Damaged block installing block heater L5240

[aeblank]

I feel like we have the solution (teardown and $400 fix) before we know what the problem is.
Of course, I'm not there either. Maybe I missed it, too.....

Seems hard to believe he drilled through the block skirt.
Did it get run enough for the coolant to even go down? Or could it be condensation in the exhaust and some paranoia?

Just wondering "out loud".

 

[aeblank]

I feel like we have the solution (teardown and $400 fix) before we know what the problem is.
Of course, I'm not there either. Maybe I missed it, too.....

Seems hard to believe he drilled through the block skirt.
Did it get run enough for the coolant to even go down? Or could it be condensation in the exhaust and some paranoia?

Just wondering "out loud".

 

[ovrszd]

I feel like we have the solution (teardown and $400 fix) before we know what the problem is.
Of course, I'm not there either. Maybe I missed it, too.....

Seems hard to believe he drilled through the block skirt.
Did it get run enough for the coolant to even go down? Or could it be condensation in the exhaust and some paranoia?

Just wondering "out loud".

He drained a gallon of coolant out of the oil pan.......

 

[countrybumpkin]

Here is another person that did basically the same thing , may be worth reading.

Drilled Hole into Engine Block [Archive] - OrangeTractorTalks - Everything Kubota

 

[BigBoyToys]

I know hindsight is 20/20 but I've learned my lesson a long time ago when it come to "DRILLING FREEHAND"!!!
A set of "Stop Collars" are worth their weight in gold. Doesn't matter if it's metal or wood, they can prevent a MAJOR PITA repair.

8-pc Drill Bit Shaft Depth Stop Collar w/Case 1/8,3/16,1/4,5/16,3/8,7/16,1/2,5/8 - DUROTOOLS

I recently installed a block heater in my B3030 and was fortunate enough to have a "Threaded Plug" installation. But if it had been a freeze plug install, I would have drilled a hole just deep enough to break through the freeze plug using a collar on the drill bit. There would be enough of a hole to get a sheet metal screw threaded in and use it to pull it out.

As others have mentioned you are taking the right approach and doing the repair right! Good luck. :thumbsup:

 

[TomSeller]

If the block can be repaired by a company in that business, it would give me way more confidence than a screw inserted as a plug. Vet the shop out but if it can be torn down at home with family members helping for the grunt work, that $400 would be well spent.

I have a Perkins block repaired at a block shop and they did a NICE job. I never even think about that repair when I start that tractor. If I had a screw in the block I would always, and I mean always, be thinking about it coming loose or whatever. Tractors are made to enjoy and get work done, not to worry about. I'd pony up the $400 and get to know my tractor when tearing it down. Your Kubota is a top notch tractor, just find the $400 and chalk it up to experience. Good luck !!

 

[skyhook]

What "Ive" learned from this thread is,,NEVER use a drill on a frost plug.

 

[sandyc]

Maybe Kubota should have put a warning in the instructions about frost plug removal.....just saying!

 

[square1]

Maybe Kubota should have put a warning in the instructions about frost plug removal.....just saying!

Instructions? We don't read no stinkin' instructions (until after something goes wrong)!

 

[Coyote machine]

Maybe Kubota should have put a warning in the instructions about frost plug removal.....just saying!

No mechanic worth a **** would drill on a frost plug blindly, or without a bit stop collar. Most would remove it via a punch, not a drill. Once a hole is made, or the plug is bent by using a punch, it can then be pried out with a pribar.
Only an amateur would drill it like the OP did. Sorry, but the truth is the truth.....