2004 Kubota HST L5030 knock and blue smoke

[Axlebender]

Well, old girl is off to the dealer. I'll update on the diagnosis.

 

[FatTire]

Good luck with her! Hope its not too expensive.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Well, old girl is off to the dealer. I'll update on the diagnosis.

Yes, please keep us posted. I am at a loss on this.

 

[Axlebender]

Got the bad news last week. Apparently I knocked a plug out of the bottom of the radiator and lost my fluid. in about 200 yards engine got hot but didn't register with no fluid, so cracked head, which by itself is a little pricey, but also two cylinders damaged, so total engine replacement. They are quoting 10k out the door including taxes. Seems extraordinarily high, but maybe that's just what it is. 2004 L5030 HST 4 cylinder. having to decide if $10k engine replacement on a 14 year old tractor or new tractor with payments for 6 years. TRactor is in good shape overall, hydraulics are solid, good tires, HST is solid, with only 950 hours total. Leaning toward engine replacement as don't really want or need payments forever.
What do you guys think?

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Id replace engine

 

[moship]

You might want to check what the price of a replacement engine costs. I’m guessing they are quoting $3-4K for labor.

Splitting tractor you might consider replacing some wear items and seals while in there.

Any chance the engine can be repaired versus buying replacement?

 

[TripleR]

I am buying a low hour used Kubota engine for my BX2660 for $1500; lots cheaper than the Kubota dealership. You might do a bit of Internet surfing or even see if your dealership can get one. If all else fails, I would pay the price asked. That 5030 is a good little tractor that holds its value. Mine had 1400 hours and was sold before the dealer put it on the lot.

 

[JWR]

There are a lot of variables -- do you have a loader, is it a cab or open station, with remotes? and all sorts of things. I'd do quite a bit of shopping before plunking down $10K. That COULD still be the right answer but with that much $ involved it warrants some shopping.

First, I'd shop around some on engine replacement costs. Surely someone offers "short block assemblies" just like they do for cars and trucks. A Supplier price on a short block gives you a good ref point. Most any full-fledged tractor repair shop could install a short block and would NOT have to be a Kubota dealer. The labor of course will probably equal the price of the short block. Since you busted the head, a short bock MAY not come with a head (?)
Secondly, I cannot tell where you live but it seems like Arkansas? There are several big salvage yards in Tenn and other parts of the South. I would call around and get a price on a complete used engine from a 5030. The worst they could do is not have any. I'd even try someone as far away as Wengers in Myerstown PA. It is not all that expensive to take a pickup up there if they had a good engine. They are first class, reliable people to deal with AND will probably give you excellent advice on the phone.
Third, I'd go look at what used 5030's there are on the market (say using Tractor House website.) In a quick glance I see they have about 14 for sale. Wide variation of HOURS, whether it has a cab, loader, etc. At least I would look closely and absorb what is available & pros/cons at TractorHouse to put you in an informed state of mind. If your's is a cab model, everything works well like A/C, heater, etc. & the thing is in good shape, that might make a lot of difference leaning toward keeping the machine.

There are several good Kubota dealers within a 2-3 hr drive from you if that is Gravette Ark. I'd definitely talk with 2 or 3 of them.

Hopefully you are not against a wall time-wise and can take time to dig.

At a wild long distance guess, I think the $10K and whatever you can get out of the disabled tractor will buy you a comparable replacement, BUT that is not a good deal unless it saves you $5 or $6K.

I'd say "learn a lot by phone" before doing anything else. And good luck !

 

[buckeyefarmer]

There are a lot of variables -- do you have a loader, is it a cab or open station, with remotes? and all sorts of things. I'd do quite a bit of shopping before plunking down $10K. That COULD still be the right answer but with that much $ involved it warrants some shopping.

First, I'd shop around some on engine replacement costs. Surely someone offers "short block assemblies" just like they do for cars and trucks. A Supplier price on a short block gives you a good ref point. Most any full-fledged tractor repair shop could install a short block and would NOT have to be a Kubota dealer. The labor of course will probably equal the price of the short block. Since you busted the head, a short bock MAY not come with a head (?)
Secondly, I cannot tell where you live but it seems like Arkansas? There are several big salvage yards in Tenn and other parts of the South. I would call around and get a price on a complete used engine from a 5030. The worst they could do is not have any. I'd even try someone as far away as Wengers in Myerstown PA. It is not all that expensive to take a pickup up there if they had a good engine. They are first class, reliable people to deal with AND will probably give you excellent advice on the phone.
Third, I'd go look at what used 5030's there are on the market (say using Tractor House website.) In a quick glance I see they have about 14 for sale. Wide variation of HOURS, whether it has a cab, loader, etc. At least I would look closely and absorb what is available & pros/cons at TractorHouse to put you in an informed state of mind. If your's is a cab model, everything works well like A/C, heater, etc. & the thing is in good shape, that might make a lot of difference leaning toward keeping the machine.

There are several good Kubota dealers within a 2-3 hr drive from you if that is Gravette Ark. I'd definitely talk with 2 or 3 of them.

Hopefully you are not against a wall time-wise and can take time to dig.

At a wild long distance guess, I think the $10K and whatever you can get out of the disabled tractor will buy you a comparable replacement, BUT that is not a good deal unless it saves you $5 or $6K.

I'd say "learn a lot by phone" before doing anything else. And good luck !

Agree, good reply. Do your homework.

 

[dodge man]

I'd personally fix it yourself. I think with that tractor you wouldn't have to split it and I'd find a used engine or a rebuilt one. I know on my BX I could have the engine out in a few hours but not sure about yours.