Damaged block installing block heater L5240

[ovrszd]

From the good points and observations given so far, it appears the hole is low enough to be below at least the top piston ring at BDC. It might be below the lowest ring too - which would mean a well-adhered soft patch might fix it. If the hole is above the rings compression pressure would show in the cooling system.

The drill point may have made only a small break-thru hole. Could use a needle to carefully explore. The piston skirt extends down far enough below the lowest ring so might always block a feeler in the hole regardless of engine position.

On the assumption that the hole is located near (or very near) the rings at BDC, I would NOT try to further drill or tap for a threaded plug. I'd do nothing that removes any more material.

There is no combustion pressure below the rings so there's only coolant pressure and it's in the right direction, especially if the hole is not full diameter all the way thru.

I think I'd try cleaning the area and pushing in a dab of RTV. It's a benign material that never gets hard enough to hurt anything if it comes loose, and more importantly can't damage the rings or the piston.

We're all wishing you the best in this situation - and many of us have BTDT if not precisely the same. (Some of us have done things even more spectacular) Try the easy stuff first before diving deep. Take care and go easy on yourself. Dick B

Good calming advice, which is needed right now.

 

[npalen]

P.S. Another possibility would be to put a rubber plug in the freeze plug hole and hammer it back in so the plug seals off the drilled holes. There's plenty of flow area above and below it, and the block heater could go in a different plug hole.

And maybe a dob of RTV on the end of the rubber plug? Just a thought.

 

[Egon]

It might cost but a nice proper professional repair would really be the way to go.

 

[Adiredneck]

It might cost but a nice proper professional repair would really be the way to go.

That's where I am right now. I was quoted $400 for the one cylinder to be welded, bored and sleeved to factory diameter from a shop 30 minutes from where I work.

The work definitely begins now. First step is to organize the garage to be able to inventory all of the parts, then get everything pulled off that I can do myself before I need the help of a second person with jacks, dolley, engine hoist, etc.

My biggest challenge will be to slow myself down. Shop manual is on order. When it comes to re-assembly of the engine, and eventually timing and startup, I will have an expert present. I'll try to take pictures along the way.

I had always envisioned I would one day restore an old tractor. Maybe this will inspire me or discourage me from doing that!

 

[Adiredneck]

It might cost but a nice proper professional repair would really be the way to go.

That's where I am right now. I was quoted $400 for the one cylinder to be welded, bored and sleeved to factory diameter from a shop 30 minutes from where I work.

The work definitely begins now. First step is to organize the garage to be able to inventory all of the parts, then get everything pulled off that I can do myself before I need the help of a second person with jacks, dolley, engine hoist, etc.

My biggest challenge will be to slow myself down. Shop manual is on order. When it comes to re-assembly of the engine, and eventually timing and startup, I will have an expert present. I'll try to take pictures along the way.

I had always envisioned I would one day restore an old tractor. Maybe this will inspire me or discourage me from doing that!

 

[Egon]

At that price it is well worthwhile.


Take lots of detail pictures for the reassembly.

Not knowing garage layout building a hoist frame might be a consideration. Think about marking cans of small parts. Takes time but helps in the long run. Magnetic parts holders?

 

[countrybumpkin]

Sounds like you have a good plan, and a proper long term fix. As for organization , heavy duty zip lock freezer bags with the white label area and a sharpie. I keep several sizes in the shop and use them all the time.

 

[PHILIP8N]

Have you tried to pressure test the coolant system? Simple and low cost, a radiator cap kit is available at most automotive stores. If it does not hold pressure, trouble shoot from there. I know cylinder leak down test can be done on spark ignited engines to single out bad cylinders. Wonder if there is an option to do that by removing an injector on a compression ignited engine? To the more curious, you could also pressurize the oil galley, see what happens or is heard and where. Philip.

