Fuel tank punctured

TS2017 · Sep 29, 2017

Been lurking here for awhile.

I bought an XR4145 this year. Recently, while cutting an extremely overgrown field a small cut tree stub managed to put a hole in fuel tank. The tree tore into the bottom of the tank on the outside corner in front of the left rear tire.

I ordered another tank from the dealer which cost $325, plus another $177 to ship it to me.

Now that I have the tank the replacement looks pretty simple. Looks to be 4 bolts, drop the old tank and install the new tank. Anything else i may need to know? Wondering if I'll need to prime the fuel line or anything. Anyone have any experience swapping the tank out? This is my first tractor and first repair, so I figured better safe than sorry.

Thanks for the help on this forum.

kthompson · Sep 29, 2017

Do not know your tractor but the following would hold true on any I think. Sounds like your current tank may be dry but if not first thing to drain into a proper tank. You may want to filter the fuel so safe to use it. Be sure you disconnect the lines on the tank before you drop the tank if possible if not be sure you have the tank so you can control the lowering of it to protect those lines. Inspect your new tank carefully including the inside. It may not need it but you may want to pour say a gallon for fuel in it and slosh it around and then discard it. Of course do the reverse on the installing the lines. Be sure you use thread sealant properly for the type of fittings you have, some use it and others do not. If your fittings do be sure you do not get it where it will end up on the lines or tank. I would suggest you keep wiggling the tank as you install and tighten the bolts so it is not mounted in a bind or twisted. Of course when you put fuel in it keep checking for leak and don't just fill the tank without looking. You will need to bleed the lines probably. It maybe you can crank up the tractor and if it does then run at fast idle and it may charge the lines and not need bleeding. You might need a friend to help depending on the the weight and awkwardness of the tank. Be sure you do have the mounts tight.

bruceatlam · Sep 29, 2017

There have been at least two "fuel tank" discussions here over the past several years. I'm sure that "Search" will bring them to you. Good advice above, but I believe that in your case, you have it about right. I doubt that you need to worry about priming. The fuel system recycles a high percentage of fuel back to tank.

Depending upon the damage to your original tank, you may want to consider one of the repair methods that you'll find in the prior threads. It could serve as a back up tank in case of future damage. JB Weld has worked well for me to repair leaking seams. If you have a large hole in your existing tank, then maybe it's just beyond any thought of repair.