856: factory drop in plastic gas tank?

[FLtractor 163]

Morning, 

 

Wondering if there’s a plastic gas tank that fits the factory pan on the 856 Wheelhorse without modifications needed- that the under tank fuel valve would fit the factory pan opening.  Possibly one under $100? Thinking of replacing the metal tank for a safer ride since it’s so close to the ignition wires on the dash. Would hate for a spark vibration or explosion. 
Was looking at the 0.5 gallon Honda plastic tanks on Amazon for $30.00. But not sure would fit and the mounting holes were on top and not sure the fuel valve would fit the opening. 

[ebinmaine 79,113]

14 minutes ago, FLtractor said:

Thinking of replacing the metal tank for a safer ride since it’s so close to the ignition wires on the dash. Would hate for a spark vibration or explosion. 

 

No need to replace the tank and hope things kinda work...

 

Options: 

1. Find and replace the factory insulator. 2. You could also add your own insulation to the wires.  

3. You could also add a thin piece of plastic between the tank and switch.  

 

[ri702bill 12,225]

Going to a metal tank increases the chance of a shorting to ground "thermal incident"...

[kpinnc 18,383]

1 hour ago, FLtractor said:

Wondering if there’s a plastic gas tank that fits the factory pan on the 856 Wheelhorse

 

My 867 also has the steel tank and I've often wondered about this as well. But the tank is fairly secure with the strap that holds it in place. I also have one in my custom V14. 

 

But if you really want to change it, there were factory plastic tanks on later machines that should fit. "Should" is the key word here. 

 

I've had two damaged ones. I think one was from a 1974 no name 8hp-4 speed. The other I have no clue (maybe a Commando?) but these tanks are basically half the size of the Raider/Charger/Bronco tanks that predates the C series. 

 

You might want to hit up a couple of the folks in our vendor section. And stay away from the larger sized square tanks. They will not allow the 856 hood to close. 

 

See the pic below.  The style you will be looking for is on the left. The right side will not fit under an 856 hood. 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited 6 hours ago by kpinnc

[Retired Wrencher 6,722]

2 hours ago, FLtractor said:

Morning, 

 

Wondering if there’s a plastic gas tank that fits the factory pan on the 856 Wheelhorse without modifications needed- that the under tank fuel valve would fit the factory pan opening.  Possibly one under $100? Thinking of replacing the metal tank for a safer ride since it’s so close to the ignition wires on the dash. Would hate for a spark vibration or explosion. 
Was looking at the 0.5 gallon Honda plastic tanks on Amazon for $30.00. But not sure would fit and the mounting holes were on top and not sure the fuel valve would fit the opening. 

If you can not find a steel tank which is the original tank. But if you don’t care, I think I have a Tecumseh fuel tank for snowblowers. I might have one or two tanks. I know I have one on my 1056 snowplow tractor it works OK let me know.

[gt14rider 1,197]

I used a bike inertube and zip ties to insulate the wires on my 856. Hasn't blown up yet. 

[ebinmaine 79,113]

1 minute ago, gt14rider said:

I used a bike inertube and zip ties to insulate the wires on my 856. Hasn't blown up yet. 

 

 

 

@FLtractor

 

There ya go!!

[squonk 46,830]

You can cut up a plastic milk jug and make a factory like shield panel.

[pfrederi 20,653]

I am sure that some time in the last 60 years an 856 caught fire but I bet the main problem was an operator head-space and timing issue....

 

(see if any old soldiers get the reference )