 

[ruffdog]

If the set screw idea was to be explored, use these tips. First, get a undersized tap that will give you what is called a "stud fit". Instead of using a hard set screw, use a grade 3/5 threaded rod with a high temp Loctite. After threading in the rod to the correct depth, use a dremel tool to cut off extra rod a 1/16" above the surface. Using a rounded punch, and with patience, slowly peen the top of you plug to further seal it.

 

[The Fred]

I guess no insurance.

Fred

 

[aeblank]

I feel like we have the solution (teardown and $400 fix) before we know what the problem is.
Of course, I'm not there either. Maybe I missed it, too.....

Seems hard to believe he drilled through the block skirt.
Did it get run enough for the coolant to even go down? Or could it be condensation in the exhaust and some paranoia?

Just wondering "out loud".

 

[aeblank]

I feel like we have the solution (teardown and $400 fix) before we know what the problem is.
Of course, I'm not there either. Maybe I missed it, too.....

Seems hard to believe he drilled through the block skirt.
Did it get run enough for the coolant to even go down? Or could it be condensation in the exhaust and some paranoia?

Just wondering "out loud".

 

[ovrszd]

I feel like we have the solution (teardown and $400 fix) before we know what the problem is.
Of course, I'm not there either. Maybe I missed it, too.....

Seems hard to believe he drilled through the block skirt.
Did it get run enough for the coolant to even go down? Or could it be condensation in the exhaust and some paranoia?

Just wondering "out loud".

He drained a gallon of coolant out of the oil pan.......

 

[countrybumpkin]

Here is another person that did basically the same thing , may be worth reading.

Drilled Hole into Engine Block [Archive] - OrangeTractorTalks - Everything Kubota

 

[BigBoyToys]

I know hindsight is 20/20 but I've learned my lesson a long time ago when it come to "DRILLING FREEHAND"!!!
A set of "Stop Collars" are worth their weight in gold. Doesn't matter if it's metal or wood, they can prevent a MAJOR PITA repair.

8-pc Drill Bit Shaft Depth Stop Collar w/Case 1/8,3/16,1/4,5/16,3/8,7/16,1/2,5/8 - DUROTOOLS

I recently installed a block heater in my B3030 and was fortunate enough to have a "Threaded Plug" installation. But if it had been a freeze plug install, I would have drilled a hole just deep enough to break through the freeze plug using a collar on the drill bit. There would be enough of a hole to get a sheet metal screw threaded in and use it to pull it out.

As others have mentioned you are taking the right approach and doing the repair right! Good luck. :thumbsup:

 

[TomSeller]

If the block can be repaired by a company in that business, it would give me way more confidence than a screw inserted as a plug. Vet the shop out but if it can be torn down at home with family members helping for the grunt work, that $400 would be well spent.

I have a Perkins block repaired at a block shop and they did a NICE job. I never even think about that repair when I start that tractor. If I had a screw in the block I would always, and I mean always, be thinking about it coming loose or whatever. Tractors are made to enjoy and get work done, not to worry about. I'd pony up the $400 and get to know my tractor when tearing it down. Your Kubota is a top notch tractor, just find the $400 and chalk it up to experience. Good luck !!

 

[skyhook]

What "Ive" learned from this thread is,,NEVER use a drill on a frost plug.

 

[sandyc]

Maybe Kubota should have put a warning in the instructions about frost plug removal.....just saying!

 

[square1]

Maybe Kubota should have put a warning in the instructions about frost plug removal.....just saying!

Instructions? We don't read no stinkin' instructions (until after something goes wrong)!

 

[Coyote machine]

Maybe Kubota should have put a warning in the instructions about frost plug removal.....just saying!

No mechanic worth a **** would drill on a frost plug blindly, or without a bit stop collar. Most would remove it via a punch, not a drill. Once a hole is made, or the plug is bent by using a punch, it can then be pried out with a pribar.
Only an amateur would drill it like the OP did. Sorry, but the truth is the truth.....