Leaking Gas Tank

Stampeder · Aug 26, 2007

The other day I was haying and as the diesel was running low in the tank I decided to head to the barn to fill up.
It was a usual day these days in Texas with the temp over the century mark.
Anyway as I was filling up I noticed that the diesel was coming out and creating a minor environmental disaster on the ground beneath the lower mounting bolts on the gas tank. A large bucket placed in timely fashion avoided any major problems.
However now I am faced with a problem with my 4940C, not to mention that I have half a hay field sitting there.
So, it was up on my neighbours trailer and the fifty mile hike down to Bullard Texas to the tractor hospital.
It turns out that this is not an uncommon failure. The owner of the dealership told me that he has replaced three tanks himself. The factory is out of stock and tanks and is air freighting a bunch in from Korea.
It seems that the tanks develop leaks in the plastic around the mounting bolts. I'm not sure if the temperature was a contributing factor or not but it poured out at a good rate.
My tractor is still under warranty so I'm not worried about the repair cost but the down time at this time is sure a big pain in the a&*.
While it's in the hospital it's getting a few other minor annoyances repaired, like a broken coffee cup holder.
Anyone else had this problem or heard of it.

Cheers.
Glenn.

Unclebuck257 · Aug 27, 2007

Glenn,

No problem like that here at all!!! My first thought was..God will getcha for threatening to tell my wife about the MP-3 player possibility!!! LMBO!!

NetworkMD · Aug 27, 2007

I wonder if it is an issue with rubbing or something around the mounting frame?

BRUSHTAMERS · Sep 18, 2007

Haven't seen any fuel leaks on mine, but may be developing an oil leak, will keep everyone informed. So far, so good, @625 HRS. I did destroy the boot for the remote valves while backing up, punched a Salmonberry stem about an inch through, about 3" from my right thigh, in 2 low. Didn't take a picture of the incident, but if anyone is interested, I had to cut the cane off with a handsaw, figuring to make a walking stick out of it, and could certainly take a picture of the torn boot. Sidey

blueriver · Oct 5, 2007

I too have the leak, and yes the factory still says they have no tanks. I found that the metal shield bolts have poor alignment. This caused pressure on the molded in nut in the tank, therefore the tank leaked around the nut. I removed the shield, bought a 2" rubber washer, a 1 and 1/2 " metal washer, with the fuel tank empty I placed JB weld then the rubber washer then the metal washer and used the bolt to hold in place. This is a temp fix until I get the tank. It is working, I really have to be carefull the metal shield is off.

Thanks.

NetworkMD · Oct 5, 2007

Thanks for the update Blueriver

I have a 5740 is there anything I should check to be proactive and prevent the issue from occuring?

blueriver · Oct 5, 2007

Not that I am aware of, when I took the shield off that is when I noticed the pressure against the bolt and the leak was revealed.

Thanks.

JimmyBean · Oct 7, 2008

blueriver said:
I too have the leak, and yes the factory still says they have no tanks. I found that the metal shield bolts have poor alignment. This caused pressure on the molded in nut in the tank, therefore the tank leaked around the nut. I removed the shield, bought a 2" rubber washer, a 1 and 1/2 " metal washer, with the fuel tank empty I placed JB weld then the rubber washer then the metal washer and used the bolt to hold in place. This is a temp fix until I get the tank. It is working, I really have to be carefull the metal shield is off.

Thanks.

Hi Blueriver, I have the 5740C tractor. It has been 3 1/2 years now. I wish I would have read your reply a little closer when you posted. I too have the leak at the front corner of the fuel tank. I noticed when removing the guard plate, that the holes are not spaced the same. I have had to grind the holes out to re-install. If I would have done this up front years ago, I would not have the problem now. I noticed a small crack at the molded in nut. Now for the question, does anyone know of a good fix for this? I tried putting some gasket sealant around the nut and it worked for a week or so. I think the fuel just disolved it or something. It only oozes and drips slowly. I would try a weld repair if someone can tell me the proper filler to use. I think if I just fill the hole where the nut is molded I would stop the leak. I can then make a bracket to hold the guard in place. Just for the record, what is the cost of a new tank? Just bothers me that the dealers did not get on top of this and do some p/m to avoid this mess later for their customers. I bought my tractor 3 years ago in May of 2005. Otherwise, I love this tractor. Please help me Maka or someone.....

Thanks,
Jim T.

gemini5362 · Oct 8, 2008

Stampeder said:
The other day I was haying and as the diesel was running low in the tank I decided to head to the barn to fill up.
It was a usual day these days in Texas with the temp over the century mark.
Anyway as I was filling up I noticed that the diesel was coming out and creating a minor environmental disaster on the ground beneath the lower mounting bolts on the gas tank. A large bucket placed in timely fashion avoided any major problems.
However now I am faced with a problem with my 4940C, not to mention that I have half a hay field sitting there.
So, it was up on my neighbours trailer and the fifty mile hike down to Bullard Texas to the tractor hospital.
It turns out that this is not an uncommon failure. The owner of the dealership told me that he has replaced three tanks himself. The factory is out of stock and tanks and is air freighting a bunch in from Korea.
It seems that the tanks develop leaks in the plastic around the mounting bolts. I'm not sure if the temperature was a contributing factor or not but it poured out at a good rate.
My tractor is still under warranty so I'm not worried about the repair cost but the down time at this time is sure a big pain in the a&*.
While it's in the hospital it's getting a few other minor annoyances repaired, like a broken coffee cup holder.
Anyone else had this problem or heard of it.

Cheers.
Glenn.

Walmart sells a cupholder in their Sporting good section for boats. It has a cupholder and small parts basket. The unit is held in place by a couple of small suction cups. I put mine on top of the fender in my cab and used the suction cups against the window to keep it from sliding around. This gives me a nice handy place for small items and is a great cupholder. I dont remember the price for sure but I think it was around 10.00

Unclebuck257 · Oct 10, 2008

JimmyBean,,

I'm running for public office here in this November's election, so I've been very busy, as you can imagine. I've been into my barn only and mostly to get sacks of feed daily and new political signs to go put up. My 5740C is parked in the back of the barn, out of the way of fed and signs.

I bought my 5740C in Feb 2005, and last used it approx 4 weeks ago due only to politicking. Before parking it in the barn, I filled up the diesel tank to the top. About 3 days ago, I went out and had to get something in the back half of the barn, so I turned on the set of lights for that area. As I walked along side the tractor, I noticed a large diesel spot on the cement floor, under the tractor, with a spot about 4 feet long and a foot and a half wide. I could smell diesel, but haven't had time to get into it yet. I think now I know what's going on.

I too am interested in any type of weld that might help seal the tank. I will try to get into this on Sunday when I have time. Any replies would help regarding a weld material that might help. This ISN'T right, IF Montana knew they had this problem, and I'm out of warranty anyway, by a long shot!