug.

Have a Great day.