Warranty issue dispute with Kubota - Advice anyone

[4570Man]

Kubota or any other manufacturer could design a system as complicated as you want and they could build shielding as good as you want. At the end of the day it’s an economy series tractor with minimal frills and it’s not forestry equipment. I still don’t believe there weren’t any signs before significant damage. Even after draining there would be enough coolant left to steam and produce the unmistakable antifreeze odor.

 

[airbiscuit]

I don't think my recommendations would cost any more than their safety interlock systems, and could be marketed as a feature others don't have.

 

[Chewwy]

Water Temp Temperature Gauge Radiator 1/8 NPT sensor Hose T ADAPTER BLACK 34mm | eBay

These come in a variety of sizes on eBay. Top radiator hose with Fluid sensor at bottom?

Most coolant level sensor that I am familiar use some sort of float system. Float level systems trying to measure flowing fluid might not be that reliable.

 

[RickB]

Kubota or any other manufacturer could design a system as complicated as you want and they could build shielding as good as you want. At the end of the day it’s an economy series tractor with minimal frills and it’s not forestry equipment. I still don’t believe there weren’t any signs before significant damage. Even after draining there would be enough coolant left to steam and produce the unmistakable antifreeze odor.

Agreed.

 

[downslope]

Most coolant level sensor that I am familiar use some sort of float system. Float level systems trying to measure flowing fluid might not be that reliable.

Yeah, we had a giant Cat powered generator in the sub-basement of our computer operations building. Was told the float level system always acted up with false alarms so someone disconnected it. As luck would have it, lower hose failed or came loose and engine was severely damaged/destroyed.
Never did understand how this could have happened since everything was on a regular maintenance contract with Cat dealer (gov't building). Probably technician oversight/screwup.

 

[Chewwy]

I don't think my recommendations would cost any more than their safety interlock systems, and could be marketed as a feature others don't have.

Not sure which if any of the safety interlocks are mandated by goverment requirements. Some are likely driven by lawsuits or fear of lawsuits. Blame the lawyers.

 

[aczlan]

Komatsu has a low level light, The sensor is in the top radiator tank ....

Volvo has has a coolant level sensor in their cars since at least the mid 1990s.

The sensor is on the engine but on the water flow not the oil. Apparently no engine, car or tractor has it on the oil system. Problem is that when there is NO WATER in the system, the sensor does not pick up the heat as efficiently, thereby allowing it to overheat substantially before any signs are shown. Perfect storm situation - Water leaks out while engine is not running, no sign of it unless you are lucky enough to have it parked where it can be seen, but not on dirt or rocks. Then you check the coolant reservoir, it is fine beach the siphon does not work when below the pick up point. Then the heat indicator does not go up because it has no water flowing past sensor. Then you are running along all fine and KABOOOOM, engine locks up. From the User Manual "BChecking Coolant Level

To avoid personal injury:

A Do not remove radiator cap while coolant is hot. When cool, slowly rotate cap to the first stop and allow sufficient time for excess pressure to escape before removing the cap completely.

1. Check to see that the coolant level is between the "FULL" and "LOW" marks of recovery tank.

2. When the coolant level drops due to evaporation, add soft water only up to the full level. In case of leakage, add anti-freeze and soft water in the specified mixing ratio up to the full level. (See "Flushing Cooling System and Changing Coolant" in "EVERY 2 YEARS" in "PERIODIC SERVICE" section.)

3. When the coolant level is lower than "LOW" mark of recovery tank, remove the radiator cap and check to see that the coolant level is just below the port. If level is low, add coolant."

If you had no other symptoms, I would be far more sympathetic, but given that you had an engine that would run, then shut off and not restart until it cooled off and you didn't check the coolant level in the radiator as well as in the recovery tank I can see why Kubota would deny your warranty.

The upper hose doesn't always run full of fluid, so that's a problem.

like the idea of simply making a T with the existing temp sensor and mounting a level sensor in there. Be sure to make it so that the level sensor doesn't trap a bubble..... or worse yet, trap some fluid while the rest of the radiator drains out through a broken lower hose.
rScotty

Probably the simplest way to do it would be to put a tee in the lower radiator hose, run that into a pressurized coolant overflow tank and reroute the vent line into the the overflow tank.
Choose an overflow tank that is easy to mount and has a level sensor built into it.

Aaron Z

 

[s219]

Seriously, has anyone seen the previous thread the OP started?

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...-kubota-4701hst-stalling-out.html#post5600020

That tractor engine was crying for help and the OP should have given it a thorough examination. I bet that would have revealed the problem. Hard to ignore a bone dry radiator, or a leak in the cooling system. Owner neglect, plain and simple. No wonder Kubota denied warranty.

 

[sd455dan]

Seriously, has anyone seen the previous thread the OP started?

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...-kubota-4701hst-stalling-out.html#post5600020

That tractor engine was crying for help and the OP should have given it a thorough examination. I bet that would have revealed the problem. Hard to ignore a bone dry radiator, or a leak in the cooling system. Owner neglect, plain and simple. No wonder Kubota denied warranty.

you know its a sad thing that NEW engines tend to seize more often than Old worn and Loose engines do. jmo

When new the clearances are as tight as they are ever going to be.

I have bought and been given a few engines that survived demo derbies where there was absolutely no coolant left. Beat on Hard. engines with over 100000 miles on them before Race/ Hammer time.

Maybe overheated diesels it is different, but gas engines a bit loose is better for survival when they are run Hot Real Hot:laughing:

To bad the Op doesn't have a close mechanic friend . if the engine didn't drop a valve seat or ventilate the block there might be some hope that a new set of rings heavy hone gasket set might fix her up. without pulling the engine down hard to know.

 

[TMGT]

I posted This on page 2 Post 14 of this thread


Radiator coolant level senders are Not real common as a factory feature

But some auto manufacturers did include a Radiator water level sender unit.

I am sure it saved a few engines from damage.

Mazda cars equipped with Rotary engines all had this sender in the radiator afaik




I have considered adding a bung to the radiator and installing 1

not to pricey at around $60 If anyone wants to add 1

https://www.ebay.com/p/1711255745?iid=230374507911


Sorry this happened to the OP and I realize anyone that buys a New tractor would think it is crazy to modify a new radiator and void the manufacturers warranty.

Just wanted to point out that there is a sender available for this situation /scenario

ps. The Mazda Rotaries ALL had a Audible Buzzer and light that were activated when the Radiator itself was not full and would buzz WELL before any damage Could Occur

I've owned a couple 1st gen and 2nd gen RX7's, almost every one the coolent level sensor either was disconnected or required replacment multiple times.

Lots of false alarms and problems, they worked off resistance and would build up gunk over time, eventually either not going off all the time or not reading.

I have the same problem with the washer fluid reservoir in my truck, have to take it out and clean it every so often or else it thinks its empty.