Help, L185 is squirting out oil

[Chris99320]

I have a little problem with my L185. The other day as I was warming up my tractor I heard a little "pop" and oil started gushing out. Fortunately I was right there and could shut it down before bad things happened. On both sides of the block are little rubber plugs that are inserted into what are apparently oil ports. I think I counted 7 or 8 of them. They look like a baby bottle nipple that you insert pointy end first. I attached a picture. Well I am having a devil of a time inserting the things. The hole is quite a bit smaller than the plug.
I tried warming it up and pushing it in, not a chance
I tried stretching it over a dowel to elongate it and then put it in...ended up pushing a hole thru it
I tried folding the tip length wise and slipping it in, but couldn't get it to unfold, I even tried to blow air into the open end to inflate the fold....nada
So I am at my whit's end...any ideas?

I am guessing this won't be the first one I need to replace as the others appear to be orginal equipment circa 1976

 

[btolle]

Heating them will cause rubber to become more "sticky" so that won't work.

You might try sticking them in the refrigerator for a few hours before inserting. The cold will shrink them just a little.

Go to drug store and buy a small bottle of "Astroglide" personal lubricant. About twice as slick as KY jelly. Use a very thin coat. You would need to let the plug sit overnight and hopefully the lubricant would evaporate by then.

If that works I would let the tractor idle for at least 30 minutes or so to dry the lubricant out.

I would do just one in case the lubricant lets it pop back out. If it is OK then I would replace the rest of them. At 30 years old the rubber is rotten in all of them.

Baitwell Plugs has some plugs in 3/8" and 5/8" sizes that might work. You should be able to get them at a local boat store.

Bill Tolle

 

[B2400]

Any chance of getting a picture from the area which the oil is squirting out of? I can't imagine a plug like that being used to block an oil orifice,especially oil under any pressure. The plugs you show are commonly used as blind plugs, mainly to protect an unused threaded hole.

 

[Chris99320]

Thank you gentlemen for your replies

I looked at the deck plugs, but I think they are too large. The hole is ~0.3" diameter. However...it did get me to thinking about how rubber soft plugs work and I may be able to make something up...hhhmm

My first thought was "that keeps oil from gushing out? no way!" but apparently it does. I talked to the local dealers service department and they confirmed it does. They said newer models /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif (late 70's, early 80's) started using a metal plug that is pressed in. But they won't work with my (oldie but goodie) L185. Unfortunately the service manager offered no clues as to how to install the things but he is willing to give it a try if I bring it in. Anyway I attached another picture to show where the things go.

thanks again for the help

 

[kubmech]

It doesn't appear you are getting good information from your dealer. The rubber plugs you are reffering to are merely thread protectors for the bolt holes that are supplied for a loader application. What you need to solve the problem is the proper replacement plug for the one that blew out. It's in the parts breakdown for your tractor. I believe it's on the page for the engine block. It's a block off plug that seals off the oil gallery from where they machined it into the block when it was built. It is a relatively common problem. The plugs are still available. There not real easy to see in the parts breakdown but they are there. Most are made of alluminium, Depending on the application/engine and year some are steel, but not one, is made of plastic or rubber.

 

[snakeeater]

Is it possible to (as a last resort) tap the hole and screw in the appropriate plug///this is an absolute last resort..I agree with gentleman who suggested the part is in the parts breakdown..hope you find an answer..

 

[Chris99320]

kubmech, thank you for the info. Is it possible there were two different blocks used for the early L185's? My serial number is 10559, the engine is a Z751A. The parts guy did find a metal plug, but it was a larger diameter, the only other plug we could find on the block picture was the rubber plug. PN 15221-51210
So IF I can locate the right part.....do I just tap it in? Do I need to use an adhesive like locktite sleeve retainer?

Again thanks to all for your help.

 

[L225]

My old L225 has plastic plugs all over it to keep the holes not being used clean for future use, not just for a front end loader....

A plastic plug would NOT be used to stop oil flow...

Are you sure you lost a PLASTIC plug ?? SOME of the holes on the engine are plugs some are used to keep the main bearing supports in place....

IF it is just a plug I would find a bottom tap and tap and plug the hole the closest size available....

IF it is one of the bolts holding a bearing support THAT MAY be a different matter....

A manual and parts list are mandatory for these older tractors because they will be your best reference source...

Just my 2 cents....

 

[kubmech]

I do remember having a hard time finding the plug in the breakdown. I'll try to see if I can find the right part number for you.

 

[Chris99320]

Well I did the shotgun approach.....I went back over to the kubota dealer and ordered 2 different plugs that were called out on parts list. He had two others that were in stock, one was the right shape but ~0.4" in diameter instead of ~0.3", the other was a threaded plug. So I will wait and see what shows up next thursday.
Thanks again for the help and input.