ZG222A: Fuel leaking around fuel tank barbs for connecting fuel line

[KubotaHawg]

Leak isolated coming from the front barb/line connection of fuel line connecting front and rear lower portions of fuel tank—in front of and behind the left rear tire:

Removed fuel line from front and rear connections to fuel tank, line is intact:

Barbs are metal and are inserted into a rubber bushing that goes into the tank opening. The front rubber bushing is loose, can be pulled out of the tank about 1/4”, was leaking around the bushing.
Rear bushing was firm but in removing the rear line from the barb it wiggled a little and had a little leak from that one too.


Question is this: are these bushings/barbs replaceable or is there a method to fasten it if loose? Or does this require a complete tank replacement?
There are no replacement parts on Messicks diagram, although the barbs are visible on the tank diagram. The fuel line assembly is replaceable.

Thanks in advance for any input—I really hope it does not need a $477 fuel tank just because of a loose fuel line barb. If it is not replaceable I thought maybe a sealant or gasket maker to affix and seal it?

 

[KubotaHawg]

And yes the mower is filthy—it’s 18 yo boy wonder’s mower that he won’t take care of or clean until I ride his ass about it repeatedly. And yes he asks me to fix it when something breaks. And yes he’s at gf’s effen out of town vb game today while I am fixing the effen thing.
If you know—ya know…

 

[John T]

Barbs are metal and are inserted into a rubber bushing that goes into the tank opening.

. If it is not replaceable I thought maybe a sealant or gasket maker to affix and seal it?

Well that sure is a terrible design. I'm sure you are not the only one that had a leak.

no idea if they make a replacement bung .... (they really should)

I doubt you'll have any luck using a sealant.

You could probably use a rubber freeze plug to seal the hole(s)....

And then figure out how/where to put a hole in the top of the tank ... use a rubber grommet and drop a 5/16" or 3/8" hose down into the tank.

put yer thinkin cap on.

 

[whitetiger]

You could just pick up a couple of K2561-36350 bushings from your dealer, install them, and be done with it.

 

[#40Fan]

Easy fix. Put the bushings in first, then lube up the barbs and push them into the bushings.

 

[KubotaHawg]

Thanks @whitetiger — I’m glad those bushings are replaceable.

Dumb question: (try to) pull the barb from the old bushing first before popping the bushing out? Seems to me would be a lot easier/more flexible to get out without the rigid barb in place.

 

[KubotaHawg]

Nm—slipped out of the tank opening easily with pliers. Rubber is softer than HDPE dummy not going to damage the tank opening.

 

[#40Fan]

I'm sure you will, but make sure the barbs are clean before re-installing.