Fuel cap missing L3901

Roundround

New member

Equipment
L3901 HST
Aug 25, 2016
17
0
0
Beards town, IL
There seems to be quite a bit of crud in the tank. While it was open for a few weeks, I wondered if the access to light allowed the growth of fungus inside the tank.
 

SidecarFlip

Banned

Equipment
M9000HDCC3, M9000HD, Kubota GS850 Sidekick
Oct 28, 2018
7,197
554
83
USA
Fungus (algae) is funny stuff so it could be. Normally, diesel algae don't need light to grow.

I would, to be on the safe side, when done cleaning everything, add some Powerservice or applicable brand of bio-cide to your fuel. I use it all the time. Better safe than sorry. I had an algae issue with my diesel pickup that cost me over a grand to correct and I did all the work and replacement of parts, myself.

All for the sake of reduced emissions.
 

sheepfarmer

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3560, B2650, Gator, Ingersoll mower
Nov 14, 2014
4,449
677
113
MidMichigan
Probably the only alcohol that you can affordably get at 100% is methanol? Ethanol is good, it may have something added to make it non drinkable, eg lab alcohol. 200 proof. Anything less than100% will leave water behind when it evaporates. Typically requires a couple of changes to pick up all the water.
 

Roundround

New member

Equipment
L3901 HST
Aug 25, 2016
17
0
0
Beards town, IL
The tank is off, it was a bit of work to remove but I will feel better knowing it is cleaned properly. Can anyone tell me what the item circled in red is in the picture below?
 
Oct 8, 2014
623
5
16
oregon
I've got some gravel that needs weed killing so that's we're I think old fuel will go.
Don't pour it on the ground, it'll contaminate the water table. Burn it, recycle it or give it to someone with a waste oil heater. We have herbicides for weeds. Yes, they are petro based but designed to degrade.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

SidecarFlip

Banned

Equipment
M9000HDCC3, M9000HD, Kubota GS850 Sidekick
Oct 28, 2018
7,197
554
83
USA
DO NOT use acetone, yes it will melt the tank.

Use a little alcohol to rinse the remaining water out of the tank.
I wasn't sure, why I said to take a little on a rag and test the tank surface first. I have steel fuel tanks.
 

North Idaho Wolfman

Moderator
Staff member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
Jun 9, 2013
30,180
6,349
113
Sandpoint, ID
You might want to power wash it inside with Purple Zep or Purple power and then rinse it with acetone, not alcohol.
You might want to rethink your reply to me!
Nowhere in your first post does it say to test it, hence why the OP questioned you words of misguided wisdom. ;)
 

SidecarFlip

Banned

Equipment
M9000HDCC3, M9000HD, Kubota GS850 Sidekick
Oct 28, 2018
7,197
554
83
USA
Don't know. Take a small amount on a rag and rub it on the outside and see if it reacts with the tank material.
Post 20, I knew I posted it. Sometimes I think I did but didn't. This time however, I did.
 

North Idaho Wolfman

Moderator
Staff member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
Jun 9, 2013
30,180
6,349
113
Sandpoint, ID
Post 20, I knew I posted it. Sometimes I think I did but didn't. This time however, I did.
Yep LATER, after he questioned you, you said to test it.
LATER...like in later after he melted his tank and cost him some serious $$$ to replace the melted tank. :p
 

Roundround

New member

Equipment
L3901 HST
Aug 25, 2016
17
0
0
Beards town, IL
Thanks all for your help and input. I really do appreciate your time and wisdom.
On the possible miscommunication on acetone, don’t beat yourself up. It is my responsibility to make sure advice passes the sniff test. Any one who blindly follows internet advice is sure to have huge problems sooner or later. I’m the only one who has a mostly complete view of the problem. It is my responsibility to vet any and all suggestions. If someone doesn’t want to accept the risks you take to repair something yourself, take it to a professional. I choose to repair most things myself, I value the advice I receive here. But I don’t blindly follow it, nor should anyone else. Thanks again and hopefully this problem is solved.