Control valve leak; new tractor

[santacruzer]

Hey guys,

I could sure use a little feedback here. I'm working out of a workshop manual so I think I have the facts correct.

The "control valve" on my 2008 BX 2350 Kubota (95 hrs) is leaking big time. "Control valve" is a fairly vague term in my mind, but it is the valve(s) directly under the joy stick that control(s) the entire FEL and boom operations and 3 point hydraulic system. It is sort of a manifold with "ports" that feed the hydraulic lines going to the different action points of the FEL, boom and the 3 point.

At first the 0 rings in some of the valves in some of the ports leading to the FEL started to come apart in pieces as if they were torqued too tight and gradually fell apart.

The tractor was sent ot the shop (Kubota dealer) and it was determined that the original 0 rings were the wrong size. The "correct" 0 rings were installed and all seemed fine...for awhile.

The replaced 0 rings are starting to lose their integrity again (popping up as if they were torqued too tight) and are not leaking yet but soon will I suppose.

Now, there is a big hydraulic leak in one of the ports leading to the 3 point. I can't see exactly where (I'm not going to disassemble anything to find out).
But I know it's something in the 3 point valve(s) because lifting the BB really pushes the fluid out.

I know that Kubota is responsible and it will eventually get it fixed. My question to you all is; has anything like this ever happen to your machine...do you know of anybody who has.

I asked the shop foreman, one of the mechanics and the sales guy who is pretty savey, "how many of these "control valve" leaks do you get?".

Everybody at the dealership said they have never seen it before. They have never heard of it before. Now this is a large, reputable and established tractor dealership.

I can't say "you gotta be BSing me" but I have a hard time believing that I have the first Kubota that the "control valve" went south.

I know this is sorta long but any info I can gather will help me out. I'm not a professional mechanic and I don't like to engage in technical discussion with a dealership. So I think a little background from you guys will help me a lot.

Many thanks. Paul

 

[jeconn]

Hey guys,

Everybody at the dealership said they have never seen it before. They have never heard of it before. Now this is a large, reputable and established tractor dealership.

I can't say "you gotta be BSing me" but I have a hard time believing that I have the first Kubota that the "control valve" went south.


This seems to be their standard response. First time I've seen anything like this, it's normal , they all do this. They will probably tell you next that it is an economy tractor. Kubota does not care about customer satisfaction. I wish you luck with this. Keep us posted. If they don't fix it at least everyone reading this will be aware of Kubota's lack of responsibility.

 

[BXpanded]

I must say, I've never heard of this problem on the BX. It sounds like the O-ring seats in the valve were mis-machined and the pressure is blowing the O-rings out of the seats. The seat could be tapered, oversize or have a rounded face. I have run into this with other valves, particularly manifold mounted valve sections. I would guess the dealer will end up replacing the valve body.

 

[LBrown59]

Hey guys,

Everybody at the dealership said they have never seen it before. They have never heard of it before. Now this is a large, reputable and established tractor dealership.

I can't say "you gotta be BSing me" but I have a hard time believing that I have the first Kubota that the "control valve" went south.


This seems to be their standard response. First time I've seen anything like this, it's normal , they all do this. They will probably tell you next that it is an economy tractor. Kubota does not care about customer satisfaction. I wish you luck with this. Keep us posted. If they don't fix it at least everyone reading this will be aware of Kubota's lack of responsibility.

Oh: Really

I must say, I've never heard of this problem on the BX. It sounds like the O-ring seats in the valve were mis-machined and the pressure is blowing the O-rings out of the seats. The seat could be tapered, oversize or have a rounded face. I have run into this with other valves, particularly manifold mounted valve sections. I would guess the dealer will end up replacing the valve body.

That's the fix I'd say

 

[Wayne County Hose]

I know from working for a few dealers that many times, it is the first time they've seen a problem. The dealer in the next county may see the same issue a couple times too until enough red flags go up in the warranty department then they notify the service department then they investigate it and maybe issue a technical service bulletin if necessary. So, it may easily take 6 months from when a problem first pops up until any other dealership is notified about it.

I say sit back and let the dealer do his job.

 

[638]

Paul, just keep taking it back until they fix it right.

 

[john_bud]

The control valve supplier may have used the wrong material o-rings? Or the fluid is not compatible with the material. Or a machining flaw making them cut, or??

But, that is not a common occurrence. Control valves usually last a long time. Like 30+ years ease even with poor maintenance and abuse.

jb

 

[rbcsaver]

Mine on my 7510 has leaked since I bought in new 3 1/2 yrs ago. I have replaced one of the quick connects and tightened, tefloned the other threads, but I still get leaks.

 

[santacruzer]

Paul, just keep taking it back until they fix it right.

This is the only practical way to approach a problem like this. I've had things like this happen on new cars, trucks etc. and I've never given up until the problem was resolved. If the dealer is not motivated it can go on for months...or longer.

However, I believe this dealership really wants to fix the problem, not just try to talk me into accepting the problem and hope I go away. Not including what they have done in the past; today they are picking the tractor again at my place and will determine what needs to be done.

I asked that an entire new control valve be put in since they have worked on the problem 3 times already. The service manager said that he would like to do just that but he is bound by Kubota to go thru certain steps. But when the valve is leaking in about 3 places it just amazes me that they will spend all that money and time for such a simple thing... when you think about it though, you and I ultimatly pay for that in the mark up of the products we buy.

Anyway, I live in California, a state with pretty good consumer protection laws. However, I still have faith that I'm dealing with people who want to maintain the reputation they have in this area.

So I guess I'll find out...I'll let you know. Thanks, Paul