15 / 16 series block cracks

[jwcinpk]

You know I don't really remember alot about the subframe design. I've forgotten since I haven't been able to look at it in over 2 weeks. I just assumed someone smarter than me had engineered and built it to last. They may very well have too. Could be a weak casting on Mitsubishi's part. I don't know. I just know it wasn't loose bolts or abuse. Hopefully the added support will keep it from happening again.
These tractors generally have a stellar reputation for reliability!

 

[MrChris]

My '06 3215 has the subframe/back brace to the rear. I thought this also helps with the more stable/solid feeling when using the loader by distributing the stresses to more of the tractor. When I raised and lowered the FEL on other brands and even the 2615 it seemed to shake the tractor a bit more. Anyway, I had a question concerning the bolt sizes being used to mount the FEL frame to the engine. In the loader manual it states 3 metric sizes being used 14-2 & 14-1.5, 12-1.75,10-1.5, all grade 10.9. These sizes should equate to M14,M12 & M10 respectively in the torque chart also found in the manual, correct? And if so, the corresponding torques would be 179,112 & 64 ft/lbs. My ML111 loader is made by KMW Ltd. out of Sterling,KS. American made? Can you believe it!

 

[AchingBack]

My previous remarks about performing loader maintenance were not directed toward any one individual. Rather, I was just thinking out loud. Are we dealing with two different issues: Tractor rail bolts, and loader mounting brackets? I believe we are, and both sets of bolts require intermittent checking.

 

[MrChris]

There also appears to be a torque sequence for the loader bolts, see diagram. I'll quote from the manual" Torque mounting kit hardware in the sequence as shown to prevent stress in tractor casting due to installation of loader brackets". Pretty clear cut. Of course first time I'm seeing this after 105 hrs on the tractor. The only bolts on my tractor that needed retorqing were the longer bolts in the #2 circle. There are two on each side. All the others were quite tight.

 

[jwcinpk]

Still no engine at my dealer. Oct 13th is getting closer everyday.

 

[jwcinpk]

Finally the new engine is at the dealer. Should start work on it this week.

 

[SABULA FARMER]

Just out of curiosity...how did you see the cracks on your block? I went and looked at my 2615 and I dont know how you can tell the block was cracked unless you took it all apart...?
Can you post some pics?

 

[AchingBack]

Just out of curiosity...how did you see the cracks on your block? I went and looked at my 2615 and I dont know how you can tell the block was cracked unless you took it all apart...?
Can you post some pics?

I'm pretty sure it would be quite obvious when a block is cracked, i.e. fluids leaking all over. One thing that should ease your mind; the 3215 has a loader bracket unlike the 2615. My dealer had a 2615 with a cracked block, come in for repairs. The owner had never even done the 50 hour service, or check anything on the tractor. He just ran it until it broke - total abuse. It cost him $4000 to fix it, and he loves the tractor because he knows he neglected it.

 

[SABULA FARMER]

I'm pretty sure it would be quite obvious when a block is cracked, i.e. fluids leaking all over. One thing that should ease your mind; the 3215 has a loader bracket unlike the 2615. My dealer had a 2615 with a cracked block, come in for repairs. The owner had never even done the 50 hour service, or check anything on the tractor. He just ran it until it broke - total abuse. It cost him $4000 to fix it, and he loves the tractor because he knows he neglected it.

So I take it we are not talking about a small hair line crack....did you observe oil and such leaking out of yours?
I am unfamiliar with your model tractor.

 

[AchingBack]

Aint it the truth?
Does your loader have the subframe/back bracing to the rear? If so, the design interface of the loader/tractor must be sub marginal. Glad they are conscious of it now.
larry

We are talking about the cracked block on the 3316, owned by jwcinpk. He didn't mention how he discovered the crack. See post #1.