Damaged block installing block heater L5240

[RickB]

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

I'm surprised it took 6 pages before someone pulled the 'design flaw' or 'dealer/manufacturer problem' cards out of the deck.

I feel for the OP and hope there is a solution not involving a new engine block.

 

[Deere Dude]

 

[Citydude]

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.....

Um, be careful with pry bars on those soft plug bores. Deep scratches or dings can result in JBWeld and lots of time sanding to smooth them back down for a tight seal. I learned that on my own, the hard way...

 

[pmsmechanic]

Pretty harsh opinion there Coyote machine!

I hope you can get this fixed. I'm just thinking that if you are going to get that bore sleeves then I wouldn't bother with welding the block. The sleeve will fix the hole. Especially if it's installed with some Locktite.

It will be interesting to read how this all works out in the end.

 

[Adiredneck]

I have a camping trip scheduled with my son this weekend (he just crossed over to Boy Scouts). As an Eagle Scout myself, I'll need to be laid up in the hospital before I'd miss that.

I'm trying to work as much overtime as possible knowing what expenses I have in front of me. I have not had the time to do any work on the tractor by the time I make it home and have dinner with the family. Weekends are also tough right now since my father and I skid out next years' firewood from my property for both of us, plus my sister. We've had great conditions this year with a good frost in the ground and little snow, so we need to take advantage of it while the cards are in our favor. Did I mention I am greatful I still have my L3400?!!

I'll start soon. I will put in some due dilligence before tearing anything major apart.

On the point of Kubota not recommending boring the cylinder, they even list oversized pistons for this engine. That should tell you something. I guess a new block is approximately $3200.00, depending on the engine serial #. Dad has offered to help with the cost. We'll see how it goes.

 

[Adiredneck]

I have a camping trip scheduled with my son this weekend (he just crossed over to Boy Scouts). As an Eagle Scout myself, I'll need to be laid up in the hospital before I'd miss that.

I'm trying to work as much overtime as possible knowing what expenses I have in front of me. I have not had the time to do any work on the tractor by the time I make it home and have dinner with the family. Weekends are also tough right now since my father and I skid out next years' firewood from my property for both of us, plus my sister. We've had great conditions this year with a good frost in the ground and little snow, so we need to take advantage of it while the cards are in our favor. Did I mention I am greatful I still have my L3400?!!

I'll start soon. I will put in some due dilligence before tearing anything major apart.

On the point of Kubota not recommending boring the cylinder, they even list oversized pistons for this engine. That should tell you something. I guess a new block is approximately $3200.00, depending on the engine serial #. Dad has offered to help with the cost. We'll see how it goes.

 

[buickanddeere]

I would weld the holes in with stainless rod after pre heating the block in the wife's oven to 550f for 2-3 hours.

 

[Coyote machine]

A punch and pry bar used properly would create a raised edge that the pry bar could then engage to pop out the freeze plug. Not saying it's an easy job, depending on where the plug is located, BUT there are methods to do things so the OP's results don't occur.
Another is using a slide hammer to pull the plug out after boring a small hole(s) with a collared bit. This method yanks the plug out by sliding a weight on a puller, away from the block.

It's not harsh to speak the truth, it's not blaming the OP, it's just saying how a pro would do the job: useful information for reference for those who might decide to hire it out rather than bungling through...
Facts are just that, facts, no more, no less.

 

[roadhunter]

Best of luck to the OP. We all feel for ya and I am impressed with how you have handled this.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I would weld the holes in with stainless rod after pre heating the block in the wife's oven to 550f for 2-3 hours.

That would be a big oven and a big job to get down to an empty block.

I did a small weld job on a door to a cast iron wood stove a few years ago. Heated the door up in a gas grill. I used a special rod, don't remember what but got advice from TBN at the time.