reconditioned or unconditioned?

topdog · Oct 13, 2011

I am a hobby rancher. Three years ago I bought a Yanmar FX28D from a local tractor seller who was selling "reconditioned" out of his backyard shop. She looked a beauty and after reading up and educating myself on this forum, I bought it for around $10,000. It worked great for the last 3 years for mostly light duty work. In July, I moved dirt for about 2 hours and it overheated. The local tractor/diesel mechanic says the engine needs to be rebuilt. Turns out it was repainted and new decals, but now it shows extreme wear from a "stop leak" product, no thermostat, orange silicone on the head gasket, and I'm looking at a$2000 plus bill. All suggestions are appreciated.

California · Oct 13, 2011

topdog said:
... moved dirt for about 2 hours and it overheated...."stop leak" product, no thermostat, orange silicone on the head gasket...
All suggestions are appreciated.

I think this deserves more troubleshooting before spending that much money. If it were mine I would start by bringing the cooling system up to spec, a step that would be included in a major overhaul anyway. Run a cleaning chemical to loosen crud in the block, remove the radiator and take it in to be rodded out, and get the right thermostat installed. Diagnose if there is a head gasket problem. (Coolant in oil, etc).

If this tractor is seldom worked hard and it isn't difficult to start, I think fixing the cooling problem would put off an overhaul for many years.

clemsonfor · Oct 13, 2011

I agree with California, at a minimum. You may have a bad head gasket. Diagnose this and if its bad, most likely all you will need is to replace it, maybe have the surface machined flat. If it runs and still has power ther is no need for a rebuild.

topdog · Oct 14, 2011

Thanks for the alternatives. The shop that my tractor now resides is trying to find information on this tractor/engine. The TractorData site shows this to be a 3 cyllinder, but in actuality it is a 4 cyl. What gives? Also, where would we find the serial number if it still exists? Thanks for any help!

mark777 · Oct 14, 2011

I believe the FX28D is equipped with the 4TNA78UN (four cylinder) engine.

runningbird · Oct 14, 2011

serial number is on the exhaust side of the motor on the valve cover. I think all the parts are available to rebuild this motor. I also really doubt you need a total rebuild. But it seems like the head needs to come off to figure things out.

Keep us all updated.

topdog · Oct 14, 2011

My shop foreman has had another mechanic friend look at the engine. With the head off, you can see damage that they classify as severe (crack, cylinders, rings, pistons,etc) Looking at a minimum of $1500 to replace parts and machine the block, cylinders, ... or at least $3,000 to stick a rebuilt engine back in the hole. I'll probably make a decision on Monday given my options. I am looking for an engine to replace with. I might be looking for (sob

)...a replacement tractor. Thanks for the posts!