Short Run of 'Different' PT-425

[catsco]

Short Run of \'Different\' PT-425

I am approaching 100 hours on my PT-425, and find that everything has worked well, but wondered it anyone has any concerns about the odd change for one production run.

The welded steel fuel tank is a part of the engine cover, and the muffler (with an insulating jacket) is between the battery and engine. All pumps are lined up in on one end of the engine toward the front. Might be easier for maintenance of pumps.

When I purchased it, after only seeing pictures on the website, I was irritated that the tractor did not resemble the ones in the pictures!

From seeing pictures of newer ones (mine was shipped this Spring), PT seems to have gone back to the plastic fuel tank and a muffler location that makes more sense, and actually sends exhaust out of the engine enclosure.

I'm concerned about this as when I opened the cover to refuel (as has been suggested by others with this model to avoid spilling fuel on the engine) and removed the cap, I was greeted by a geyser of boiling gasoline that sprayed over 10 feet behind the PT! I've mentioned in previous posts that the fuel boils because of engine heat, the solar gain of the black tank, and our nearly 8,000 altitude at a temp of about 120 degrees, which is easily reached with this configuration.

Any thoughts, ideas, or comments?

Thanks!

Mark H.

 

[MossRoad]

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

Yeowch! That sounds dangerous. Is there any way the fuel tank can be fitted with a gauge so that you know when and when not to open the tank? That would seem the safest, least expensive thing to do at this point. Have you told Power Trac about this situation? Just to have it on record and to let them know this appears very dangerous.

Also, look into the white paint the FOURTEEN used on his engine cover. It will lessen the solar gain. Perhaps there needs to be a heat sheild between the tank and the engine. Sometimes all it takes is one thing sheet of steel to direct the heat away from the tank. My in-laws had a wood burning stove inserted into their fireplace. The wood mantle almost ignited due to the heat. They had one thin sheet of steel put at a slight angle over the stove and that's all it took to re-direct the heat away from the mantle. It was cool to the touch. Hope this helps. Keep us informed as to what your plan of action is.

 

[MuncyBob]

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

On my 422 there is a steel heat shield between the plastic gas tank and the remainder of the engine compartment. I don't know what would happen if I was to open the gas tank when the engine is very hot since I normally top off the gas tank before starting up...a full tank will give me around 3 hours of constant running at full throttle which is usually enough time for me to finish whatever I'm doing...or at the very least is about time for me and the PT to take a break and cool off.

 

[NJBill]

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

I was concerned about the hydraulic oil temp, so I bypassed the temp switch on the cooler, installed a toggle switch in line to be on any time the engine is running, and created the pictured heat shield from a piece of aluminium I had left from another project.
I did not see the sense in pulling engine heat onto the oil cooler. At a later date I will install an engine temp gauge. maybe this could solve your dilemna. Bill

 

[NJBill]

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

here's pic #2

 

[toolz_not_toyz]

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

Quite honestly, if it was me and I had received this design iteration (which I continue to think is fundamentally stupid) I would make them take it back. It's really just an accident waiting to happen and I just can't understand what they were thinking when they did this. While a heat shield may partially correct the problem it will never fix the fact that fuel can spill onto the hot engine.

Question: How are they venting the gas tank?

 

[FOURTEEN]

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

I have the same model PT-425.

Refuel when the engine is cold, if at all possible!!

If you insist upon refueling hot with the cover open, OK, but vent the tank first with the cover closed by slowly opening and closing the cap!

As discussed at length in an earlier post, using a large funnel with a large opening, and only filling the tank to within 2 - 3" of the neck eliminates 99% of these perceived dangers! How to fill the tank with the cover open, prevent over or under filling, and not spill is beyond my capabilities!!

If a large amount of fuel is spilled while refueling with the cover closed, it runs down the sides of the cover several inches away from the engine and muffler, not onto the engine like a rotary lawnmower with a top tank!! A small spill will often completely vaporize on the warm cover! You could also place a rag on top of the cover to catch spills!



I have been considering putting dual exhaust on my PT-425 with only 2 short pipes under the cover. With that big insulated muffler out of the way, I may be able to install a firewall with the engine on one side, and the fuel tank, battery, and hydraulic cooler on the other! However, I have so many projects that must be completed before Fall that redesigning the exhaust system and engine compartment will have to wait! Stay tuned!!

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[duane]

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

Bill,

Nice looking job. Do you have any results of whether the hydraulic oil is running at a lower temperature.

Duane

 

[FOURTEEN]

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

"" I would make them take it back. ""

Please provide detailed instructions on how to do this!!


"" I just can't understand what they were thinking when they did this. ""

Maybe that it would be safer than having a large PLASTIC jug of gas under the cover next to the engine and battery!! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Like having a Molotov Cocktail under your hood!!
If a fire occurred at the steel tank opening with the cover closed nearly all of the heat and flame would be above the PT with nothing to support the fire but the gas at the opening!
With the plastic tank, a fire could melt or burn the tank itself releasing several gallons of gas into and under the PT!!

"" How are they venting the gas tank? ""

It vents when pressure inside builds up. When the engine is shut off hot, you can hear the cap hissing for several minutes.



Perhaps the fuel tank could be mounted in the front tub with just a fuel line running back to the engine in the rear tub???? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
I don't know the reasons for PT's flip-flop on design, but I'll gladly stick with the steel tank!! PT sells replacement parts, and an unhappy owner has the option to buy and install whichever design he prefers!!!!

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[pajoube]

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

I have the same model as you and Fourteen.
I have never had a problem fueling for these reasons.
- never fuel with cover up (how would you do this?)
- fuel with funnel
- fill only to 3 inches from top
I have been very surprised regarding comments from others that they have had problems.
PJ