Fuel tank leaking

[Gary Fowler]

I just returned from a month in Wyoming and found my newly filled 25 gallon fuel tank empty. After putting in some fuel, I discovered that it appears to be leaking under the small metal "skid" plate at the front of the tank which is held to the plastic tank by 4 bolts into the plastic tank. This looks like a PP engineering job of placing a protective plate under the tank but bolting it into the plastic tank itself. I called the dealer and asked him to order a new tank for it.
My question is "Has anyone else had an issue with their fuel tank leaking? I know of lots of issues discussed right here on TBN with the LS manufactured Montana's fuel tank leaking and this seems to be an identical issue. I have lost about 30 gallons of fuel to this now not to mention the down time without a tractor that this is going to take to get a replacement tank.

 

[ozley]

You know I was under my U5030 and saw the screws in the plate I was hoping they were not into the tank. I'll kept my eye on that. Thanks for bring that up I am sorry my answer was your misfortune.

 

[toxicjeeper]

I was looking at my 5020 tank as well and decided i was gonna need top build a better skid plate before i even bought it.. I sure hope it holds up to i get some extra time this winter..crappy deal on your tank and i hope the dealer gets it fixed sooner rather than later for you..

 

[kpbeddin]

If someone has a chance, please post some pictures to illustrate where the problem area is on the fuel tank. I looked at mine and it was not obvious to me whether or not my model is susceptible to this type of failure. I had a fuel leak on my Kubota around the sending unit that ended up requiring a factory modification kit to better seat the sending unit gasket and maintain constant pressure, so I hope I am not going to have trouble with fuel leaks on this one since a leak on the bottom of the tank is a much bigger deal. Hopefully the dealers and LS will take care of this if it is a widespread problem.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I called the dealer and he is ordering a new tank. No word as yet on how long that is going to take to get one. I too am looking at what I need to do to make a stand alone skid plate that doesnt attach in any way to the fuel tank. Kind of stupid to put a metal plate under the tank for puncture protection and then bolt it into some flimsy bolt holes molded into the plastic tank. For you guys wondering where to look for this issue, just look at the front end of your fuel tank. If you see some bolts protruding from underneath the tank holding on a thin gauge metal plate, then you have the same issue. I think I saw something on this issue in the Montana forum several months ago where one guy had elected to build himself a metal tank after so many broken tanks.

 

[mwb]

If you see some bolts protruding from underneath the tank holding on a thin gauge metal plate, then you have the same issue. I think I saw something on this issue in the Montana forum several months ago where one guy had elected to build himself a metal tank after so many broken tanks.

Yep, I think it was on a Montana 5740; site search should bring it up. These are specific to the 5740 but it's probably the same tank as yours...

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/montana/106556-leaking-gas-tank.html

Possible steel tank replacement?
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/montana/147907-another-diesel-leak-my-5740s.html

 

[ozley]

Yep, I think it was on a Montana 5740; site search should bring it up. These are specific to the 5740 but it's probably the same tank as yours...

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/montana/106556-leaking-gas-tank.html

Possible steel tank replacement?
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/montana/147907-another-diesel-leak-my-5740s.html

All the post are from 3 to more years back I hope the would had change things by now.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I got a couple of photos of the tank on my tractor for those curious as to whether it affects their tank. NOTE the small steel plate on the bottom which is the primary cause of all the cracks and leaks.

 

[ozley]

My tank is a little different but the same screws. I can see if hitting the plate on something could stress were they are attached.

 

[trac]

LG- LS have had issues with tanks mounted under the hoods since 1999. Seems now, the tanks mounted under the cabs have similar issues. Tanks mounted behind the operator on compacts last alot longer. Hope the company-dealer will help you out.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Trac, you have the same issue. If it isnt leaking yet, it likely soon will be. Soon as my knee surgery heals a bit more, I'm going to take off my tank and do some mods to the support. May even be able to epoxy up those leaks for temporary fix. It could be months before a new tank gets here from Korea.

 

[stu@rcotractor.com]

Check with your local dealer, the problem is not new. We were shown a new updated mount at LS in February for the "P" series tractors. We had one leak on the U5030 too. The skid plate is mounted on metal studs with a plastic insert in the tank. One bump on the skid and it will leak. If you over tighten the nuts you can crack the tank with the insert. I've not seen an update for the "U" models yet.

 

[Gary Fowler]

So what is the new design that differs from the bolts going into the tank. Sounds like they still have the issue with breaking the tank if the skid is hit.

 

[stu@rcotractor.com]

So what is the new design that differs from the bolts going into the tank. Sounds like they still have the issue with breaking the tank if the skid is hit.

Gary,

The new mount is not attached to the tank but to the tractor. The plate is removed from the tank and goes on the new mount.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Now that would make more sense. A shame the Korean's couldnt think of that in the beginning. I guess I will call my dealer and ask him about that.

 

[houstonscott]

RCO called today to schedule the tank modification on the U5030, I guess they will be upgraded too. I have scheduled to do the modification during the 50hr service. It seems LS is committed to the customer and improving the design to eliminate issues. Very satisfied with RCO and LS's, GM could learn allot from this quick action.

HS

 

[Gary Fowler]

Well its been a week since the dealer faxed in the tank order. I called my dealer today to inquire on the status He still hasnt heard from LS on delivery time for the new tank. Luckily for me that I have another tractor to use in the meantime. I will post results whenever I get some news.

 

[I have no memory]

All tractors have breakdowns and some have design issues. My last AGCO tractor I had went through five revisions of it's electronic three point depth control wheel before they got it right. I have a New Holland now and it was in a fire and the dealer bought it from the insurance company and redid it. What they didn't replace had issues so they took it, (when I had time for it to go), and fixed it in just over a week. Electrical issues can be dicey but they diagnosed the issue ordered and put on several new parts within that time. That's the issue LS has to overcome. They need to have a parts warehouse in the US that can get parts to dealers over night if need be and within a week via freight. Guys having to wait months for dashes or weeks for fixes is not acceptable IMO.

 

[trac]

If a new update was shown to dealers, it's the responsibility of the selling dealer to replace the faulty component. The company makes that very clear to dealers upon sign up. Now, depending if this was a service campaign, or just a heads up. Seems like L.S. should of had tanks on hand, since they new of a problem. I realize L.S. is a new company in the US, but they have been around the block a few times. They do have some experience old time help here.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Well it it now going on 4 weeks now and still no word from LS on a new fuel tank. According to the dealer, he has checked with them but no estimate on delivery date. To top all this off, my other tractor starter quit on me. Now I am without a tractor at all. I guess I will try to get my Yanmar starter rebuilt and maybe that will go faster.