Mitsubishi K3G engine

[dogpatch06]

Anyone over know where a guy could get a good deal on a K3G 3 cal diesel engine? I think my Cub Cadet/Mitsubishi 7235 just toasted the engine?250 hrs

 

[Kernopelli]

That's extremely low hrs. to lose an engine. What makes you believe it's toast? If it is, why not consider rebuilding it?

If you do need a different engine, I'd call TBN member Bruce1966us Bruce Laten 931-492-0316. He carries low hour engines.

I will say, the K3G seems to be a little bit of an odd engine ( like my K3F is). The only other U.S. spec tractor that I see used it is the Case 1130. I would bet that the K3M used in the Cub 727X models would be a second suitable choice if a K3G can't be found.

 

[dogpatch06]

I mean to say in the original post 1258 hours...not 250. New battery and fuel system is bled and working properly.

 

[Kernopelli]

Wow, is that a know-to-be-good battery or is something in the engine so tight it will only crank that slow? My Mitsubishi's have been very partial to cranking speed. A weak battery and they won't start. Could definitely be a spun rod or main bearing that is causing it. I would make sure it's getting good cranking amps. If that didn't work, I'd probably take a few glow plugs out to relieve compression and see what that does. If that doesn't make a difference, I'd drop the oil pan and one-by-one loosen some rod and main bearing caps and see if that doesn't isolate the problem.

 

[dogpatch06]

Thanks Darryl. This was a new battery right off the charger indicating full. I have a road diesel guy looking at it right now while I am about 90 miles away. I suspecting something calamitous like you mentioned.

 

[dogpatch06]

Confirmed the top end is pushing something around. Now I am really looking for a short or long block. Crap.

 

[Kernopelli]

I would pull it apart and see exactly what has happened and go from there. I do see that these were used in a few more tractor models than I was thinking so you may be able to find a good used engine but I'll bet it will be a challenge. I did see that Mitsubishi 1.5 L diesel engine - Used tractor engine | All States Ag Parts has a Mitsubishi 1.5L engine but doesn't specify it is a K3M.....$3000 and $1000 core charge or your old engine. OUCH!

These little engines are actually pretty easy to rebuild. I had my crank turned, got new rod and main bearings, new rings, valve seals head gasket, all seals and replaced my glow plugs for less than $1000. It probably took me 2-3 days with a little help to pull the engine, get it apart, rebuild and back in the tractor. I have had good experiences with NCW Tractor Parts & Tractor Supply Store - Compact Tractor Parts on engine parts. They don't list K3M parts on their website but I will bet they can get them. Unless the block is trashed, I can't imagine a rebuild won't be considerably cheaper if you can do the labor.

 

[dogpatch06]

Thanks Darryl. This is beyond my skill set. I am a decent R&R man, remove and replace. I am actually 2 hours away from the machine which sits at my lot up in NH. I found a decent mechanic willing to haul it off the hill and do a diagnosis for me. A rebuild kit may be the way to go.

I do understand these little triples are found a lot in marine applications. I wonder if this may be an option…. hummm.

Also, would you know if a K3G will interchange with a K3F, K3M, K3 and on and on and on and on…..? I called an left a message with Bruce.

Thanks again for all the advice… pity I just spent money on a NOS hood/bonnet and grill, all OEM from 98! I want to keep the machine….Funny how my old I-H/Dresser keeps on going like its new.

 

[Kernopelli]

I think the K3d,e,f and g use the same block but think even the F would feel underpowered to the G. The H and M's are much longer stroke engines and may have required a different block. I would call NCW and see if they can tell you what engines would bolt in....they are pretty Mitsubishi savy. I think a marine application engine could be a swap but probably wouldn't have a hydraulic pump or drive gear. You would probably have to put your pump, gear and possibly timing cover on one.....not a big job for an already out of frame engine.

 

[dogpatch06]

Confirmed the engine is junk. Welded and cobbled up inside the block, cutting the oil supply. That's why it ran two hours and died.

I need a K3G engine or long block (or equivalent that will fit).

 

[Kernopelli]

I'd give Bruce Laten a call again. That's going to be a hard engine to find. He may not have one in stock but he helped me with a K3F ( probably rarer than the G model) engine a while back, it took him several months but he contacted me as soon as he got one. I think he is very reasonable on Mitsubishi engines and he generally has cheap shipping. You can also try one of the tractor salvage companies for a Cub model or Case 1130/1140. All States Ag Parts, Tractor House dismantled units or West KY Tractor Salve would all be good starts.

 

[nsintros]

Just curious if you noticed when cranking it if the radiator fan would turn at all. My Case 1130 with similar hours is having a similar issue. I had it running last week to put chains on the tires for plowing before the snow storm. Then later that night I tried to start it to plow and nothing. I initially thought it was the starter so I ordered a new one. That didn't work. It will crank and I can see the fan rotate a couple turns but it won't start. I'm worried my engine is toast as well.

 

[dogpatch06]

I dont recall specifically if the fan turned, but pretty sure it did. I found a used engine online and its being shipped right now.
Call Dennis at 931 863 4229 if you need one at a reasonable price. Tell him E.J. referred you.

 

[nsintros]

Well lucky for me I got it going last night. It must have been a fuel issue. I pulled the fuel lines from the injectors and tried to crank it to see if I was getting flow. It didn't seem to be flowing so I tested some voltage in a few places, pumps etc, decided to hook the fuel lines back up and it started!