Fuel filler cap came off

[confederatemule]

On my Mahindra 5145 the fuel filler cap came off without being unscrewed. The part that the cap screws into came off with the cap, bringing the filter with it. The tank neck has threads in it but the part that goes there is smaller than the neck.
Has anyone had this happen to them? If so, how did you fix the problem?
I am gonna try to send pictures from my phone. I do internet from a desk top computer.
Thanks for any help.
Mule

 

[confederatemule]

I hope these Pictures help explain it.

 

[Seven Gables]

Looks like they simply put the wrong filter holder in the tank neck , too small and appears threads don’t match. Looks like you need to find the correct one and thread in. Mahindra dealer nearby?

 

[confederatemule]

Looks like they simply put the wrong filter holder in the tank neck , too small and appears threads don’t match. Looks like you need to find the correct one and thread in. Mahindra dealer nearby?

I have contacted the nearest dealer and he had no answers. My next call will be to the dealer 60 miles away.

 

[confederatemule]

Well, the second closest dealer has never heard of such a thing. The tank comes as one complete unit, assembled at the factory.

 

[flyerdan]

It looks like that was built so the screen can be easily removed for cleaning. It's a simple physics problem in that it took less effort to unscrew the whole assembly than just the filler cap. I'd put some thread locker on the screen threads and clean and lightly grease the filler cap threads so it comes off easier. Obviously use fingernail polish or non-permanent thread lock so it can be taken apart at a later time without damage.

 

[R Barger]

I hope these Pictures help explain it.

Looks as though the tabs on the screw in unit are designed to be bent into the notches on the tank after tightening.

 

[flyerdan]

^^^ I missed the tabs, that's obviously how it was designed to work.

 

[confederatemule]

Looks like they simply put the wrong filter holder in the tank neck , too small and appears threads don’t match. Looks like you need to find the correct one and thread in. Mahindra dealer nearby?

That is how it looks to me.

 

[confederatemule]

I am going to try to explain how the filler neck is set up on my 5145. The dealer, where I bought it in March of 2022, says they are all just like mine and they have never tried to repair one, they replace the tank.
The black plastic filler cap screws into and out of the metal filler neck. The tabs on the metal filler neck are, in fact, there to keep the metal filler neck from turning when the cap is screwed on or off. The filter screen fits into the metal filler neck. It appears that the metal filler neck will "screw" into the tank neck, but that is NOT how it works. The outside diameter of the metal filler neck is smaller than the inside diameter of the filler neck opening in the tank. The top flange, where the 4 tabs are, is shaped to "sit" on top of the rim of the tank neck opening. From the factory the metal filler neck is glued in place with the 4 tabs in corresponding slots provided for them in the outer part of the tank filler neck rim.

NOT QUALITY ENGINEERING!

From appearances the tank was designed to have a metal filler neck screwed into it and then the tabs on the metal filler neck pressed into the slots around the outside of the tank filler neck to keep it from screwing out when the plastic filler cap is removed. But mine is not put together this way.

 

[Seven Gables]

I’d re glue it back in with some GOOP adhesive, I use goop all the time, fantastic adhesive in a lot of applications. Same company makes another adhesive called 6000 that is even stronger but more difficult to pull apart if needed. I always clean parts to be glued with isopropyl alcohol before hand

 

[confederatemule]

Thanks for the adhesive brand suggestion. I will be trying to get some. As far a removing later, I can't think of a reason to ever remove it.

 

[Seven Gables]

Couple tips when using either goop or e6000 ; I’d pick a day to re glue it when you know you won’t need the tractor for a few days after, important to let it fully cure for a few days. Put some weight maybe 5-10 lbs on the inserted flange top. And lastly don’t try to wipe off the excess that squeezes out when it’s fresh. Just let the excess fully cure and dry then cut it free with a sharp knife and pull free