An interesting approach to cleaning out your fuel tank. BX, but may apply to others

[Mark_BX25D]

I'm fighting the "grunge in the tank" battle, and found this.

This video is interesting, and I'd appreciate any input. I see some things I'd do differently, but the concept seems solid. Cut a hole in the top and get GOOD access to the grungy inside of the tank. 5 minute video.

I'm a bit leery of that RTV, though.

Annnnd I just posted that then found another along the same line, but he's got a link to a company that makes a plate.

Here's the link: https://fueltankparts.com/collections/cleanout-access-ports

They do include some lawyer's language:

it has come to our attention that many customers are utilizing this kit for a more economical repair to the Kubota BX series tractor tanks. You must be aware, we did not design this kit for this application, have not performed this repair ourselves. This kit may not be appropriate for this application it is 100% up to you, the customer, to determine if this kit and its components are appropriate. Our guarantee is only that we will ship the components as shown. We DO NOT GUARANTEE that you can create an appropriate seal in your application.

 

[Scm]

Thanks for this. I'll probably be doing this in the near future as my fuel gauge stopped working correctly a while ago. This is my style of "fix".

 

[whitetiger]

Thanks for this. I'll probably be doing this in the near future as my fuel gauge stopped working correctly a while ago. This is my style of "fix".

How would this plate help with the fuel level sender??

 

[Scm]

How would this plate help with the fuel level sender??

The guy in the first video basically said his fuel gauge sensor rusted and clogged his system

 

[Mark_BX25D]

You still have to remove the tank to replace the sender. This fix is for cleaning out the gunk.

My sender is still working. If I install this plate to clean things out, I will be hard-pressed to do the work needed to replace it when it finally quits. I can eyeball the tank and just keep fuel in it.

Hmmm. I wonder if I can install a sight gauge somewhere....

 

[Scm]

You still have to remove the tank to replace the sender.

That won't happen.
The key is to just not run out of diesel. Otherwise you have to take the lines of the injectors to prime the system.
Ask me how I know.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Use the additive to avoid the gunk. Am curious about how many hours you have on your tractor that did this? Or is it more time than actual use?

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I've never had to 'crack the lines', even after dropping the tank to properly clean it.
just followed the owners manual. Turn key on for 30 seconds, OFF for 30 seconds, turn key, get glowplugs hot, and start.

If there's 2 of you , you can pull the tank ,clean, reinstall in 3 hours. It's not that hard of a job. I did it myself, yes took a wee bit longer as I wasn't in a rush and made several trips to get the correct Metric wrenches and sockets.

 

[chim]

My generator underwent a similar operation last Fall - Post 23,313.

What did you do to or on your Kubota today?

With favourable dry weather I was able to finish the driveway part out to the road today and after cutting the grass my little G1900 was the first vehicle to drive out and into the driveway :giggle: If you look closely you can see the green tyre tracks :giggle: Looks great!

www.orangetractortalks.com

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

OP: nice find.

Luckily my stuff is bigger so dropping fuel tanks would be very feasible.

Bio diesel in low use machines is one of the most talked about maintenance items we hear about in our coffee shop.

In the old days (high sulpher / no bio) we never had these problems. Now days we simply have to take much much much more care.

I for one never used and thought additives were snake oil. Since ULS and bio entered our worlds I have done a complete 360. All low use tanks get biocides now. (begrudgingly)

Our fuel supplier posts a notice on their front counter that says something like this: (I will take picture next time im there). This is sorta what I can remember right now. I'm going to take a picture of it next time i'm in.


- Our bio diesel is of highest quality and safe for all diesel engines
- If you are buying bio diesel be warned that shelf life maybe less than 60 days before fuel oxidization will start, it attracts moisture more quickly, and microbial growth must be carefully managed.
- In some instances you can expect usability to become poor after as little as 14 days.
- If you are not storing in a dark, cool and dry environment you must take care sooner.
- Oxidation can be damaging on significant portions of your fuel system
- You have been warned to take care given your specific situation.

 

[William1]

I have (hopefully had) gunk, algae as the tractor was in a three sided tank for ten years, humidity was awful. Filter near the tank clogged three times and now I have a remote filter (no more crawling under, clamping lines, ect).I'd used a strong dose of biocide and hope I was just getting the bodies out and no more algae forming. Tractor is in a dry building now.
I'm considering draining the tank, running through a filter and fill, drain, filter again. Maybe.While I have a couple of hoists to use to life the ROPS off, I'd really not like to do the work. Its' not as fun as it was 30 years ago.

 

[Scm]

I have done a complete 360.

you went 180?
if you went 360, you changed nothing

 

[Scm]

Use the additive to avoid the gunk. Am curious about how many hours you have on your tractor that did this? Or is it more time than actual use?

I have 860 ish hours. fuel gauge has been acting funny for a couple hundred now. I have not had to clean the tank.... yet

 

[GreensvilleJay]

It's not that hard to get to the tank, did it myself at 68,67 ?
remove rops 3 pieces, awkward but doable
remove seat 1 clip,dang awkward and heavy
remove fender pan, yup, awkward but can be done
there..tank is visible !

 

[Mark_BX25D]

The key is to just not run out of diesel.

That doesn't stop algae growth.

 

[Scm]

That doesn't stop algae growth.

I was referring to the sender that I wont be replacing.

 

[Bearcatrp]

So, is this from bad fuel or nature of the beast? I always put my additives in year round without issues.

 

[Joe.G]

I use the Boyd welding clean out, I had it installed and tank cleaned in under an HR. The sender is rusty on mine and plugged the outlet. Next time I am in there I will clean the sender better and it has stopped working again.