Repairing Drilled Engine Block

[Randy52]

Get a new core be on the safe side.

 

[Husaberger]

Why are to trying to save this old block? Even if a reliable fix were found, you'd still have the original spun bearing issue to fix. Cost prohibitive, IMHO.

The other block has a crack and is 2k to fix

 

[Husaberger]

Interesting thread with a lot of good fixes, however, something isn't Kosher.

I work part time at an authorized Kubota dealer and I know for a fact that if you buy a reman engine from Kubota, for any reason or even a short or long unused engine, Kubota has to have documented proof the original engine was destroyed and rendered not useable or rebuildable. Documented proof for Kubota is detailed pictures of the destruction and or valid receipts from a scrap company.

I've destroyed more than one failed engine and in my dealer's case, that involves using a sledge hammer or torches and destroying it, not drilling a hole in the block that can be repaired. Like I said, Kubota requires documented proof as in pictures or scrap dealer receipts that the engine was rendered not useable or repairable, except for scrap value. Corporate policy. I have no idea about an independent non Kubota rebuilder or shop, only a Kubota authorized dealer.

The OP in his first post states a Kubota dealer drilled the hole and I'm very suspect of that.

Kubota revised and adopted that policy when the emissions engines came on the scene to prevent an owner of a failed engine replacing it with a non emissions engine.

Give me no pleasure in destroying a rebuildable engine but corporate policy is corporate policy anyway and at least the dealer I work for don't want to loose his franchise over an engine.

I will say, using a 15 pound sledge on one renders it junk real fast. That and using it for target practice with a high velocity round.

If you buy a long block from Kubota you cannot remove anything, a short block, you can. Not sure about other brands, just Kubota.

You can suspect all you want but the drilling was done by a large kubota dealer

And yes, the kubota mechanic that is helping me with this project on the side says they now have to destroy engines beyond repair

 

[Husaberger]

Question....if the hole goes through to cylinder wall is it below the ring travel? If so thread the entire hole and insert threaded rod with sealer....otherwise junk it...
I personally would not buy a Kubota, no offense to anyone but they work too hard to do things like this. As another dealer at one time I saw too many small Kubota owners coming to me with tractors that ran hot with scalded piston walls and no sleeves....

No. It right in the middle of piston stroke

 

[Husaberger]

Why did they want the dealer to drill the hole into the block?

See previous posts

 

[Husaberger]

When you go to get parts for the rebuild and give the engine serial number, it’s going to raise a red flag showing the engine was “destroyed”. Kubota could come back to the dealer and give them a very hard time.

I'm never going back to any dealer for engine work

 

[Husaberger]

Why are to trying to save this old block? Even if a reliable fix were found, you'd still have the original spun bearing issue to fix. Cost prohibitive, IMHO.

How far down, from the top, is the hole drilled? If it is like halfway down, outside of the combustion chamber and below ring travel, why not just JB Weld it and give it a good honing, as long as nothing passes over it other than the piston skirt?

In the middle of the piston stroke

 

[Husaberger]

So, once you spend the money to fix the "destroyed" engine, what do you plan to do with it, keep it as a spare or sell it?

Trying to figure out which way to go as other block has a crack in it

 

[Husaberger]

Maybe he is wanting to make some money on Craigslist or Ebay by selling it? Probably not, since he is considering fixing the hole in the block! A lot of those sellers just describe it as "Runs Good" and forget the hole! (Can you tell I recently had a bad purchase?)
David from jax

 

[Husaberger]

If that serial number on the block is ever required for parts or service, there could be some grief for the "last one" holding the bag. Between that and an expensive repair process, I would be VERY WARY of going through with your plan. If EPA required them to do this, they (kubota) will be loath to get crossways with them (EPA). And do you plan to offer full disclosure to the next owner of that engine if it comes to fruition. I wouldn't do it.

This tractor will never see the service area of a dealer again