L39 Leaking rear main crank seal at 350 hours

[rbargeron]

Oil on the clutch..... caused by "not enough seal surface contact", WHAT dose that mean???.....I do not understand that statement.... Did they claim that there was any needed machine work to increase the seal surface contact??

I agree - I don't understand it either - by itself it is an insultingly insufficient explanation. Was the original seal installed backward or only half engaged? Was the seal worn? Or was it ripped or damaged? They owe you a better explanation for this very premature failure of a part that normally lasts for thousands of service hours, regardless of duty.

 

[jlrsn]

I fully agree with the other above comments. What state are you in? If you gave explicit orders to keep the machine open until inspected then that should have been done!! Also, some states also require that all replaced parts to be kept for the owner.

Did this happen during sub-freezing weather? I've seen crankcases pressurized when the crankcase vents were frozen and a small amount of engine oil was forced past the seal. The reason of not enough Seal contact doesn't buy it with me. A seal, once fully seated (broken in), doesn't just quit in that few of hours plus as stated by Kennyv I've also cleaned and reused many a clutch disc in the last 55+ years. It's rare that the pressure plate would require replacing. Was your clutch slipping? Did they at least replace the transmission input seal while the machine was apart? Did they coat the clutch disc splines with a film of molybdenum disulphide while it was apart. I'd require some answers and then tell the service manager that you'll be registering a complaint with the BBB if the dealership does not work with you. This is why I do all my own maintenance as I don't trust most mechanics or repair shops, dealers included, especially when times are slow. Please keep us informed and if you don't get help from Kubota I'd keep fighting for some relief by going up the Kubota ladder. I'd like to know the city that the dealer is located in.
Good luck,
Jim

 

[danstod]

The L39 is in Northern California in a moderate climate. The first 125 hours were in KY. It is doubtful that crankcase pressure due to cold weather is the culprit. The dealer was advised that a clogged crankcase breather could cause the leaking seal and it was checked, turned out to be negative.

Full clutch replacement when the machine is split is a healthy debate topic. I took the dealers recommendation after surfing on the topic a bit.

Agreed, the root cause explanation is very weak and was rather difficult to get from the dealer. It was the lack of a solid cause that let me to demand the consult with the Kubota rep. The report was that the technician found the seal not fully seated and when it was re installed the new seal was "repositioned for more surface for seal lips to ride on". No machining was completed. Trans input seals and 4WD propeller shaft seals were all replaced.

Thanks for all the input, it give ma a lot more confidence in my gut feeling that something about this deal was not right. The machine is back in my garage now and I am using the credit card company to dispute the charge. Taking the issue to the front office should hopefully keep this moving. I will keep you posted.

2005 B3030 with a backhoe - sold it to get the L39 for the construction, great little machine.
2007 RTV 900 - I wish it had a deck mower attachment
2007 L39...