A small leak

Anonymous Poster · Dec 13, 2001

Gentlemen, be very careful when tampering with that aluminum fitting. That particular fitting was leaking on my TC40 D. It had developed into more than just a drop here and there. I thought it would be a simple procedure removing that aluminum fitting and replacing it with a cast iron plug. Not a chance. First, you cannot reach the plug very well. if you have FEL brackets in the way as I do it is even more difficult. Secondly, that fitting is extremely soft aluminum. The corners will round as you try to back it out. Two hours, some drilling, some chiseling, and several busted knuckles later, I had successfully replaced the junk fitting with a 3/4 " cast iron plug with a healthy dose of pliable thread sealer. I reconfigured the radiator drain line to empty about where it had originally. Changing the coolant now will only require opening the drain line, removing the plug and backflushing with a garden hose. The tractor comes up to operating temperature quickly now and seems to run better than it ever did. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from removing/replacing that plug, just be aware that it may be a bigger job than you intended.

Fullthrottle · Dec 13, 2001

Mine is more of a puddle than a drip also. Where did you get the plug? If you ordered it online, do you have the part#?

djradz · Dec 14, 2001

The job is much easier with the oil filter removed. Just in case, you may want to have a new fitting, aluminum or otherwise, on hand. As a replacement, how about a plug/reducer, right angle fitting, and a barbed fitting to match the hose. I'll have to check McMaster-Carr online.

Anonymous Poster · Dec 14, 2001

I forgot to mention that you will definitely want to remove the oil filter first in order to get close to the fitting. I timed my fitting replacement with the 100 hour service and had the filter off. I bought the plug at a local Home Depot. Nothing special, just a glavanized 3/4" cast iron plug. For thread sealer I used a high-temp form-a-gasket compound from a local auto parts store. It has a rubbery texture to it and it will stay pliable. Put a generous amount on the threads of the plug, tighten in place and wipe off the excess. I let the compound cure for a couple hours before I put the coolant back in.
I did learn in the process that with this plug removed, it is remarkably easy to flush all coolant from the engine quickly. Open the drain at the bottom of the radiator as well, and flush through the radiator fill with a garden hose and you will purge all old coolant/antifreeze in less than thirty seconds. It is somewhat sloppier draining through this plug than with the factory drain hose in place but I believe removing the entire plug will allow for a more thorough purging of the block.

Mosey · Jan 14, 2002

Paul, did you ever take your's in and get it fixed? Mine is doing it now. It's coming from that fitting on the side of the block by the oil filter that goes to the coolant drain hose. The tractor has been sitting for 2 weeks, so it must be the same “cold leak” problem.

farmacist · Jan 15, 2002

I am wondering if the plug from Home Depot has american threads. I would have expected that a japanese engine with metric nuts and bolts would have had a metric thread on the plug????

IndianaPaul · Jan 15, 2002

Danny:

Have yet to have my cold leak fixed. Dealer said he would fix it when I bring it in, but am waiting for the 300 hour service to do so. Still get about 2-3 drips ever 48 hours.

What part of Southern Indiana you hail from? I'm over near Jasper/Washington.

Paul

Mosey · Jan 16, 2002

Paul,
I'm 15 miles SW of Columbus, right at the edge of Bartholomew county, about a mile from Brown county. I've been to Jasper a few times, that's a real nice area. I'll be taking my Boomer in for some other work before spring, so I plan to have them fix it then. Were did you buy yours? I bought mine from Davis Equipment in Seymour, but their main dealership is in Salem.

Anonymous Poster · Jan 17, 2002

I have no idea on the threads if they were standard or metric. Honestly, I didn't give it a second thought. I matched the new plug to the diameter of the old and it fit fine.
Let's hear it for Boomers in Southern Indiana. I reside in Vanderburgh county just west of Evansville.

IndianaPaul · Jan 17, 2002

Danny:

I purchased mine from Blesch Brothers in Holland IN. Spent a lot of time talking to farmers around me to see whatthey thought of the service from the various dealers. To a T, they all said Blesch would treat me right.

I actually live in Pike County, though am a transplant from Indy. Know your area well from bird/deer hunting.

Paul