Oil & Fuel Fuel Tank Question

[grfok]

Has anybody ever had any problems with their fuel tank?
My tractor ever since it was new has had periodic fuel starvation problems. Finally about a year ago I figured it out ... it is a coating (blue like saran wrap) on the steel used to make the tank that is releasing and clogging my fuel strainer.
I'm going to pull the tank this winter and clean it out best I can, I am just curious if anyone ever had a problem like this with any of the Mahindras... I can't believe this coating was left on purpose... probably a friday when QC wasn't watching... Oh well just curious. Other than this issue it's been a great tractor for me 75 hours so far.

 

[Cami]

Can't you find recourse with the dealer? This is the manufacturer's fault, not yours.

I don't know your tractor but for scrubbing steel tanks I pull it off the machine, put a little fuel in along with a length of chain, plug any openings, then roll it around...and around...and around.

I certainly wouldn't want to take on that plastic film. If a customer came to me with this, I would look into the cost of a new tank, or maybe suggest fitting the biggest serviceable primary filter/separator that would fit.

Well, I've hidden from the cold long enough...back to work again!

 

[civesnedfield]

Has anybody ever had any problems with their fuel tank?
My tractor ever since it was new has had periodic fuel starvation problems. Finally about a year ago I figured it out ... it is a coating (blue like saran wrap) on the steel used to make the tank that is releasing and clogging my fuel strainer.
I'm going to pull the tank this winter and clean it out best I can, I am just curious if anyone ever had a problem like this with any of the Mahindras... I can't believe this coating was left on purpose... probably a friday when QC wasn't watching... Oh well just curious. Other than this issue it's been a great tractor for me 75 hours so far.

Now that you mention it. I have had the same type of fuel starvation problems. The main problem is that the stuff never gets to the filters, it clogs the strainer on the fuel pick up in the tank. I have yet to pull the tank but it might just be the next step.

 

[grfok]

Well lets just say Mahindra has fantastic tractors... not so fantastic dealer service. I wouldn't let my dealers service mechanics work on my sons erector set... they scare me. VERY inexperienced mechanics (I use the term loosely) .
The main reason for my post was just to see if anyone else has had this annoying problem As far as cleaning you must chemically clean it due to baffles in the tank . I will most likely mix a strong caustic soda soulution and boil it out... Since the film is loose it should loosen the rest.
Since misery loves company I'm glad to see I wasn't alone, yes it clogs my fuel petcock strainer first and I make a mess every time I need to drain, clean the tank. That's why this winter I'm taking the tank out and really going to spend some time on it.

Thanks all for the great ideas here
Merry Christmas!!

 

[Farmerboy]

grfok,

I haven't had any problems with mine - 250 hours and running strong. But you've really piqued my curiosity...I'm curious to know where / how you will get your hands on caustic soda - should I (or anyone else) develop a similar problem. Also, aren't you concerned about affixiating yourself, mixing caustic soda with gasoline, or even the post-use disposal issue?

I've got to agree with the earlier post. This is clearly a workmanship and materials issue. If you've got the tank off, why not simply take it to the dealer and get a new one - you don't have to let them (the dealer) work on it, just simply exchange the hardware. Then you won't have to worry about all the chemical issues.

It's your baby, so good luck! Let us know the lessons learned and overall success if you do decide to do a chemical clean.

 

[biggerten]

grfok,

I haven't had any problems with mine - 250 hours and running strong. But you've really piqued my curiosity...I'm curious to know where / how you will get your hands on caustic soda - should I (or anyone else) develop a similar problem. Also, aren't you concerned about affixiating yourself, mixing caustic soda with gasoline, or even the post-use disposal issue?

I've got to agree with the earlier post. This is clearly a workmanship and materials issue. If you've got the tank off, why not simply take it to the dealer and get a new one - you don't have to let them (the dealer) work on it, just simply exchange the hardware. Then you won't have to worry about all the chemical issues.

It's your baby, so good luck! Let us know the lessons learned and overall success if you do decide to do a chemical clean.

Caustic soda = sodium hydroxide = lye.

 

[Sam V]

grfok,
I did know a guy in Arizona about 2 years ago that had a problem with fuel clogging on a new 4510 (if I remember right). He notified the dealer who picked up the tractor, serviced it and returned it at no charge and he never had that issue again. Thats one of the reasons that I bought a Mahindra. I don't know if it was the same problem you are having but sounds possible.

Good luck.

 

[grfok]

My intent is to take it to a radiator shop (EMPTY!!) and have them boil it out..
Then flush many times... inspect interior with a borescope / mirrors and repeat as nessesary. As I said before 'd rather do it myself so I know what I'm dealing with... the dealer may or may not fix it right. A new tank might develop the same problem. I really like my tractor but I intend on doing ALL the service myself that's why I bought the 3525 it's a very simple tractor.
My intent again was just to see if I was alone but it sounds like a sporatic QC issue with the fuel tank supplier.

 

[EFC]

Well lets just say Mahindra has fantastic tractors... not so fantastic dealer service.

Is it at all possible, and I know this is a stretch, that YOUR dealer has poor service? And just maybe the few hundred remaining dealers you really dont have enough personal experience with, to say their service is anything at all?

Buck

 

[AchingBack]

Well lets just say Mahindra has fantastic tractors... not so fantastic dealer service. I wouldn't let my dealers service mechanics work on my sons erector set... they scare me. VERY inexperienced mechanics (I use the term loosely) .
The main reason for my post was just to see if anyone else has had this annoying problem As far as cleaning you must chemically clean it due to baffles in the tank . I will most likely mix a strong caustic soda soulution and boil it out... Since the film is loose it should loosen the rest.
Since misery loves company I'm glad to see I wasn't alone, yes it clogs my fuel petcock strainer first and I make a mess every time I need to drain, clean the tank. That's why this winter I'm taking the tank out and really going to spend some time on it.

Thanks all for the great ideas here
Merry Christmas!!

Mahindra has a school for mechanics. Have the ones at your dealer attended it?

 

[grfok]

Is it at all possible, and I know this is a stretch, that YOUR dealer has poor service? And just maybe the few hundred remaining dealers you really dont have enough personal experience with, to say their service is anything at all?

Buck

Touchy Touchy... ok MY dealer...

 

[coffeeman]

How much is a new fuel tank??

 

[EFC]

Touchy Touchy... ok MY dealer...

Absolutely touchy, I take comments about my service very seriously. Especially when it effects my livelihood which is what puts a roof over my family.

Buck

 

[Sundowner]

Mahindra did have a problem with some of their fuel tanks. The protective liner put in them to keep them from rusting came off of a few tanks. Talk to your dealer, or if he won't help call you areas service rep. I have had them agree to replace tanks . Even on units that were way out of warranty. They pay for the parts you pay labor.

 

[tractordriver]

The 3525 has no strainer in the tank. They plug up in the narrow shutoff valve at the bottom of the tank. Been through it many times with mine.

 

[DiskDoctr]

IIRC,

(From memory, so correct me if wrong) I believe it was Ford who had trouble a couple years ago with the liner of their fuel tanks sloughing off.

I don't know if it is related, but it may have been an industry problem at the time.

 

[xlr82v2]

247 hours on my 2007 3525, and no problems yet, knock on wood. When I put it away last night, it was in dire need of a refuel, so before I do that I'm going to look in there to see what's going on.

Will report back...