Oil & Fuel Can't Believe This Happened

[Localmotion]

I don't see how checking fluids before a start can really help. Its a feel good thing for sure, especially if you are burning the oil. My JD doesn't leak anything until the plug drops out.

Lets hope it doesn't start leaking or burning on you - otherwise you'll never notice if you don't check the levels!!!

If it was tampered with, I'd look for problems on other machines, too.

Totally agree - Not sure where OP is, but if it is rural, I'd look for someone nearby who has an issue with you / your tractor!

 

[Localmotion]

What about just using a good old-fashioned buzzer tied in with the oil warning light?

Most large kit has just that - a simple buzzer that sounds when a warning light comes on. When you start an older machine, the buzzer may sound for a few seconds until the oil pressure builds up - if it comes back on, you know to stop quick!

That said, I agree with a lot of the other posts, that when working (especially without a cab) you probably wouldn't hear or notice the light in time to avoid doing damage.

Checking the levels is important - it might not have helped in this situation, but you will at least notice a potential problem before it occurs...

eg: How many people (myself included) have worked their machine hard and not checked the coolant the next morning, only to find she then runs a little hot?

 

[Cat_Driver]

Fill it with oil, squirt some oil on the pistons, try and turn the crank by hand, let it rest, and she should start up.

My employees have run plenty of my stuff bone dry. One Chevy van came back from a run knocking louder than an machine gun. I fired the employee instantly, check the oil, it was gone. I filled it up, started it, and it ran for another 100K till I sold it.

 

[k0ua]

No one noticed any puddles of oil when getting in their trucks? I'm not doubting what you're saying. I could see this easily happening especially if the trucks were parked on dirt or gravel.

If I spill a half a pint on concrete and seems to cover a 3' circle before I can get it cleaned up.

I cannot remember the details, I think it was 20 to 30 years ago, and it seems like it might have been the transmission drain plugs on gear transmissions in the trucks.. I just don't have the details, I do remember the name of the tire company and where they are located, and I am pretty sure it was most of their trucks that were damaged. And as I remember it, the perps were never caught. Again this is a little hazy, many years ago, and I got it off the local news, I had no first hand personnel info.

James K0UA

 

[Scooby074]

Totally agree - Not sure where OP is, but if it is rural, I'd look for someone nearby who has an issue with you / your tractor!

THIS!!

For someone to "premeditate" this type of vandalism, they really have an issue with you. It isnt random. And its likely not kids. This is "personal". Same for the truck story earlier. Likely an ex-employee or somebody who had business dealings or a competitor.

Vandals usually want instant gratification. Draining oil to only see the vehicles fail later in the day when they aren't present doesn't happen much. Let alone having a wrench to loosen the plugs handy.

Somebody, either the previous owner or the dealership, loosely installing the drain plug during an oil change "to keep it clean" or "not to loose it" then forgetting to go back and tighten it is a much more logical explanation.

 

[moriboy]

Hmm, wouldn't the drain plug look beat up after getting hit by the mower?

 

[boggen]

Hmm, wouldn't the drain plug look beat up after getting hit by the mower?

yes/no. i can run of a gravel drive way and only get a handfull of rocks to fly. other times i could get tons of rocks to fly.

 

[JerryG]

I mowed over my cell phone and didn't damage it. That was when cells were about an inch not like the thin ones we have now.

Hmm, wouldn't the drain plug look beat up after getting hit by the mower?

It is hard to believe a vandal would put enough time and work in to loosen that many plugs.

 

[Rockin' G Ranch]

I got my tractor back today with a brand new engine. KTAC covered the engine replacement. It was a COMPLETE engine replacement - the new engine even came with a new radiator! I am extremely pleased with my Kubota dealer and KTAC!
I highly recommend that you consider the KTAC insurance. I know I'll always have it!

 

[94BULLITT]

I got my tractor back today with a brand new engine. KTAC covered the engine replacement. It was a COMPLETE engine replacement - the new engine even came with a new radiator! I am extremely pleased with my Kubota dealer and KTAC!
I highly recommend that you consider the KTAC insurance. I know I'll always have it!

That's awesome!!