308-8 fuel tank question

[Fivehorsetown 18]

Picked up this 308-8 for my girlfriend's son's first tractor today. I have an extra under the fender tank off a 310-8 that I'd like to put on it to use instead of the little 1 gallon on the engine. Has anyone done this and any advice? Thanks!

[kpinnc 18,099]

Personal opinion, I wouldn't change it. The 1 gallon tank is sufficient for the Magnum 8. 

 

Under the fender tanks are certainly larger, but you'll likely begin to see problems with longer crank times. This equates to shorter battery and starter life. 

 

Fuel tends to drain back down the longer line over just a few days and requires a few seconds to pull fuel all the way back to the carb during starting. You can add a fuel bulb primer if you go this route. 

[ebinmaine 78,607]

3 hours ago, kpinnc said:

I wouldn't change it.

 

I can see the logic there. Trina's tractors all sip fuel in comparison to my larger engines. 

 

6 hours ago, Fivehorsetown said:

under the fender tank

 

That engine mounted tank will still give you a strong couple hours run time. 

If changing that to five plus is a bonus then go for it. 

But I'd be cautious there. The larger tank could be more prone to allowing moisture to condense. 

Be sure to use non ethanol fuel.  

 

Personally,  if I did this changeover,  a primer bulb would be a minimum requirement... but I'd go to an electric fuel pump.  

 

 

 

@Fivehorsetown ....  does this mean you gotta change your username? 

[MainelyWheelhorse 2,488]

 

@Fivehorsetown I added an under seat tank to my 308-8. It seems to go longer between fill ups but will still pull from the small tank before it pulls from the larger tank. I’ve only run it out once with both tanks. I do have a shutoff to attempt to switch between the two but it still needs work. The U shaped piece will need to be changed over to one from a tractor with a tank as the 308’s isn’t set up for it. I’d say try it and if it doesn’t work take it off.

[ri702bill 12,051]

Interresting.... Get it started on the sure bet small gravity fed tank & switch over to the large capacity one while still running? The best of both - plus a four gallon capacity.

[kpinnc 18,099]

3 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

but I'd go to an electric fuel pump.  

 

I started to mention that but I'm not sure the M8 charging system will handle it. I just don't recall what it has. 

 

Fuel pumps pull quite alot of amps compared to other upgrades. I think it would at least max out the lighter 3 amp system. 

[953 nut 65,764]

             Riding a 308 Wheel Horse with a four gallon fuel supply you will get saddle sores before you need to refill the tank.            

[Ed Kennell 45,925]

Filling the one gallon tank every time you use it will keep fresh fuel in the tank.   

[Handy Don 16,449]

2 hours ago, Ed Kennell said:

Filling the one gallon tank every time you use it will keep fresh fuel in the tank.   

Switched from a Snapper RER 12.5hp with a 2.5 gallon tank to the WH 854 8hp with only a 1 gallon tank.

Two mowings (about 80 minutes running) to pretty much empty for either one.

And we don’t have to mention an Onan 18 or 20’s appetite!

[MainelyWheelhorse 2,488]

5 hours ago, 953 nut said:

             Riding a 308 Wheel Horse with a four gallon fuel supply you will get saddle sores before you need to refill the tank.            

😄 It works good plowing as I can go a few storms before I have to fill up.