Colt Case Ingersoll Garden Tractors

I dont like not knowing at a glance how much fuel I have.

The black gas caps with the built-in guage are ok, but a real fuel guage is what I really want.

So I've ordered one from AliExpress, for about $22, both sender and gauge itself, and I'll install it... this spring some time.

Meanwhile, I also ordered a random cap-with-gauge, new old stock, that I knew to be at least long enough, a "Rotary 12074"

Then I disassembled it and shortened its supporting wires to match the depth of my fuel tank.

Then I re-twisted the center sprial to adjust the full and empty points to match the new range of travel.
Then I tried to screw it on, but it was too large.

The Rotary cap is like 2.25" ID with a metric Modulus 5 buttress thread.

The Ingersoll cap is more like 1.738" ID with a metric Moduls 4 "normal" thread.

So I sleeved some 1 1/2 PVC inside some 2" pvc pipe, and that gave me a thick-walled base to cut a bushing out of.

PVC prbabably isn't ideal, but hopefully it'll last until the new fuel gauge is in.

My old lathe is in imperial only, but by creating a custom set of 5 or 6 bull gears and using an Excel spreadsheet to look up the combinations I need, I can cut metric threads to within 99.8% of perfect. My total cost was about $10 and a couple hours cutting some gears. See here for details if you're curious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx5IsPdTzoc&t=2s

But as it turns out, metric Modulus 5 is 99.7% the same as 5 TPI, plenty close enough for this soft plastic to screw all the way on.

AND 6.5TPI is 99% the same as metric Modulus 4. Again, that's close enough.

So I set the lathe to 5 tpi and cut the OD threads. I kep trying as I went, making them a snug fit. I want the bushing to be tight in the cap itself, and stay stuck up in the cap.
Then I cut 6.5tpi threads on the ID.

Finally, I parted it off, and went outside and gave it a try. With about an inch in the bottom of the tank, it reads "empty", but if you shake the tractor, the needle moves. So it's an "actual" reading, it's not sitting on the bottom stop. So far so good.
Then I fill the tank up, (um... "past full" just a bit?) and now the cap reads "over full".

Perfect!
I threaded enough PVC to make two more bushings. If anyone wants me to send them a bushing, just let me know.

Bob

Thats awesome Bob , I put one of those boat kits in in Frankie a few years back. I am telling you having the gauge in front of you especially in the winter is amazing . But any type of gauge that keeps you from having open the tank to look or dip in the winter is a great thing to have .

Nice job Bob, I'll have to check out the electric setup when you get it in. I was thinking about how nice a dash guage would be lately while blowing snow. This is when my Onan can really eat through a tank of gas in a hurry. Of course if I had a guage I would always be pushing it to the limit trying to get done.

You made your own lathe gears?! That's some next level skills Bob. what's next, differential lock and 4x4?

Nice feature, the gas can. I like that it is self contained in a small area, no cables to chase when it doesn't show right. On the other hand you need to check on it occasionally, so dashboard is more convenient.

Another cool project Bob
I'm waiting for you to design a suspension seat

After seeing what Bob done I went and ordered this . It for a 5" deep tank . Ours are closer to 6 but need clearance for screen . Mine is a metal tank , hope it will fit like yours Bob . Around here there is no Jones , it's keeping up with Bob the Builder . Bob @thebuildist you do keep my mind going .

LOL. "You're going to have to get up PRETTY EARLY IN THE MORNING if you're going to keep up with ME!"

Spoken in my very best Barney Fife impersonation!





Bob

Eugen wrote: ↑Fri Dec 30, 2022 9:38 am You made your own lathe gears?! That's some next level skills Bob. what's next, differential lock and 4x4?

Nice feature, the gas can. I like that it is self contained in a small area, no cables to chase when it doesn't show right. On the other hand you need to check on it occasionally, so dashboard is more convenient.

Believe me, I've thought a lot about a diff lock.

Nothing has come to me yet. But it if does, it'll be Katie Bar the Door!

Bob

thebuildist wrote: ↑Fri Dec 30, 2022 5:42 pm

Eugen wrote: ↑Fri Dec 30, 2022 9:38 am You made your own lathe gears?! That's some next level skills Bob. what's next, differential lock and 4x4?

Nice feature, the gas can. I like that it is self contained in a small area, no cables to chase when it doesn't show right. On the other hand you need to check on it occasionally, so dashboard is more convenient.

Believe me, I've thought a lot about a diff lock.

Nothing has come to me yet. But it if does, it'll be Katie Bar the Door!

Bob

Bob I can tell you for fact from driveing Frankie . You do not need a diff look on these tractors . Just need outboard brakes . Any time I get wheel spin < I just apply the brakes and the drag stops the one wheel spinning . One master on 2 calipers . And it will stop it with out a holding valve .
Just in case you get bored and need a new project .

MattA wrote: ↑Fri Dec 30, 2022 4:44 pm Another cool project Bob
I'm waiting for you to design a suspension seat

I already built a suspension seat. Haven't you seen it?



Bob