Damaged block installing block heater L5240

[RickB]

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

I'm surprised it took 6 pages before someone pulled the 'design flaw' or 'dealer/manufacturer problem' cards out of the deck.

I feel for the OP and hope there is a solution not involving a new engine block.

 

[Deere Dude]

 

[Citydude]

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.....

Um, be careful with pry bars on those soft plug bores. Deep scratches or dings can result in JBWeld and lots of time sanding to smooth them back down for a tight seal. I learned that on my own, the hard way...

 

[pmsmechanic]

Pretty harsh opinion there Coyote machine!

I hope you can get this fixed. I'm just thinking that if you are going to get that bore sleeves then I wouldn't bother with welding the block. The sleeve will fix the hole. Especially if it's installed with some Locktite.

It will be interesting to read how this all works out in the end.

 

[Adiredneck]

I have a camping trip scheduled with my son this weekend (he just crossed over to Boy Scouts). As an Eagle Scout myself, I'll need to be laid up in the hospital before I'd miss that.

I'm trying to work as much overtime as possible knowing what expenses I have in front of me. I have not had the time to do any work on the tractor by the time I make it home and have dinner with the family. Weekends are also tough right now since my father and I skid out next years' firewood from my property for both of us, plus my sister. We've had great conditions this year with a good frost in the ground and little snow, so we need to take advantage of it while the cards are in our favor. Did I mention I am greatful I still have my L3400?!!

I'll start soon. I will put in some due dilligence before tearing anything major apart.

On the point of Kubota not recommending boring the cylinder, they even list oversized pistons for this engine. That should tell you something. I guess a new block is approximately $3200.00, depending on the engine serial #. Dad has offered to help with the cost. We'll see how it goes.

 

[Adiredneck]

I have a camping trip scheduled with my son this weekend (he just crossed over to Boy Scouts). As an Eagle Scout myself, I'll need to be laid up in the hospital before I'd miss that.

I'm trying to work as much overtime as possible knowing what expenses I have in front of me. I have not had the time to do any work on the tractor by the time I make it home and have dinner with the family. Weekends are also tough right now since my father and I skid out next years' firewood from my property for both of us, plus my sister. We've had great conditions this year with a good frost in the ground and little snow, so we need to take advantage of it while the cards are in our favor. Did I mention I am greatful I still have my L3400?!!

I'll start soon. I will put in some due dilligence before tearing anything major apart.

On the point of Kubota not recommending boring the cylinder, they even list oversized pistons for this engine. That should tell you something. I guess a new block is approximately $3200.00, depending on the engine serial #. Dad has offered to help with the cost. We'll see how it goes.

 

[buickanddeere]

I would weld the holes in with stainless rod after pre heating the block in the wife's oven to 550f for 2-3 hours.

 

[Coyote machine]

A punch and pry bar used properly would create a raised edge that the pry bar could then engage to pop out the freeze plug. Not saying it's an easy job, depending on where the plug is located, BUT there are methods to do things so the OP's results don't occur.
Another is using a slide hammer to pull the plug out after boring a small hole(s) with a collared bit. This method yanks the plug out by sliding a weight on a puller, away from the block.

It's not harsh to speak the truth, it's not blaming the OP, it's just saying how a pro would do the job: useful information for reference for those who might decide to hire it out rather than bungling through...
Facts are just that, facts, no more, no less.

 

[roadhunter]

Best of luck to the OP. We all feel for ya and I am impressed with how you have handled this.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I would weld the holes in with stainless rod after pre heating the block in the wife's oven to 550f for 2-3 hours.

That would be a big oven and a big job to get down to an empty block.

I did a small weld job on a door to a cast iron wood stove a few years ago. Heated the door up in a gas grill. I used a special rod, don't remember what but got advice from TBN at the time.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

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

If this is the case YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS OPERATING A TRACTOR

 

[Coyote machine]

If this is the case YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS OPERATING A TRACTOR

Ouch, Ha, Ha. Like McDougal's HOT coffee lady!

 

[sandyc]

On the contrary, I'm one of those folks that reads manuals as well as tbn. I ask a lot of questions and try to assume nothing.By doing that I hope to minimize errors and stay safe. Sorry old son, measure twice cut cut once is my moto. Heck, I might even measure three times.
Have had many tractors and no problems or accidents to date.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[motownbrowne]

Ouch, Ha, Ha. Like McDougal's HOT coffee lady!

That's actually a bad example. That coffee was way way too hot (between 180-190 degrees compared to 150 at other establishments) and McDonald's had been warned. It caused 3rd degree burns on her body in places you don't want to be burned.

