Damaged block installing block heater L5240

[truckdiagnostics]

The only reason I recommended a sleeve over welding is that welding distorts and adds stress to metal. Repair sleeves have been reliably used for many years. I agree that the best would be to replace the block but for $3200! Is the tractor even worth that much?

I have used dry liners to repair cylinders several times and yes they have been used for many years. However, i have not used them to seal a water passage and I do not know how well it would last over time. He is asking a liner to seal out water with a press fit metal to metal seal. Now they may make a replacement liner that you can add some form of sealant in when you press it in, but once again not sure how long that would last. welding it and the liner would be an option if there is enough material there to get a good weld.

 

[truckdiagnostics]

The only reason I recommended a sleeve over welding is that welding distorts and adds stress to metal. Repair sleeves have been reliably used for many years. I agree that the best would be to replace the block but for $3200! Is the tractor even worth that much?

I have used dry liners to repair cylinders several times and yes they have been used for many years. However, i have not used them to seal a water passage and I do not know how well it would last over time. He is asking a liner to seal out water with a press fit metal to metal seal. Now they may make a replacement liner that you can add some form of sealant in when you press it in, but once again not sure how long that would last. welding it and the liner would be an option if there is enough material there to get a good weld.

 

[Adiredneck]

While you are there mount a turbo to that thing, you won't regret it!

Good luck fixing her up!

Fred

The L5240 already has a Turbo..

I think I can start poking around this Sunday afternoon. My camera arrived yesterday. I think I can shine a light through the frost plug hole and see it with the camera if it is below the piston skirt at TDC.

It's just a challenge, that's all. I've been face to face with a few of those before.

 

[pmsmechanic]

You kidding? That's a grand L!! I would give 4k for it...

Fair enough. I really have no idea what they are worth. Start to figure labor and "well I have it apart anyways I might as well do....". Sometimes it's just cheaper to eat your losses and buy something else.

Part of me saying "Is the tractor even worth that much?" is just to get people to think through the whole situation. I'm not saying it's a bad idea to fix that tractor up. I'm just saying think it through.

 

[Ford850]

Hey Adiredneck, if you get a new block, will it have the freeze plug in it? Just thinking ahead.

 

[AGRIMAN]

I have used dry liners to repair cylinders several times and yes they have been used for many years. However, i have not used them to seal a water passage and I do not know how well it would last over time. He is asking a liner to seal out water with a press fit metal to metal seal. Now they may make a replacement liner that you can add some form of sealant in when you press it in, but once again not sure how long that would last. welding it and the liner would be an option if there is enough material there to get a good weld.

I have used sleeves/liners to seal cracked cylinder walls on dry blocks several times. I have never had any problems. As far as durability, one is nearing 30 years old and is still doing the job.

 

[5030]

All I have to say is..... bet you won't drill through a freeze plug again for a looooooooong time.

I don't know why anyone needs a block heater on a Kubota anyway unless you live in Alaska. None of my many had issue one starting here in Michigan in sub zero weather...ever.

 

[motownbrowne]

All I have to say is..... bet you won't drill through a freeze plug again for a looooooooong time.

I don't know why anyone needs a block heater on a Kubota anyway unless you live in Alaska. None of my many had issue one starting here in Michigan in sub zero weather...ever.

I'm sure mine would start up just fine at any temperature I might even consider using a tractor at here in Wisconsin. Certainly down to -15, but... Using the block heater for 2-3 hours before I crank it just gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. It cranks easier, smokes less, and I'm sure the oil starts circulating faster. "Need" a block heater, maybe not. "Use" my block heater, oh yeah.

 

[ovrszd]

I'm sure mine would start up just fine at any temperature I might even consider using a tractor at here in Wisconsin. Certainly down to -15, but... Using the block heater for 2-3 hours before I crank it just gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. It cranks easier, smokes less, and I'm sure the oil starts circulating faster. "Need" a block heater, maybe not. "Use" my block heater, oh yeah.

My old Ford smiles when I use the block heater for an hour or so before crankup!!! Just seems to be a lot easier on them.

 

[5030]

Never had one. I preheat mine a bit (90 and 105) and crank 'em up. No smoke, a bit of rattling but all diesels rattle anyway. I don't have power in the equipment barn so no juice ... no block heater.

 

[ccsial]

I'm sure mine would start up just fine at any temperature I might even consider using a tractor at here in Wisconsin. Certainly down to -15, but... Using the block heater for 2-3 hours before I crank it just gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. It cranks easier, smokes less, and I'm sure the oil starts circulating faster. "Need" a block heater, maybe not. "Use" my block heater, oh yeah.

Yep, me too.

