Blew up Kubota motor

LD1 · Sep 22, 2018

the old grind said:
Can we crowd-fund some help for our esteemed fellow TBNer, here or elsewhere? (totally NOT joking!)

I've got $50 I could p__s away otherwise. (postal money order, is discrete/best)

('Strength in numbers'..) Anyone else willing to pitch in?

t o g

Very generous of you. I appreciate the offer. But you guys done need to do that for me, I'm just some internet stranger. I'll be alright.

newbury · Sep 22, 2018

LD1 said:
Not familiar enough with Alibaba.

My understanding is it's alot of Chinese knockoff junk and takes several weeks for a boat ride, customs charges, etc

Just saw an article on the news last night, Cummins is facing trouble with the tariffs - ALL their blocks are imported from China.

Citydude · Sep 22, 2018

LD1 said:
Very generous of you. I appreciate the offer. But you guys done need to do that for me, I'm just some internet stranger. I'll be alright.

Well, your a long way from an internet stranger on this forum LD. Just saying....

searcyfarms · Sep 22, 2018

I am sure that we are going to come up with a used situation sooner or later - it just depends on how long you are willing to wait......have you thought about buying a tractor to use in the mean time and waiting and then finding a good deal on an engine - and then sell the used one after you get yours fixed?

TimberHole · Sep 22, 2018

LD1 said:
Anyone got a line on a late model tractor junkyard?

After tearing everything apart, the block isnt salvageable. The balance shafts have bearings like a cam. One spun in a bore and no one offers any oversized bearings and the kubota engine rebuilders I have talked to say that block is shot.

And even if block was good, tallying the damage....
Fuel camshaft needs replaced
One balance shaft,
one piston
oil pump
one rod
all the gaskets and seals
machine work that needs done...

EVEN IF the block were good I'd be knocking on $3500-$4000 rebuild.

A reconditioned engine by a kubota authorized/certified place is $4800 + $1200 core.
I was informed that due to the block being a waste...thats $600 off core, and the rod another $100.

So Id only see a $500 core back.

So my options at the moment....

#1....$5500 + tax (~$5900) for a reconditioned motor with 1 year unlimited hour warranty. But I'd have to re-use my starter, alternator, TURBO, bell housing adaptor, etc etc. And surrender all my core parts that I dont use.

#2....$6800 + $100 freight + ~$500 tax = (~$7400) for a brand new engine from dealer with warranty. New turbo and manifolds. but still re-use my alternator, starter, flywheel, clutch, etc. And would have to surrender block only (which is junk) to be destroyed. But could probably re-coupe some money selling spare parts on ebay.

#3. $6500 + $300 = (~$6800) freight for a BRAND new complete motor out of indiana. No warranty but Brand new and guarenteed to run. This is complete with alternator, starter, flywheel, turbo, etc etc. Dont have to surrender anything. So its $600 less than dealer and Would give a few more parts for spares to hold onto or sell on ebay like the starter, alternator, flywheel, and a few other things that dont come on a new one from the dealer, all for giving up a 1-year warranty.

So does anyone know of any other options, or tractor salvage yards that might have one? I have called all I can find. At this point I am out of options. Leaning torward option #3. New is new, and more spare parts. And with a junk block eating my core credit, just not enough of a savings to go re-conditioned.

Will see if anyone has any suggestions but probably gonna call and order the engine monday morning so I'll have it by next weekend.

I dont think those prices sound all that bad. I spent 3k on parts rebuilding a 32hp Yanmar. While it sucks to spend the money Id go for the factory motor with warranty. It isnt that much more. The only thing that scares me more than spending the money is spending the money and having the new engine come apart.

prichard · Sep 22, 2018

Citydude said:
Well, your a long way from an internet stranger on this forum LD. Just saying....

Agreed.

I'd add to the fund. You've been a great help to me.

LD1 · Sep 22, 2018

searcyfarms said:
I am sure that we are going to come up with a used situation sooner or later - it just depends on how long you are willing to wait......have you thought about buying a tractor to use in the mean time and waiting and then finding a good deal on an engine - and then sell the used one after you get yours fixed?

That's my current line of thinking.

There is a 2wd gear mx5100 with 350 hrs and no loader in Oklahoma. $9900.

I could see myself getting something like that, putting the engine in mine (since mine is HST, 4wd, and has a loader).

Then I'd sit on it til I came across a used engine for $3k ballpark.

So for the price of an engine + a few grand....

And wait on a used motor....

I could have a 2wd mx for around $5k by the time it's all over.

And would give me the luxury of time to wait on a salvage yard motor. Even if that takes months or a year

searcyfarms · Sep 22, 2018

sounds like that's a real option for you with the used - sometimes a little elbow grease is well worth it!!!

crazyal · Sep 22, 2018

I've never looked for a motor in a tractor salvage yard but if you did find one how many hours can you expect on it? Lots of diesels will go long past 12,000 hours and have lots of blow by but still get used. To end up in a tractor salvage yard it's either going to be worn out or fire damage that didn't harm the engine. I think you might be better off trying to break down the parts tractor and sell pieces off. I don't know how much will work on a 4wd version so there may not be a lot of parts that will sell. It may suck but I think the best option is to just buy the complete engine and keep any part that good from yours.

Maybe you can find out of your crank has enough meat left on it to be turned down. If so maybe it's worth something to someone (it sounds like it's unlikely because of the extensive damage done). It's possible the turbo could be rebuilt and have a little value.