Damaged block installing block heater L5240

[murphy1244]

Think he said something about still getting things together to do a more detailed inspection of the damage , but was going to be a few days pr week due to being busy.

So he is analyzing the problem in detail. Good. Then form a plan.

 

[ovrszd]

Murph, last I heard he plans to disassemble and take the block to someone for sleeving that cylinder??

That's the safest course of action for sure.

 

[Ford850]

That's where I am right now. I was quoted $400 for the one cylinder to be welded, bored and sleeved to factory diameter from a shop 30 minutes from where I work.

The work definitely begins now. First step is to organize the garage to be able to inventory all of the parts, then get everything pulled off that I can do myself before I need the help of a second person with jacks, dolley, engine hoist, etc.

My biggest challenge will be to slow myself down. Shop manual is on order. When it comes to re-assembly of the engine, and eventually timing and startup, I will have an expert present. I'll try to take pictures along the way.

I had always envisioned I would one day restore an old tractor. Maybe this will inspire me or discourage me from doing that!

Bumping his post with his plans.

 

[Ford850]

I have a camping trip scheduled with my son this weekend (he just crossed over to Boy Scouts). As an Eagle Scout myself, I'll need to be laid up in the hospital before I'd miss that.

I'm trying to work as much overtime as possible knowing what expenses I have in front of me. I have not had the time to do any work on the tractor by the time I make it home and have dinner with the family. Weekends are also tough right now since my father and I skid out next years' firewood from my property for both of us, plus my sister. We've had great conditions this year with a good frost in the ground and little snow, so we need to take advantage of it while the cards are in our favor. Did I mention I am greatful I still have my L3400?!!

I'll start soon. I will put in some due dilligence before tearing anything major apart.

On the point of Kubota not recommending boring the cylinder, they even list oversized pistons for this engine. That should tell you something. I guess a new block is approximately $3200.00, depending on the engine serial #. Dad has offered to help with the cost. We'll see how it goes.

And then this.

 

[truckdiagnostics]

Murph, last I heard he plans to disassemble and take the block to someone for sleeving that cylinder??

That's the safest course of action for sure.

It sounds like he drilled through a water passage into the cylinder below the rings. Me thinks a press fit liner to seal out water over time is asking for trouble. He could try welding it, but as thin as the material in that area sounds.... replace the block.:2cents:

 

[The Deerslayer]

Lets get back on track here and leave the personal insults out. The OP has a great attitude and not a whoa is me line. What are you doing now OP?

Agree with both points....nice to see a voice of reason :thumbsup:

 

[pmsmechanic]

It sounds like he drilled through a water passage into the cylinder below the rings. Me thinks a press fit liner to seal out water over time is asking for trouble. He could try welding it, but as thin as the material in that area sounds.... replace the block.:2cents:

The only reason I recommended a sleeve over welding is that welding distorts and adds stress to metal. Repair sleeves have been reliably used for many years. I agree that the best would be to replace the block but for $3200! Is the tractor even worth that much?

 

[murphy1244]

The only reason I recommended a sleeve over welding is that welding distorts and adds stress to metal. Repair sleeves have been reliably used for many years. I agree that the best would be to replace the block but for $3200! Is the tractor even worth that much?

You kidding? That's a grand L!! I would give 4k for it...

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

So I'm taking a welding class and the instructor was bragging about he had repaired this exact thing on a well used cast block.
He said that because it had many cycles of heat and cool that it was very 'carbonized' and therefore really hard to weld. He also said it was very thin and would be really easy to blow through into the cylinder.
Couldn't get it into an oven so they used charcoal brickets in the cylinder and a temp gun to get the area to near 400deg and a tig gun for max control.
He said if wasn't so good... Most welders would screw it up bad.
So sounds like vetting the shop is a good idea.

 

[The Fred]

While you are there mount a turbo to that thing, you won't regret it!

Good luck fixing her up!

Fred