B7100 D950 project

[chocolatetoothpaste]

This is cross-posted.

Hi all! I am new to the forum and wanted to share my project and ask a couple questions. This is my B7100. It's an old style, I think '74. The D750 in it is smoking pretty bad, mostly white smoke and a lot of blow by out the breather. I picked up a low hours (~1300) D950 for a good price. Other than the engine the tractor is in good condition, has some minor issues I'll take care of in due time.

A couple upgrades already made:

• Drilled out lift arms slightly to accommodate CAT 1 pins
• swapped out lift arm links with a universal style (previous owner had bent the snot out of them, they wouldn't adjust and kubota units were quite expensive)

Some upgrades/projects I'm planning for the nearish future:

• Quick attach set up for the bucket (mainly for future projects, see below)
• Looking for a ditch witch/trencher with a backhoe so I can make a trencher attachment for the front and build a backhoe attachment (not 3 point, frame mounted)
• Snow blower attachment for the front end (mod quick attach with hydraulic quick couplers)
• Possibly converting my cement mixer to run off the PTO...? Sounds relatively easy, it's currently gas engine and has plenty power but one less small engine to maintain... I have plenty enough already.
• Swap flashers out for LED units. PO upgraded work lights to LED already, but he put square ones mounted on hood. I'll find some LED round units and mount behind factory light location. Looks like a 4" is the right size, hasn't been easy finding the right ones yet.
• Find a way to mount a decent size tool box! I think on the right side, about where the little hoop is mounted. I want to mount a cup holder too (water only, I promise )

Now to the questions:

1. I saw reference in this post to a "newer style kubota switch with glow plug hold on one side". I'm assuming it has a detent so the key stays in that position so you don't have to hold it... Does anyone happen to know a part number or tractor model that has this type of switch? I will be making a new wiring harness from scratch (current one has been hacked up and will be adding a small alternator with the D950 swap) and my hands like the sound of upgrading the switch at the same time. I have issues with my hands so holding the key is difficult sometimes.

2. In my 3rd picture, the hose from what I assume is the fuel pump into the injector is split. Is this something I can pick up at the parts store and is it a specific type of hose? Or will I need to order it from a dealer? I figure it's under some pressure but I don't know how much and if regular fuel house would do the trick.

Edit:

Last question(s): The engine looks to be in really good condition on the outside, should I open up the top end at all for inspection? Should I get a gasket kit and reseal everything?

 

[LHoyer]

Is the 950 a direct replacement? I know the 850 is. Does your loader run off of front pump or tractor pump? I put LED lights on mine, 4" off of Amazon. Not the best though as it isn't focused. Throws light everywhere! an alternator will probably have to be mounted on top of the engine as I don't believe it will fit normally(on the side) without leaving a side panel off. My 2 cents.

 

[chocolatetoothpaste]

Some 850s and 950s won't work (industrial/marine applications), they have the oil filter and other things in the wrong location. The 950 I got came from a Jacobsen mower so it has the oil filter in the right place. Coolant hoses need to be adapted (950 is smaller) and I will be mounting an alternator near the injection pump so it all stays under the hood. Not a big fan of cutting holes in original metal unless it can be done in a way that looks nice. My loader runs off a pump attached to the crankshaft, the 950 donor has the same splined shaft so it'll hook right up. Should be a pretty straightforward project, fab a few brackets and hose adapters I'll do a full wiring harness too, this one has been cut up by some rookie.

 

[Vigo327]

Looks like a near twin to my b6100 loader. Mine has the pre-heat to the left, but you do have to hold it there. I feel like a switch that would hold itself in that position would have to have a timer on it for me to feel like it was a good idea.