Kioti LK3054 blowby, is this a big problem?

[Finding Rhino]

Look at a LK3054 with FEL today. It was listed "asking $6500 reduce for quick sale $5300, need cash." Figured it should have problems for the ask price. Was actually in pretty good shape FEL tight, straight, bucket not beat, rams clean, little cosmetic damage (busted headlight) has all the engine panels (not on), turf tires 90%, etc. It was cool (60*)seller said something was not right with glowplug preheater, took a little while to get it going, dark grey/grey/whitegray smoke out out the stack but diminished to null in 1-2 minutes. sounded ok knocked a little @ lower rpm but it's a diesel don't they all clatter and knock? (not much backround with diesels). hour meter running showing 678. As it warmed up the breather tube from the rocker cover was venting smoke, definitely has positive crankcase pressure. had about 2 - 3 ft smoke trail at operating temp. Oil check blacker than ink seller was going to change and fix glow, also mentioned Kiotis lose their clutch ($100) @ 700 hrs and this one will need by seasons end. Ok I can do a clutch job but not sure about the blowby issue. Is the blowby a really bad sign? again not much diesel knowledge. I walked away today, but know it's still available for a week +, seller traveling. 2 cents anyone?

 

[carpenter383]

If it has that much blowby it must not have been very well maintained. Sounds like the rings may be worn. It could be just one cylinder with problems or all of them. You'd have to do a compression test to track it down. You could try cracking the injector lines one at a time to see if there is a weak cylinder.....I'm not positive but that crankcase breather should prolly be connected to the air filter/intake somehow, sounds like someone has unhooked it?......A 2-3 ft smoke trail sounds like alot of blowby, I'd be leary about it.

 

[Patches]

My '04 3054xs, bought new(275hrs now), was/is a hard starter. I use the glow-plugs in any temp under 70*F, and use them prodigiously in freezing temps, to start the unit without unnecessary "smoke and commotion". The engine in mine is quite noisey under 1200-1500 RPM, then quiets down considerably, but is still noisier than most other diesels I'm familiar with. The dual clutch arrangement in the 3054 is a LOT more expensive than a $100.00 and unless you have the equipment to support and move one end of the split tractor to access the clutch, this job is best left to a dealer, or independent tractor shop. I can't speak to the blow-by issue, as mine has an EGR system;a tube running between the "rocker box" and the air intake manifold to deal with the crankcase vapors. You don't mention the year of the unit, and the 3054 has been upgraded several times in it's history as to engine rated HP and hydraulic capacity.

 

[MichiganIron]

The blow-by is most likely ring wear from improper maintenance.

 

[rcrcomputing]

We should start a thread called "What's your tractor condition".

Mine
scratched up
starts great
runs great
oil is so clear you have a hard time seeing it on the dipper.
grease everywhere, as I do not wipe it off and just keep putting it on.

Conclusion: Over maintained, not so purdy.. Good tractor! Not a garage queen..

 

[Finding Rhino]

It's still for sale. Too bad this little tractor was neglected, pretty close to what I am looking for in a tractor. Onward with the search. Thanks for advice all!

 

[LTEnterprises]

If its smoking like that...look @ the coolant level first. My 3054 blew a head gasket...not bad to replace. IF it needs a clutch now...he's abused the heck out of it, the oil tells the maintenance and care story. while it's a good price, i'd walk away

 

[SunnyJim]

We should start a thread called "What's your tractor condition".

Mine
scratched up
starts great
runs great
oil is so clear you have a hard time seeing it on the dipper.
grease everywhere, as I do not wipe it off and just keep putting it on.

Conclusion: Over maintained, not so purdy.. Good tractor! Not a garage queen..

Clear mines black as it should be 'bout 20 hours since last change.

Good looking rottie.