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Flood in Texas

3.6K views 20 replies 9 participants last post by  Gizmo2  
#1 ·
Long time reader, 1st time poster.

We have been through 2 floods in a month. 1st flood I got my X324 to high ground.
2nd flood I was not able to get it moved. Water just came up to quick.

I have gotten the motor drained and all the water out of the engine. I need to drain the fuel tank. Can anyone give me a hint on how to drain the tank?

I have researched and may have missed it, but I could not find anything on it.

Thanks in advance.

Roy
 
#4 ·
Gizmo

That is what I was planning to do tomorrow and hopefully that will take care of it.

If not, I already figured that I would have to remove tank.

Thanks for quick replies.
 
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#7 ·
Take it from a guy that fixed & totaled quite a few soggy cars, trucks, vans & motorcycles. How far the machine went under water and for how long will determine what needs to be done with it.

Unfortunately now is the time you will figure out how good you homeowners insurance policy is. They will usually cover this kind of tragedy.

Well back to your question. What ever kind of void/space in the machine that go's under water will quickly fill up. Even on what you think is a total sealed system (like hydraulic brakes) water will find a way in. Usually from some kind of vent. I've even seen headlights fill up like a fish bowl. The water is also never clear & clean like a swimming pool or bath tub. It will be a muddy mess dragging all kinds of dirt with it. Even if all the moisture evaporates the crud is left behind.
You need to totally remove the fuel tank and drain everything out. Then wash your tank out with clean water until no mud remains. Use compressed air to blow out any remaining water. Then let it sit out in the sun until it's totally dry inside. Finally you can put the tank back in. Use new fuel line with a new fuel filter. You also need to open up the carburetor & fuel pump to clean them out.

The other 2 major parts that need attention are the engine and transmission. Remember oil floats on water. So when you pull the drain plug most of the water will come out first followed by the oil. If you get out more water than oil the case will need to be opened for a thorough cleaning. The oil normally keeps the bare metal parts inside from rusting. Once water gets in the rust starts forming. When you open them up the water line is usually visible. Just like the walls in a basement that got flooded.

Good luck to you in getting this resolved.
 
#9 ·
yeah-i have to secound that remark too. it's been wet in my area too this spring bad, but nothing like uns has had down uns way. so if ur family is ok-then everything even thou is a big PITA, it can be fixed.
 
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#10 ·
Roy, welcome to GTT.

Sorry to hear your tractor flooded. Y'all have been getting more than your fair share of rain.


Water just came up to quick
.
 
#11 ·
Had a customer come in this week to buy some parts for his new bike. He lives in PA but was working in Texas (forgot what town). He told me that it rained like he has never seen before. He said some places got over 15" of rain in one day. Also most of the land is totally flat so the water has no where to go.
My heart goes out to everyone involved.
 
#12 ·
Long time reader, 1st time poster.

We have been through 2 floods in a month. 1st flood I got my X324 to high ground.
2nd flood I was not able to get it moved. Water just came up to quick.

Welcome to GTT !!! I feel your pain . I am right down the road from you . We had two 500 yr. floods in one month . Hope you get it all fixed . Don't forget trans fluid and wheel bearings during your checks . :flag_of_truce:
 

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#14 ·
Nah , shop wasn't spared . Not too much damage as we were prepared to an extent . I just had to keep in my mind that there are hundreds of families that lost most of what they own , including their home .
I have a mess and a few vehicles to work on , but what more could a man who likes to work with his hands ask for ?:bigthumb:
Thanks for the thoughts and well wishes !!!
 
#17 ·
Sorry for being so long in replying back. We only have time to work on stuff on the weekends and I had family come by last weekend so no work at the house.

Saturday I got the X324 working again. I am amazed that it worked again. Mowed the yard (it has been 3 weeks since last time). Got weed eaters and leaf blowers working also, so we are back in operation as far as taking care of the yard.
House is a different story. Still over 4 weeks out before we can move back into the house. We had 2 feet of water in the house the first flood, about half way through renovations it flooded the 2nd time. 4 feet of water in the house this time. What we did not loose the first flood we lost the 2nd flood downstairs. Told my wife the silver lining is that we really did not like that couch anyway, so it is in the 3rd dumpster and we will be shopping once we are back in house.
Yep it was 2 500 year floods in a month apart.
There are those that have it worst than we, so we are blessed to be where we are right now.
Garage had 8 foot of water inside (it is detached an a lower down the driveway from house. Lost air compressor and log spliter (as far as I know, I know that they do not turn on right now but have not taken the time to see what it is right now).

Luckily I had moved my 1026 up the driveway far enough before it got to deep, so that one was saved and my truck and wife's car is okay. Lost our sons Ford Focus. I thought it was far enough up the driveway, but water came up much farther than I anticipate to the front side of the house.

We just keep on stroking and cleaning and working to the end of July to move back in.

Roy
 
#19 ·
I feel you're pain ! I live in Waller and we are just now starting to dry out . I am close , so if there is anything you need , feel free to contact me . :usa
 
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#18 ·
What a tragedy Roy. Thanks for taking the time to update us on your status. It's good you have a positive outlook. A lot of people couldn't handle what you've had to endure.
 
#20 ·
romcjr

Thank you, I truly appreciate it.
This is look out our back door toward garage/workshop during first flood. Had it all cleaned up when the second on hit.
All cleaned up again.
I have taken experiencing a flood off my bucket list now.:good2:
 

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#21 ·
romcjr

thank you, i truly appreciate it.
this is look out our back door toward garage/workshop during first flood. Had it all cleaned up when the second on hit.
All cleaned up again.

i have taken experiencing a flood off my bucket list now.:good2:
damn!