Block heater installation problems - BX2200

[JWE]

I went to install the block heater that I purchased last spring and a problem has surfaced. I had no problem getting the 17mm plug out of the block; installed the heater but it leaks around the threads. I have reinstalled it twice. I even used a different thread compound the last time.

Has anyone else had this problem?
Any suggestions on what I could do to stop the leak?
Is it possible that I have a deffective heater?

 

[ronjhall]

JWE
I used Loctite 567 Pipe Sealant on my 2910 with no problems. 577 will also work.
What type of sealant are you using?

 

[JWE]

I used reguler pipe joint compound that you would buy at Home Depot or Lowes. One tube was the grey stuff and the other tube was the white kind with teflon in it.

Where did you buy the Loctite sealent?

John

 

[frank_f15]

it is possible that the threads on the heater are not quite right, but i don't think so. try this use teflon tape 2 wraps around the threads then put your sealent on the threads, snug it up and see if that takes care of it, teflon pipe sealant tape can be purchased at any harware store.

 

[JWE]

Thanks Frank... I have plenty of teflon tape. Is teflon tape compatible with pipe joint compond?

John

 

[Junkman]

Hope that you don't have this problem....... my dealer told me that there is a recall on the block heaters...... apparently the factory authorized manufacturer made them with the incorrect threads and they don't screw into the block properly. They did a recall of all the block heaters and replaced them with heaters with the correct threads. If it were my machine, I would be calling the dealer on Monday morning and check the part number of the heater that you have and the correct heater part number. I checked my invoice and the part number that they installed for my BX 22 last week is..... 70000-73274. Since the heater is made of brass, I doubt that you would have stripped the threads in the block. If it turns out that you got one of the defective heaters, then I suggest that you ask the dealer to install the replacement at no charge to you.... after all, it is their mistake not to contact you and let you know of the problem heater. If damage was done, I don't know where you stand then. Until then, you could always remove the heater and put the plug back in.......

 

[ronjhall]

JWE
I purchased the Loctite Thread Sealant at a local Auto Parts Store.

 

[JWE]

Thanks junkman, I will check that out with the dealer on Monday. I have done a lot of plumbing in my day and I have never had a problem with pipe joint compound sealing properly matched thread.

At this point, I am pretty frustrated with the entire deal. Each time I drain the rad I get antifreeze all over the tractor frame and floor. My BX does not have a petcock to drain the rad; it just has a plug at the bottom making it hard to drain without creating a mess. Even though I completely drain the rad, a fair amount still comes out of the block.

John

 

[JWE]

Junkman... My heater has the same part number as yours. I will still check it out with the dealer.

John

 

[ronjhall]

John
Junkman’s response may be the correct answer.

I have the same part number as yours. I have had it for a couple of years. Just got around to putting it in recently. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Hope your dealer is able to help.

 

[JWE]

I suspect that the threads are the wrong size. It skrews in easly but it leaks around the threads no matter how tight you make it or how much pipe dope you use.

John

 

[Junkman]

A thought just came to mind....... I wonder if Kubota changed the part number to reflect the new part or just recalled the defective parts and made no part number change. Many times a manufacturer will add a letter to the part number to indicate a change also. GM always assigned new part numbers and that is what I was thinking about when I posted last.....

 

[JWE]

I contacted the dealer yesterday and they could not find any recalls or tech bulletins on block heaters. They called Kubota support but they have not heard back from them yet.

Would you mind calling your dealer and ask if they have a recall number or any document identifying the recall?

Thanks

John

 

[Egon]

As others have stated the threads are probably not right.

Have you considered replacing the rad drain plug with a valve?

Egon

 

[Junkman]

It would be better to have the dealer contact the person that I had learned this from directly. Contact Mike at Pinicleview Equipment Co, Walpole NH. 603756-3379

 

[JWE]

THANKS Junkman... I contacted Mike and he was extremely helpful. He said that they dealt directly with Kubota, CA on the issue. He was able to give me a service case that I passed onto my dealer for reference. He also said that all of the new heaters coming from Kubota are OK (no leaks).

John

 

[JWE]

Just talked with my dealer and they ordered a new block heater that should be in on Thursday.

This afternoon, I compared the threads on the original plug and the threads on the heater (I can't believe I didn't think to do that sooner!). The threads do not match.

Thanks again to junkman for giving me name of the dealer that originally discovered the problem.

John

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

JWE,

When did you buy your heater? I got mine in March of 03, did not put it in yet, plan to in the next few weeks. Sent an e-mail to tractor smart, still no replay, I may need to call.

Thanks

 

[JWE]

NY_Yankees_Fan

Yesterday, I dug my receipt out and I purchased mine on March 3, 2003. Originally I called Tractorsmart because I thought I bought my heater from them. When I found my receipt I discovered that I bought it from my local dealer rather than Tractorsmart /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif. Tractorsmart was not aware of any problems with block heaters so I filled them in with the information that I collected.

It is my understanding that Kubota received a bad batch of the heaters late last year or early this year (wrong thread). There is no mention of a problem in any of Kubota's tech bulletins according to the dealers.

John

 

[JWE]

The new heater came in today and it leaks also. I put 3 wraps of teflon tape on it this time and I still get a drip after the engine heats and presure builds up. The threads match better than the original heater but it is still not a perfect match. I think I am going to turn this problem over to the dealer to resolve.

John