Fuel Tank Problem BX2350

Ken_O · Apr 17, 2012

The gas can spout popped off and fell into the fuel tank. The spout is plastic, about 3 inches long and 3/4 of an inch in diameter. I tried fishing it out with a coat hanger but can't see it. I did not realize how big the fuel tank was. Do you think it would a problem if I left the spout in the tank. I would hope it is somewhat impervious to diesel fuel but maybe it will eventually degrade/dissolve.

How much trouble is it to take the tank off? I assume you have to take the ROPS, fender and seat off to get to the tank. It looks like a daunting job, at least from the exploded parts view of the seat fender. Does the floor have to come off also? How do the lever handles/grips come off, there are no scews holding them on, do they just slide off?

This sounds like an all day job to me, with maybe a few parts left over when I am done. What do you recommend?

Thanks, for you help,
Ken...

mkfriel2 · Apr 17, 2012

Run your fuel level almost empty then you should be able to use a flashlight to see it and hook it out with your clothes hanger.

CHDinCT · Apr 17, 2012

mkfriel2 said:
Run your fuel level almost empty then you should be able to use a flashlight to see it and hook it out with your clothes hanger.

That and park it on a side hill with the tank opening on the down side. Worth a try before you go the dismantle route.

Ken_O · Apr 17, 2012

Those are good ideas. I wasn't sure I would be able to see that far down in the tank, but its worth a shot. I'll post an update when I try it.

Thanks

bcp · Apr 17, 2012

If you have difficulty hooking it, you can stick a loop of flexible wire through a foot or two of tubing and snare the spout.

Bruce

rsewill · Apr 17, 2012

The spout won't degrade. You'll be able to fish it out once your fuel level goes down.

NevadaMOGuy · Apr 17, 2012

Ken_O said:
The gas can spout popped off and fell into the fuel tank.

Do you think it would a problem if I left the spout in the tank.

First, stop using a gas can....:laughing:

That little plastic thingy isn't going plug up a fuel filter or anything. I'd just leave it be. :2cents:

LBrown59 · Apr 17, 2012

Ken_O said:
What do you recommend?
Ken...

NevadaMOGuy · Apr 18, 2012

I was trying to make a joke about you using a "gas" can. Lol.

I use a diesel can.

JOHNTHOMAS · Apr 18, 2012

Same thing happened on my BX25 the last time I filled up. It's a common problem and there are several of us that have that little nozzle in our fuel tanks today.
I "had" a flexible wire "thing" that has fingers that open when you push the button on the end. My brother also had one. Both came up missing so $7 at Sears got me another one. My Grandson saw it and wants it bad. May just let him have it because it's to short to snag the spout. My plan is to let my fuel level drop and park sideways on a hill then see if it floats toward the opening.
Like the wire through a flexible hose idea.
I won't be disassembling my tractor to get it out.
Over in one of the general forums there was/is a post where one man had his fuel tank worked on and found more than one nozzle in it and he didn't drop them in himself and he had owned the tractor for years, He was not the original buyer.
Short of taking anything apart, let US know how you get it out.

Ken_O · Apr 18, 2012

Thanks everyone for the advice. I will try running until the fuel is low, parking on a slope and trying to fish it out. Unfortunately I just filled the tank, so it will be a few weeks before it gets low enough to try it.

When the spout fell in, I saw it floating for about 5 seconds and I debated reaching in to grab it, and then it sunk. He who hesitates ....

magnatic · Apr 19, 2012

I think this is the tool that johnthomas wrote of. I find it handy in countless situations. Just push the plunger and the fingers extend from the flexible shaft to retrieve an object that would be otherwise difficult to reach.

JOHNTHOMAS · Apr 19, 2012

magnatic said:
I think this is the tool that johnthomas wrote of. I find it handy in countless situations. Just push the plunger and the fingers extend from the flexible shaft to retrieve an object that would be otherwise difficult to reach.

That's it. It can be handy and if it were longer or if mine were longer I think it would work if I could snag either end of the spout. The fingers on mine don't open very wide.

Bota Bum · Apr 19, 2012

Funny this comes up. Last Saturday I was filling up the BX when a label, maybe 3/4" X 2" fell off the can into the tank. It too sank out of sight. Last night, mowing, the tractor spit and died from fuel starvation. I got off, grabbed the ROPS and shook the begeevers out of the machine. She started back up and ran for another hour until I was done.

I am going to pull the fuel line below the filter this weekend and drain the tank then go fishing with the shop vac. Wish me luck!

Next move is a battery powered pump to fill the tank, rather than wrestling the can up and aiming for the hole. Thats another story.

Tollster · Apr 19, 2012

LBrown59 said:

Very nice set up, I recon you have agood supply of oil nearby,any trouble during the winter months?

RunninOnEmpty · Apr 19, 2012

I did the same thing on my CUT. I went to NAPA & bought the tool JohnThomas is referring to. With that tool, flashlight & some patience the nozzle will come out.