Replacement Fuel Tank

WMcC · Aug 31, 2023

My tractors fuel tank is rust-pitted and pin-holed beyond
reasonable repair. I see there are aftermarket replacement tanks
in both metal and fiberglass. Fiberglass seems attractive for
being immune to rust. Does anyone have any thoughts on pros
or cons for each option? Any idea if these normally come with
the petcock valve installed, or would that need to be installed
separately?

JD Dave · Aug 31, 2023

What make and model tractor are you working on? That would help us answer your question. There are several options.

Gene Davis (Ga) · Aug 31, 2023

I repaired the leaky, pin holed tank of my 1948 Chevrolet coupe by cleaning the out side bottom good, then covering it with 2 coats of fiberglass cloth and resin. Then I put P O R-15 tank sealer in the inside of it to coat the inside and it worked well for a couple of years before I sold it and then was good for several years more until I lost track of it.

WMcC · Aug 31, 2023

Its a John Deere 2020. Im pretty sure the part number is AR72868.

BarnyardEngineering · Sep 1, 2023

Fiberglass may be immune to rust but it is susceptible to vibration. I would go with steel.

You can get replacement fuel tanks for a Deere 2020 AND there are multiple options??? I'm surprised, amazed, and impressed.

Jim.ME · Sep 1, 2023

According to the online parts books, AR72868 is the tank for the European 2020. AR72996 is the tank for the North American 2020 tractor. Which is yours European or North American?

Looked at the replacements and read some reviews, decided not to go that way. I have repaired a couple of the original tanks with patches, solder and/or brazing and would do that again before going with a fiberglass or plastic one. Have a radiator shop take a look at yours, if you don't want to try it yourself.

This post was edited by Jim.ME on 09/01/2023 at 04:41 pm.

WMcC · Sep 1, 2023

Definitely not available direct from JD any more, but there
appear to be at least the metal and fiberglass aftermarket
options. There may be just one supplier and multiple sellers.
Whatever the case, they all seem to be plenty expensive!

JD Dave · Sep 2, 2023

I've fixed a few tanks by thoroughly cleaning inside and out, brazing and a real good sealing of the inside. Make sure the sealer is ethanol-proof.

WMcC · Sep 2, 2023

I actually did have at least a welder work on it. I thought I had one leak, but he pressure tested and applied nice patches over several holes (not cheap). Unfortunately, after I gave it a good cleaning, more pinholes appeared. If I had cleaned it better from the start, I may have realized this thing was pretty rough. Now Im afraid Im going to throw good money after bad.

WMcC · Sep 2, 2023

Interesting, Gene! I didnt think about fiberglass working on a metal tank, but if that would stick, it may be a last shot option to save it. Looks like that would be about another $100 for the material.

Jim.ME · Sep 2, 2023

You can do a part number search in the JD online parts catalogs to find out which models used a given part number. It may help in searching for a good used steel tank. You need to be sure whether your 2020 is European or North American, as the tanks are different part numbers.

Here is a link to the European AR72868 list.

Models using AR72868 Tank

Here is a link to the North American AR72996 list.

Models using AR72996 Tank

Replacement Fuel Tank

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BarnyardEngineering

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