MT180D Fuel Leak, please help

[WNY Tony]

I need some help with a fuel leak I am experiencing...

I am getting 2-3 drops per day leaking down off this tractor. There is remnants of fuel on the bracket that the tank sits on, and then subsequently anywhere below that point. The fuel line coming off the tank to the sediment filter bowl is wet, as is the line from the filter to the injector. I wiped off the sediment bowl dry, and no fuel has re-collected onto this, which makes me think it is not the lines themselves, and they are only wet due to being below the tank.

So I started disassembling the dash and sheetmetal on top of and in front of the tank, and have hit a roadblock. I believe that I have all of the hardware out, and yet I cannot get the plate in front of the tank off. It will not get high enough to clear the tank where it forms the cap. It almost feels like it gets pinched between the block and the fuel tank. I am afraid I am going to break something if I pull any harder on this.

A couple questions here.

1. Is it ok for me to disconnect the fuel overflow line that feeds into the tank? I wasn't sure if disconnecting this and allowing air in there would cause issues with the engine.

2. Has anyone ever needed to get to the fuel tank on a Mitsubishi tractor like this one, and lend some advice?

3. If this were you, would you just live with this leak. It is not a huge issue, I just worry that it will get worse.

Any feedback / advise greatly appreciated!

 

[BillRodgers]

You won't create any problem disconnecting the overflow line. It won't introduce air to the system. I don't have any advice why the tank won't come off. However, I would bet that the leak is from the fuel supply line. It is probably cracked where it slips over the nipple on the tank. You can replace this line with a new one and since this WILL introduce air you might as well replace the one from the filter to the pump too. Then bleed the system, first at the filter, then at the pump. Bill - mitsubi****ractorparts.com 1-800-609-5110.