5 cylinder engines

1astronautfarmer · Jul 17, 2016

Hello,
Can anyone tell me: Will the oil pan from a model F2302 5 cyl engine from a L3750 bolt to a F2803 5 cyl engine out of a M4900?
Also, will the F2803 mate to the bell housing and are the crankshaft flanges alike so the flywheel will mate?
If the oil pan will fit I can still use the L3750 cast frontend bracket and not have to fabricate a steel bracket like the M4900 uses.
I am looking at a basket case L3750 that is relatively cheap. I have the patience and ability and have weighed the risk / reward
if some of the large parts will interchange. It would be cost prohibitive to think a person could do this based on new parts from a dealer IF they are even available. I have located an engine from a M4900. This engine, I was told by it's owner, has a "bad cylinder". I have not laid eyes upon it yet(4 hour drive) but realize "bad cylinder" has several different meanings(crankshaft included)to different people.
I guess a good second question would be: does the 5 cyl engine have a lubrication issue to any particular journal? The L3750 broke a conrod and tossed it through the block. Maybe the 4900 broke a conrod too but didn't toss it through the block.... AND it could just be coincidence...just wondering what info you all may have.
I think it would be a shame to leave this L3750 to parts. It shows 1200 hrs and by the look of the loader and tires and general condition of the tractor this reading would appear accurate. It is generally in a better that average condition of course minus the fact that it is in pieces.
I would love to resurrect this unit for my wife.
I would appreciate any and all responses.
Thanks again

100 td · Jul 17, 2016

Just go and buy your wife a nice new shiny one with a cab, she'll love it(you?) even more!

rbargeron · Jul 19, 2016

The 5-cylinder engines have a good reputation - but any engine can be killed if run without checking the oil. An M4900 engine should bolt to the L3750's flywheel housing (using starter, flywheel, clutch etc from the L3750). This particular L3750 has the optional hydraulic shuttle - but the hydraulic system has been apart and partly open to the weather for a long time. No way to check out main pump and shuttle system with the engine out. Just saying..... Bet your wife would prefer a machine with HST.

1astronautfarmer · Jul 19, 2016

Thanks for the response
Yes its difficult to know why that M4900 engine would have a "bad cylinder". But I can take a drive some Saturday and maybe
the owner will let me take the pan off and look.(if he wants to sell it badly enough)
What are your thoughts about the oil pan being interchangeable?
Doesn't the frontend bracket bolt to the front of that casting?
Actually my wife has got my large JD 8 spd all figured out. But she does like the HST on the lawn mower..

thanks for your help. I really appreciate the input from someone who knows Kubotas.

rbargeron · Jul 19, 2016

I know a bit about Kubotas - but I have a bookmark to their parts lists that have interchange clues. For example both oil pans have 28 bolts so its very likely the pans' mounting flanges match. It's less obvious which oil pump is compatible, and which combination of flywheel and clutch parts will stack up correctly. Seems like a heavier flywheel would be right for the bigger engine. The L3750's pan's bosses on front are needed for the front axle support. The original flywheel housing is needed for mounting the steering box. I'm an L3 fan and I agree this machine should be brought back to life if feasible. If the F2803 swap works you'd have the baddest L3750 in captivity. Good luck, Dick B

My Hoe · Jul 20, 2016

Clearly, others, like rbargeron, have valuable, real-world experience to help you.

But, and not to be "Captain Obvious" here (but perhaps because I'm just lazy :laughing: ), I suspect your local, Kubota dealer's Parts Dept. could simply check the part numbers on the two pans (and any other parts you plan on switching) and see if they are identical. If so, Eureka! If not, an experienced parts person, possibly in consultation with a Kubota tech, might be able to advise you if parts with different numbers would still work (e.g., if the difference in the parts was of a non-critical nature).

Good luck! (I'm cheap--'er, I mean, I'm all about "Reuse, Re-purpose, Reclaim, Recycle".)

My Hoe

Fallon · Jul 20, 2016

My Hoe said:
Clearly, others, like rbargeron, have valuable, real-world experience to help you.

But, and not to be "Captain Obvious" here (but perhaps because I'm just lazy :laughing: ), I suspect your local, Kubota dealer's Parts Dept. could simply check the part numbers on the two pans (and any other parts you plan on switching) and see if they are identical.
My Hoe

Messicks & others have parts diagrams/lists online too, no need for a trip to the dealer.

ehenry · Jul 20, 2016

Your wife mows grass??? Mine use to....BUT....a nest of ground dwelling black bumblers ruined it for me. I've been with her for 38 years and that was the one and ONLY time I've ever seen her in a dead run.