Short Run of 'Different' PT-425

toolz_not_toyz · Aug 20, 2004

Re: Short Run of \'Different\' PT-425

(

"" steel fuel tank is better than a plastic fuel tank ""

Actually a stronger case could be made against a plastic tank vented inside the engine compartment than against a steel tank vented to the outside air!

)

??? They're both vented to the outside air. The engine compartment is outside, isn't it?

(
The heavy steel tank in the cover is of such construction that it would most likely remain intact even if a tank explosion did somehow occur! )

Well, I'd like to see that experiment!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

( I highly doubt that Power Trac intended that the owner refuel with the cover open! I do not put my ATV up on its rear wheels and rear rack to fill its tank from the side! I have never seen a motorcycle laying on its side at the gas station while the rider fills the tank from the side rather than from the top! )

Clearly, you haven't been following this thread. You're obviously doing it wrong and need to consult the manual immediately! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

As for the funnel...I did break down and start using a funnel as discussed in another thread. But I'd really like to get one of those super duper spouts that was mentioned in this thread. The one I have has a twist on/off valve but it doesn't work properly with those useless (IMHO) self-venting (or is it non-venting?) Blitz gas cans they now sell all over the place. I much prefer my old steel Esso can circa 1972. Sigh.

FOURTEEN · Aug 20, 2004

Re: Short Run of \'Different\' PT-425

The venting cap for the steel tank is on the outside top of the engine cover outside the engine compartment.
The venting cap for the plastic tank and the plastic tank are under the engine cover inside the engine compartment.

Try it and report back!!
If the steel tank is full to the top with the cap off, igniting the gas would produce about a 2" x 2" flame that would burn like a large candle!

Where does Power Trac specify the correct refueling method????

The large funnel I use to refuel my steel tank PT-425 with its cover closed is 10" in diameter, and 7" tall, with a 1-1/2" narrowing to 3/4" exit tube 3" long. It fits snugly into the PT's tank, and my 6 gallon gas can can rest on its rim without moving it. When the gas in the tank rises enough to reach the bottom end of the exit tube, the in rushing gas begins to make a different sound, alerting me that the tank is nearly full.

Although filling the steel tank with a funnel with the cover closed may sound very difficult and complex, I am quite certain that anyone who has mastered tying his own shoe laces, with practice, should be able to handle the job without burning his house down!!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

toy · Aug 21, 2004

Re: Short Run of \'Different\' PT-425

I am glad that there was no harm done. I have never seen the condition that you are describing as far as the fuel boiling in the tank. Myself I would rather have the gas spew ten foot behind the pt than to have it spew out the topwith the cover closed. If I had your conditions I would remove the cap slowly to let some of the pressure escape. There is a difference of opinion on the forum as to the danger of gas and whether to fill up with the hood closed or opened so which ever way you choose to fill up be careful. I read on the forum not long ago about someone seeing a 425 in a repair shop that had caught onfire. According to my understanding he was filling it up with the hood closed and he overfilled it and it caught on fire and as discussed before how would you react in a situitation like that would you do the right thing or not. In the post that I read in a panic he decided to raise the hood wrong choice he had already overfilled it and by raising the hood he spilled the aproximate 3 inches of extra fuel out of it that had he filled it up with the hood raised he couldn't have gotten in it and with the fire already going well you can imagine. I think that the post said that his house burned up with it . When he started filling up I figure he felt real confident and safe and probably would have thought that raising the hood to fill up was a silly idea but during the ordeal he must have rethought the idea and tried to mix the two procedures and it won't work when you have already overfilled it with the hood down. I have a real healthy respect for gas I have seen what it can do, I had a friend burned up with it. Yea he lived but what a price he paid for it. He was on a fork lift and it overturned with him and he couldn't get loose from it. One of the idiots that came to help him had a cigirate and threw it down so he could help, he helped alright that was what ignited the gas. Now I know some of you are more skilled than I am because I know I am not above having an accident so I'll be diligent about safety and you can use gas as a flame thrower if you want. A person has to make up their own mind about things like that and take responsibility for their actions. I don't mean to scare any one off from buying a pt other machinery has dangers to what I am saying is when you plan your projects plan safety in with it. Now for the overfilling of the tank, with the hood down look at the top of the filler hole, if the machine is level you can fill the tank up even with the top of the filler hole. With the hood raised when you are filling it how can you fill it any farther than the bottom of the hole, it can't be done. Now I know the machines are different from model to model but my exhaust is in very close proximity to the opening in the tank when the hood is down.

toolz_not_toyz · Aug 21, 2004

Re: Short Run of \'Different\' PT-425

( Now for the overfilling of the tank, with the hood down look at the top of the filler hole, if the machine is level you can fill the tank up even with the top of the filler hole. With the hood raised when you are filling it how can you fill it any farther than the bottom of the hole, it can't be done. )

You probably shouldn't be filling the tank all the way to the top anyway because it is always wise to allow room for expansion.

Regarding the plastic tank... Perhaps they switched back so you can see easily see how much fuel you have. This is a feature my lawn tractor has...although it doesn't do any good for filling since they put the "window" in front of the seat where you can't see it while filling. Still, I just look to see when the gas gets to the bottom of the tip of the funnel.

I guess there's no easy way to tell, however, how much gas you have in the PT without either raising the engine compartment cover (plastic tank) or unscrewing the cap (steel tank).

smartguyz · Aug 21, 2004

Re: Short Run of \'Different\' PT-425

( I guess there's no easy way to tell, however, how much gas you have in the PT without either raising the engine compartment cover (plastic tank) or unscrewing the cap (steel tank).

)

Actually, one feature I love about my "older" PT425 (July 2003) is that the plastic tank is clearly visible simply by looking right through the steel grid on the engine cover. This is easy and safe to do when operating the machine. In fact, I often take a quick peek when I am backing up (I have a habit to always look behind before I go backwards - I saw a program about a kid who was run over by his dad going backwards on the tractor - still makes me very sad and cautious) and I grab a quick peek at the tank to check fuel level before backing up.

Just a quick correction - not wanting to start a flame war here.

Sincerely,

Rob /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

MossRoad · Aug 21, 2004

Re: Short Run of \'Different\' PT-425

Yeah, I can see the level in my plastic tank while sitting in the driver's seat as well.

I always top it off before I start using it. That gives me at least 4 hours of solid running at full throttle. By that time, I am ready for a sandwich and let the PT cool off before refueling.

toolz_not_toyz · Aug 23, 2004

Re: Short Run of \'Different\' PT-425

But isn't the engine cover on the more-recent PTs different? I thought they were solid now where the fuel tank lives. What you could do is cut a window into the engine cover, exposing the side of the fuel tank so you can see how full it is.