John Deere 165 Hydro gas tank vent

[boltz]

Have a 1987 JD 165 hydro that I acquired. Bad fuel smell in shop when left overnight. Pulled seat and pan and found rotted hose from tank vent at top rear of tank(as viewed from sitting on seat) Vent hose had sections missing, but best I could tell it went over top of tank front of tank and then looped back to right rear of tank. From there nothing of hose remained. Looked at on line tech repair pdf manual for 130 160 165 175 and 180 models Section 30 05 4, page 48 and pictures of top of tank with vent hose did not show where hose terminates. Where does it go at opposite end of vent? Also have leak at fuel level sensor grommet. Filled tank to brim and fuel seeps out at grommet edge. Thought that maybe fuel migrating up through electrical terminal connector, but wiped really carefully with rag and it seems that fuel leaking around grommet edge at tank hole. No local JD dealer and nearest one, not had much luck with. Was wondering if anyone has had any luck with maybe soaking grommet in ATF to slightly swell it up ? To look at grommet it seems in pretty good shape and plastic sender is really tight when I push it down into grommet. Failing a repair, would anyone have a current part number for grommet? Thanks for your advice. Tried to attach pictures, hope they show up. (Screw in gas cap is temporary to stop gas smell, is there something that should be in that hole originally?)

 

[boltz]

Called JD dealer today and was told grommet for low level indicator light was no longer available , so will try to soak grommet over weekend and see what happens.

 

[boltz]

Well, soaked grommet and it seems to be keeping gas in tank and put new vent hose on and ran it down to right rear where I think maybe it ended originally. Lubed up release lever for hydro release ( to be able to freewheel hydro to push tractor around) and what a difference, much easier. Found belt idler bolt was just about ready to fall off while I had seat pan off, so heads up to you folks with same model. I wondered why idler bracket looked so crooked when I first looked down there. Belts were way off centre of pulleys. I originally thought bracket was bent. Mows better now. Will soon be time to park it for winter. Still need an answer whether or not gas cap is supposed to have hole in centre. I can't see why it needs it with vent tube? Blew thru vent and it is not plugged . Any one know about gas cap? :confused3: