RTV-Leaking fuel cap

pangadotcom · Aug 21, 2004

I filled my RTV yesterday and have had to see drooling fuel coming from the gas cap... I removed it, look at it made sure there was a gasket and replaced... I turned until tight but then it slipped loose like eating the thread. I removed it inspected the thread which was not stripped... retightened but this time until just before it will slip. I rock the RTV from side to side and sure enough it leaks... faulty cap??? Please advise guys.... it's driving me crazy.

flyingn · Aug 21, 2004

yea sounds like a bad cap to me..

Frank

lloyd123 · Aug 21, 2004

I've had the same problem but found it was just a matter of the cap being very finicky about being thread on properly. It's a very wide cap. I place the cap on and then turn it slowly backwards and then forward until it feels like it has started correctly. It's been sealing good since I've been doing this. Not something that I have to do very often since it's uses so little fuel.

It had dripped some diesel fuel on the side panel one time it wasn't tread on right and left some stains. I found that a vinyl cleaner fixed up this mess.

Dargo · Aug 21, 2004

I'd say that you likely have a bad cap. I like the large cap and it is easy to get my paws around it to get it off. The first time I took it off to fill it, it was really tight. I didn't put it back on nearly as tight, and it has not leaked any. Since I have my own fuel tank in my barn, I fill it any time it gets down close to 1/2 tank. I've never had a problem. As a matter of fact, I wish Kubota would have used a larger cap on the L4310HSTC tractor I have. It has a small diameter metal cap that is a real bugger to get off. I have to use some thick leather gloves or it will rip your skin off when you try to remove it. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Zeus · Aug 21, 2004

Had the same thing happen to mine. I replaced the cap but it will still do what you talking about with overtightening it. What was driving me crazy was when I would carry it on the trailer, it would blow diesel all down the side of the RTV and the trailer. I found that if the tank was not filled up to the brim and tightening the cap until just before it would let go, I haven't had anymore problems. I think that overfilling the tank was my biggest problem. You may want to go and get a new cap from the dealer though just to start from scratch again. GS

Ricochet · Aug 24, 2004

Yeah, try getting a new cap and if that doesn't work...maybe the fuel tank threads are bad.

Badgerkid · Dec 29, 2005

I'm taking mine in next week to replace the diesel tank. The dealer said they have replaced 3 tanks recently and it solved the problem. A friend has the same problem and his dealer (different dealer) told him the same thing.
His RTV (camo) is about 9 months old and mine (worksite) is only 2 months old. Problem was always there for us both.

Rick_Taylor · Dec 30, 2005

My RTV has been leaking fuel from the cap almost from day 1. It never was TOO big a problem so I just let it go. It wasn't worth loading it up for a trip to the dealer just for that. A few weeks ago I had it in getting the drive shaft rattle fixed and mentioned it then. Dealer wasn't sure about fix but said he'd find out. Yesterday I found out! He said they (large multi-store dealership) had replaced several fuel tanks because of this problem. Seems the threads were boogered slightly, preventing a seal. Mine could be fixed, but since it was out of warranty I'd have to pay for it up front then wait for Kubota to reimburse dealer. Whatever they got back from Kubota would be returned to me. This was called a 'policy adjust'. This wasn't too bad until I inquired about cost upfront. The fuel tank is about $170, and he was figuring 2 hrs labor. Bottom line, close to $300. WOW! I asked why he jumped on the tank being the problem instead of the cap. Reply was that was what had fixed the previous problems. I expect I will at least try the cap before I jump off into the whole tank replacement. Let this be a lesson to those still in warranty. Get those little problems fixed before you face a $300 bill.

Badgerkid · Jan 1, 2006

I also have a small BX25 tractor. The fuel cap looks identical as the one on the RTV. I tried it and the cap still leaked. The reason given to me was not bad threads but a manufacturing fault.
Too bad you didn't get in under the warrantee.

Badgerkid · Jan 6, 2006

The dealer replaced the diesel tank and cap and the leak stopped. A second gasket was added so fewer turns are required to seat the cap. It works now.