Antifrezze/Coolant Leak

msb1766 · Jan 24, 2012

Two weeks ago I went out to the shed where I keep the SC2450 and noticed a little coolant on the floor, checked the radiator it was full but the overflow bottle was down about 1/2". Topped it off to the full line. It sat about 5 days and I checked it everyday and no leak. We were going to get some snow so I went out that night and plugged the tractor into the timmer, still not a drop on the floor. Timer came on at 7am went out at 7:30 and there was about 1/2 a cup of coolant on the floor and the overflow was down about and inch.
Topped it off started the tractor let run for 10 mins, no leaks. Used the tractor and new front blower to clear the snow all the while lokking for leaking none. Got done called the dealer and took it up the next day, sat all night but did not leak. Called them a few days later to get an update they said they could not find the leak. I called the today and they have ordered a water pump and gasket.

When I first called the guy said that plugging it in for a half an hour way too long.

Is it too long?

Gods Country · Jan 24, 2012

Well here is my story.
Almost exactly one year ago I had the same issue. The machine was coming up on two years and about 300hrs. Right after we had that bitter cold snap mid January. Same bizarre situation. A small amount of coolant would appear on the floor randomly and with no discernable regularity. The radiator was never low, but my overflow dropped only slightly, in fact if I didn't mark it I'm not sure I would have noticed it.
I could never physically see it leak, but could smell coolant burning off the engine.
I could see where there had been a small puddle collecting below the pump on the engine, and about 3 times over about 3 weeks a small puddle on the floor. I used the machine almost daily last winter, so it was strange. I was certain it was leaking around the physical seal at the engine.

I eventually brought it to the dealer because my 2 years was coming up. Same deal they replaced the pump and the gasket. They only replaced the pump because they split the pump in case it was leaking where the two halves is sealed, and Yanmar couldn't find the gasket prt#, even thought it's clearly listed and has a part#.

At any rate I'm rather certain it was leaking where the pump mates to the engine. The pump was working fine, I could feel the thermostat open and the return hose warm up with hot returning coolant. It's been a year, and I hope it doesn't need replacing anytime soon.

Feel free to relay this to your dealer. I don't have a block heater.

msb1766 · Jan 25, 2012

Thanks for the info, Mine has 120 Hrs. and is about 2 years old also. It is weird that they run fine with no leaks but leak when sitting for a few days.

Ty306 · Jan 25, 2012

I'm pulling knowledge from a different machine, but consider this: I work in the aircraft maintenance industry, militarily. we have hydraulic actuators that power flight controls, that usually don't leak under pressure, (3000 psi) and at temperature, when being used. my thought, is while being used, the heat expands the parts, things tighten up, and seal. but we get the same thing: some actuators, when sitting for a while, (and more so in the cold), will leak a little, referred to as a static leak. this may be what is occurring with the tractors, as well. my .02 for consideration.

Egon · Jan 25, 2012

You should be able to leave the block heater plugged in indefinety.:thumbsup:

msb1766 · Feb 1, 2012

Went today to pickup the tractor from the dealer, they replaced the water pump and gasket. My tractor was out of warranty but they took care of the cost. I can not say enough how satisfied I am with them.
My dealer is: Emerich Sales & Service - Kubota,Cub Cadet Yanmar,Ariens,Toro,New & Used Tractors