Here's a link to a good article about it:The Actual Facts about the Mcdonalds' Coffee Case

I agree that there's stupid people all around us and too many unnecessary lawsuits, but that wasn't one of them.

 

[Coyote machine]

That's actually a bad example. That coffee was way way too hot (between 180-190 degrees compared to 150 at other establishments) and McDonald's had been warned. It caused 3rd degree burns on her body in places you don't want to be burned.

Here's a link to a good article about it:The Actual Facts about the Mcdonalds' Coffee Case

I agree that there's stupid people all around us and too many unnecessary lawsuits, but that wasn't one of them.

You've missed my point., which is: not everything needs a warning label; common sense used to prevail, for instance, coffee is HOT, DUH!
Now, thanks to lawyers and dumb people everywhere, everything is labelled beyond comprehension by those with a brain. Tractors are inherently dangerous, and working on them without needed knowledge presents additional risks, and inherent additional expenses.

Again no blame on the OP, just an example of how things can go from simple to expensive very quickly.

 

[ovrszd]

A punch and pry bar used properly would create a raised edge that the pry bar could then engage to pop out the freeze plug. Not saying it's an easy job, depending on where the plug is located, BUT there are methods to do things so the OP's results don't occur.
Another is using a slide hammer to pull the plug out after boring a small hole(s) with a collared bit. This method yanks the plug out by sliding a weight on a puller, away from the block.

It's not harsh to speak the truth, it's not blaming the OP, it's just saying how a pro would do the job: useful information for reference for those who might decide to hire it out rather than bungling through...
Facts are just that, facts, no more, no less.

I agree with what you are saying.

Your method of saying it totally sucks. You always come off as an arrogant man who thinks he's better than everyone else. Not sure if that's your intent. Simply doesn't matter once that perception is accepted by those reading your posts.

I'll give you an example. We could give a Rat's Pittuy what models of Stihl Chainsaws you have. Maybe if you'd learn how to repair them and keep them in good working order you wouldn't need so many. I mean really, how many saws can you run at once???? :confused3:

 

[Coyote machine]

I agree with what you are saying.

Your method of saying it totally sucks. You always come off as an arrogant man who thinks he's better than everyone else. Not sure if that's your intent. Simply doesn't matter once that perception is accepted by those reading your posts.

I'll give you an example. We could give a Rat's Pittuy what models of Stihl Chainsaws you have. Maybe if you'd learn how to repair them and keep them in good working order you wouldn't need so many. I mean really, how many saws can you run at once???? :confused3:

So what, I have to say what I have to say in a way you want me to say it? You agree with what I'm saying- but you think I'm arrogant and that once YOU've formed that perception, that's all that matters to those reading my posts?!:confused2:
Really? You speak for many, not just yourself? Now who's being arrogant?:confused3:
You can chose NOT to read my posts, by using the ignore button, or just skipping over them.

I have a bunch of saws, because I have collected them over the years, was a professional tree surgeon, and choose to have them. So what. What IS YOUR problem - if you knew anything about saws there is a use for each, and I have several people who use them alongside me, my son, a friend of his, and an employee. Not that it's any of your concern or business, but you seem to think that putting me down for having them will make you feel better?! How childish is that nonsense....

"We could give a....: "We" Really?! who's the we you're imagining in your tiny mind?:shocked:

 

[ovrszd]

So what, I have to say what I have to say in a way you want me to say it? You agree with what I'm saying- but you think I'm arrogant and that once YOU've formed that perception, that's all that matters to those reading my posts?!:confused2:
Really? You speak for many, not just yourself? Now who's being arrogant?:confused3:
You can chose NOT to read my posts, by using the ignore button, or just skipping over them.

I have a bunch of saws, because I have collected them over the years, was a professional tree surgeon, and choose to have them. So what. What IS YOUR problem - if you knew anything about saws there is a use for each, and I have several people who use them alongside me, my son, a friend of his, and an employee. Not that it's any of your concern or business, but you seem to think that putting me down for having them will make you feel better?! How childish is that nonsense....

"We could give a....: "We" Really?! who's the we you're imagining in your tiny mind?:shocked:

See what I mean????

 

[GPintheMitten]

I'm trying to remember what we were talking about. Oh, yah, holes in the block.

 

[ovrszd]

I'm trying to remember what we were talking about. Oh, yah, holes in the block.

That's my point. No time to criticize the OP. We have ALL done things we regretted. Anxious to see the outcome of this.