Another MX5200 Runaway Diesel

[tyinusn]

There are at least two posts on the forum about runaway diesels in the MX5200. Those were attributed to freezing weather. Well, this one is a 90 degree day in August. The video shows the last few seconds of the tractors life. This is after about 45 seconds of trying to shut it down and getting away from it.

Dealer and Kubota act like they have never heard of this. Going on a month without my tractor as they figure out how to replace it. Only 60 hours on the engine so Kubota is not high on my list of quality companies.

 

[TSO]

It's new engine tech ... Still bugs to work out. Just think, you'll get new engine, maybe a whole new tractor!

 

[FatTire]

Keep us informed about how this plays out.

 

[Threepoint]

Ouch. The MX5200 is a nice tractor. I liked it a lot when I was shopping early last year, but it wasn't offered with a cab. I have no doubt Kubota will do the right thing for you on this.

 

[w1ebb]

Ow! That hurts! I'm sorry for your loss. I know you were expectinf many, many years of good service. Hopefully Kubota will make it right. Is this problem likely to happen to all of these models? Man, that could be deadly if you were working in a "tight situation."

Good fortune!

Scott

 

[s219]

For future reference, when a diesel engine starts to run away, immediately cover/plug the air intake. It will cut right off no mater what else is the problem. Anything will do -- a rag, a hat, your t-shirt, etc. From the looks of it, the OP never even opened the hood.

 

[Junkyard Jim]

I agree with s219, but keep in mind that if the air intake doesn't have a screen on it, keep a good grip on that rag or t-shirt. I have seen rags get sucked into a runaway diesal and go all the way out the exhaust. The motor had a blower which chewed it up and made it easier to swallow, but you don't want a rag stuck somewhere it shouldn't be. If you are working on one and running it without the normal air intake system in place, keep a board handy. A clipboard works great to cover the opening.

 

[Billrog]

I had a diesel tractor run away & quickly turned of the fuel supply before it blew up. Turned out it was a stuck fuel rod in the injection pump.

 

[Redneck in training]

My father was a diesel injection pump mechanic. He told me to break the fuel filter glass. But if the engine runs by ingesting lube oil then covering the air intake is only way to stop it.

 

[tyinusn]

For future reference, when a diesel engine starts to run away, immediately cover/plug the air intake. It will cut right off no mater what else is the problem. Anything will do -- a rag, a hat, your t-shirt, etc. From the looks of it, the OP never even opened the hood.

So, you would approach the size of the engine, pull pin on grille guard, pull grille guard forward, put face near hood, pull hood release, open hood, lift hood, open air intake, stuff rags in.... All while a tractor designed for 3000 rpm max is racing at over 4000 rpm. You are braver than I my friend.

A thrown rod or fragging turbo will kill you. Brave is occasionally the camouflage of DUMB. The design of the Kubota does not allow a safe way to kill a runaway. If there is a large CO2 canister handy then that is the best method. Unfortunately I left mine I the runway of the airport. Probably need to tow it at all times.

Kubota has had the tractor one month. No concession or upgrade, despite numerous 5200's doing this. I MAY pay the difference and get the 5800. But their only offer has been a replacement of tractor only. Loader and valves get moved.