854 Gas tank leak

[Coadster32 793]

My tank leaks. I honestly didn't get a chance to check it out. Is there a gasket in there or something. Easy job to fix? Looks like some sort of seem with screws. B)

[clintonnut 126]

Yes there is a gasket. Just be sure to give the screws a good soak in penetrating oil or else they will twist off easily.

Charlie

[sorekiwi 761]

There's a bunch of threads about repairing the 2 piece tanks Chris.

The gasket is still available from Toro for about $18. And as Charlie said be very gentle with those little 8-32's holding the thing together - they'll snap in a heartbeat.

[WH854 44]

P/N 4452 $22.47 at partstree

Chas

[Coadster32 793]

B) I'll order it up today. Thanks for the heads up on the screws. I'll be sure to spray them up good also. Chris.

[buckrancher 2,679]

chris

check out (brian's 854 complete rebuild) I repair the tank on my 854

[zanepetty 117]

I bought the gasket for my 753 but I've hear to seal it with gas tank sealer as well. What's the best kind to use? Thanks

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330]

I have one of the tank inserts that were used as a sort of recall for this problem. The problem with the smaller tank that fits into the larger tank is the size. is holds maybe 1/2 of what the original tank holds. 

[Coadster32 793]

That's pretty cool Steve. Didn't know that. Stinks about 1/2 the size though. Figure why couldn't they have made it almost to size, as the tank is split to put it in anyhow.   Again, prob. using what was laying around the shop back then I suppose.

 

(old thread...same problem).  Guess I didn't finish up on how I made out initially. Went together ok about 2 1/2 years ago. LOL   

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,031]

Service bulletin

 

Garry

[WheelHorse79 271]

I repaired the gas tank on my 854 when I restored it.  It was leaking so bad it ruined the Ammeter in the dash.  I took the bottom off the tank and bought a new gasket.  I resealed the gasket with a special Permatex gasket maker for gasoline exposure.  Once I put everything back together and painted the tank, I found that someone had overtightened one of the hood screws and ruptured the tank.  I believe this was the main leak that ruined the Ammeter.  So, I patched it with the Permatex and some JB weld made for aluminum.  Hopefully the repair will last a long time.  This tank design was a perennial problem for Wheel Horse, as evidenced by the service bulletin supplied in the above post.

[zanepetty 117]

I tried to order the gasket and they said it was no longer manufactured:( mine is leaking close to the hood screw. Should I buy I new tank?

[stevasaurus 22,701]

Check out Buckrancher's thread...I believe he used Yamaha Bond # 4.

Edited September 11, 2013 by stevasaurus

[zanepetty 117]

OK I'll look for it again. I didn't find it the first time. BTW mike pm'd me back!

[Coadster32 793]

I found a gasket the flea-bay...but yamabond#4 is the right stuff.

[dtallon 320]

I can't vouch for the yamabond, but here's how I finally got my 854 tank to seal.  The first time I made a gasket and installed it dry, then sealed it with Red-kote that I got at O'Reilly auto parts.  It still seeped near the hood screw on one side.  The second time, I smeared Red-kote on the gasket before I put it in, then coated the tank with it after I put it together.  Has held gas in it for two months now with no more seeping.  Hopefully, it stays that way.  

 

Dave

[zanepetty 117]

Thank you, Dave.

[Racinbob 11,036]

I used a liquid gas tank liner on my 854 years ago. It worked great. Unfortunately I don't have a clue as to the brand but there are quite a few out there.

[zanepetty 117]

The guy I bought the tractor from said it had a leak but he repaired it with one of these type liners and now after about a month it leaks again so he might have used a bad brand or who knows what:/

[Racinbob 11,036]

I don't think this is what I used but it looks promising. One of the reviews states that it puts Kreem products to shame. When I saw 'Kreem' the name rang a bell. I think that's what I used. I put several coats only around the bottom after getting the tank spotlessly clean. My 854 was a parade tractor and used it many years after sealing the tank and I never had a problem again.

 

 

• 

POR-15 Motorcycle Fuel Tank Repair Kit Item #13432 ZP Brand: POR15

[zanepetty 117]

OK awesome. Thanks alot! What should I soak my tank in to get the screws out? I know penetrating oil but is there a preferable kind?

[JimD 3,345]

PB Blaster works well.

[Racinbob 11,036]

I'll second that on the PB Blaster. Soak everything good with it and let it sit. Be patient. I'm talking possibly days. One example was on a 35 year old mower deck. The screws holding the belt covers wouldn't budge. One weekend I sprayed them and just let it sit for a week, spraying again everyday. The following weekend the screws came right out just as if they were brand new. Also, get that tank so clean you could eat out of it. Use a new gasket but don't put gasket sealer or cement on it. Let the liquid liner do it's job. A little Loc-Tite on the screws is a good idea.

Edited September 15, 2013 by Racinbob

[zanepetty 117]

OK thanks guys!