Plastic tanks

[leok3]

I have a B5100E with a plastic tank that has a brown discoloration to it so it is difficult to tell the fuel level. Is there a way to clean this?

Leo

 

[gktilton]

I have the same issue on my B7100 that I am currently paint. Considering painting it blue so it will look better if I can't clean it.

Any suggestions?

 

[300zx]

I am in the same boat with my B7100. I have read a few articles on different applications of these tanks, like motor cycles and other small engines. All have tried to clear them up with no success that I have found. I am in the process of adding a fuel level gauge to mine so I will know the fuel level with out having to lift the hood and removing the cap. I think when I paint the chassis, I will paint the tank also. If anybody paints theirs, let me know how it goes.

 

[kubotasam]

I don't know anything about cleaning or painting the plastic tanks. However I can tell you about how I solved the problem of not being able to tell how much fuel was in my B7100. I purchases a short length of clear plastic fuel line and a couple of brass T fittings. I cut one T into the bottom fuel line out of the tank and cut the other into the return line on the top of the tank. I ran the clear line from the bottom T up the side of the tank to the top T. I now have an easy way to see how much fuel is in the tank.

 

[Swamper]

I don't know anything about cleaning or painting the plastic tanks. However I can tell you about how I solved the problem of not being able to tell how much fuel was in my B7100. I purchases a short length of clear plastic fuel line and a couple of brass T fittings. I cut one T into the bottom fuel line out of the tank and cut the other into the return line on the top of the tank. I ran the clear line from the bottom T up the side of the tank to the top T. I now have an easy way to see how much fuel is in the tank.

Very clever, no cutting into the tank. Why didn't I think of that?

 

[Eric McCarthy]

I guess I'm just to lazy and cheap. I've always just cracked open the top and looked to see how much is in the tank. I get about 10 hours of run time on a single 5 gallon tank of fuel!

 

[gktilton]

I don't care about the fuel level, I just fill it at the end of a days work and I know I will be fine all the next time. Mine is just an eyesore and I am getting the rest of it looking pretty good. I figured I'd clean it if I can, if I can't it will get 3 coats of blue and be done.

 

[gktilton]

No seeing any thoughts on cleaning it up, so I will be removing mine this evening and getting it ready for a coat of paint. Bottom 2/3 shows with hood closed, any votes on color, I am thinking blue, but I have plenty of Orange as well. Opinions?

 

[stuart]

I would go with the blue. Mine is not quite ready for painting - I can still see the fuel level most of the time. Of course, I still have trouble remembering to look.

 

[Eric McCarthy]

How well does paint stick on plastic? I thought it just peels right off after a short time! Mybe look around on Google and see if you can find some sort of metal tank to stick on there.

 

[300zx]

How well does paint stick on plastic? I thought it just peels right off after a short time! Mybe look around on Google and see if you can find some sort of metal tank to stick on there.

There is a flexible paint (or some people call it dye) for vinyl dashes and bumper that might work. It must be an additive because I know Maco mixes their own Dupont paint for vinyl paint. They did a center console for my 86 Suburban and it worked out great. No peeling after 5 years, but I don't carry any diesel fuel in it! It may be worth asking them what it would be worth to paint a tank.

For anyone interested in trying to clean the tank, I don't think there is a solution. When I cut a hole in the top of my tank to add a fuel level sensor, it was yellowed all of the way through. The wall thickness was about 1/4". Here's some pictures:

 

[gktilton]

I was going to use a Krylon Fusion base coat, made to stick to plastic, and then add a plastic flex to the Kubota Blue to keep it from getting too brittle to accomodate the movement.

I have now decided that I am just going to leave it alone. My tractor is looking pretty and shiny now, but it will spend the rest of its time with me covered with Dirt and Compost. I don't think anyone will notice the yellowed tank.