 

[The Deerslayer]

I'm sure mine would start up just fine at any temperature I might even consider using a tractor at here in Wisconsin. Certainly down to -15, but... Using the block heater for 2-3 hours before I crank it just gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. It cranks easier, smokes less, and I'm sure the oil starts circulating faster. "Need" a block heater, maybe not. "Use" my block heater, oh yeah.

Ditto.....old tractor did not have one but current one came with it and glad it did.

 

[BigBoyToys]

All I have to say is..... bet you won't drill through a freeze plug again for a looooooooong time.

I don't know why anyone needs a block heater on a Kubota anyway unless you live in Alaska. None of my many had issue one starting here in Michigan in sub zero weather...ever.

Installed one in mine this past fall after purchasing the tractor. I used it to move snow last weekend. It was 14 degrees out so I plugged her in for around 45 minutes...started like it was 70* out! Sure it isn't needed but there's more wear on any engine when it's started in cold weather. For "short money" it's worth it in my opinion.

 

[Wild Bill the 2nd]

All I have to say is..... bet you won't drill through a freeze plug again for a looooooooong time.

I don't know why anyone needs a block heater on a Kubota anyway unless you live in Alaska. None of my many had issue one starting here in Michigan in sub zero weather...ever.

My new L6060 sure DOES NOT like the cold. The auto glow plug control really stinks. 10 degrees out and the glow plugs only light up for 2 seconds, give me a break. Put the glow plugs on the key switch like they always used to be. I don't want to have to crank the engine over 6 times at 15 seconds each to get it to fire up.

I do have a block heater and I'm really glad I forced the dealer to install it. They said it wasn't needed and they never sell them.
Well they have now...

I have to say I have been keeping tabs on this thread and I am impressed with the OP's cool. I can't imagine what my temperament would be like if I were to have done this.

 

[airbiscuit]

I'm sure mine would start up just fine at any temperature I might even consider using a tractor at here in Wisconsin. Certainly down to -15, but... Using the block heater for 2-3 hours before I crank it just gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. It cranks easier, smokes less, and I'm sure the oil starts circulating faster. "Need" a block heater, maybe not. "Use" my block heater, oh yeah.

I'm with you. I don't like that knocking sound of a cold diesel (the engine or my heart!).

 

[dstig1]

I have to say I have been keeping tabs on this thread and I am impressed with the OP's cool. I can't imagine what my temperament would be like if I were to have done this.

When you do enough things in life, you will eventually make tons of mistakes. You learn over time that what gets broke can be fixed, so after the initial cursing is done, you get your head together and figure out how to fix it. It comes with experience. One of my favorite sayings "Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement"

And I agree on the block heater points - it makes starting easier and less stressful on the engine. I have one in my truck which has lived outside until last week when I finally got my kitchen island cabinets installed, thus freeing up a stall for the truck. It was always happier starting after plugging it in in the dead of winter.

 

[TomSeller]

I'm with you. I don't like that knocking sound of a cold diesel (the engine or my heart!).

I hate that too. I had a cylinder liner let loose of the parent metal in cold weather once and end up in the crankshaft. I think it was improperly sized by the previous owner upon rebuild, but I still never forget it when I start a cold engine.

 

[BigBoyToys]

I have to say I have been keeping tabs on this thread and I am impressed with the OP's cool. I can't imagine what my temperament would be like if I were to have done this.

I'm sure I'm a lot older than the OP and when I was younger and screwed something up...a few "F Bombs" were always launched, but then you have to stop and assess the problem and not be afraid to ask others with experience for help. I always told my son and daughter growing up..."It's OK to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them and don't make them a habit!" Let's face it, if you're handy and have common sense, it's likely you do a lot of your own work. It's going to happen...you're gonna ****-up... and in the end you'll be SMARTER for it. Looking back I think a quarter of the tools I own were purchased to fix screw-ups!!! :laughing:

OP you're taking the right approach. Take the time to fix the problem RIGHT the first time! The last thing you want is a half-assed repair that when fails no-one else wants to touch!!!

 

[Adiredneck]

Yup, at this point, slow and steady is going to fix the problem. If the block is trash, I'll buy a new block. It's that simple. My only bad habits are Tractors and Hunting.

Tractor has 850 hours on it and I just payed $22,000 for it in August to avoid Tier 4 on the new ones.. Yeah, it's worth it.

 

[ccsial]

Yup, at this point, slow and steady is going to fix the problem. If the block is trash, I'll buy a new block. It's that simple. My only bad habits are Tractors and Hunting.

Tractor has 850 hours on it and I just payed $22,000 for it in August to avoid Tier 4 on the new ones.. Yeah, it's worth it.

Good habits. Mine too plus motorcycles.

If I had to replace one of my tractors I'd also look for used no tier 4.

Very best of luck to you on fixing this.