Squealing? Possible bad pulley on L3430?

[Doug_SEIndiana]

I have an L3430 with 300 hours on it. I used it this winter to clear snow and it has not been started until now. When started it ran fine, but in a few minutes I heard something from under the hood. I raised the hood and could see a pulley that wasn't turning with the belt. It is the highest pulley that is attached to the very top of the engine. It just looks as if the pulley is getting stuck and the belt keeps turning and all other pulleys are working just fine. The belt seems tight and is not loose. Is this the pulley attached to the water pump? It gets stuck off and on and does go away sometimes for a short while. Any help would be appreciated as I'm definitely not a mechanic, but do like the feeling of accomplishment when I fix something myself.
Thanks,
Doug

 

[kuboman]

I have an L3430 with 300 hours on it. I used it this winter to clear snow and it has not been started until now. When started it ran fine, but in a few minutes I heard something from under the hood. I raised the hood and could see a pulley that wasn't turning with the belt. It is the highest pulley that is attached to the very top of the engine. It just looks as if the pulley is getting stuck and the belt keeps turning and all other pulleys are working just fine. The belt seems tight and is not loose. Is this the pulley attached to the water pump? It gets stuck off and on and does go away sometimes for a short while. Any help would be appreciated as I'm definitely not a mechanic, but do like the feeling of accomplishment when I fix something myself.
Thanks,
Doug

Not a good sign. Sounds like your water pump is mostly seized. Are you sure it is the WP and not the alternator:thumbsup:

 

[Doug_SEIndiana]

Thanks KuboMan-
I'm pretty sure it is the water pump. Whatever it is sits on top of the engine and has hoses going to is labeled H and C. Is a water pump a DIY project for a non-mechanic? Is it basically a remove/reassemble project or is it much more complicated.
Thanks

 

[kuboman]

Thanks KuboMan-
I'm pretty sure it is the water pump. Whatever it is sits on top of the engine and has hoses going to is labeled H and C. Is a water pump a DIY project for a non-mechanic? Is it basically a remove/reassemble project or is it much more complicated.
Thanks

Yep sounds like the water pump. I have never had one seize on me though. Bearings go and they leak or sometimes the seal goes and they leak and sometimes the bearing gets noisy but never had one seize.
I have never changed one on a Kubota so I can't advise. I have looked at them with that in mind and it looks to me like pulling the radiator might be a help but not sure. Someone who has done one will chime in soon.