Kubota catastrophic engine failures

[landruma]

My 2019 M5-111 (tier 4) last month had catastrophic engine failure, 1,200 hours, from the diesel high pressure fuel pump. I only use gas station diesel in 5 gallon containers used only for diesel. Cost estimated $17,000. I wonder how many other Kubotas are having this issue. KTAC, Kubota insurance is not covering the claim.

I will start collecting contact info from other Kubota owners to see if this is a systemic problem of filters not filtering and maybe hold Kubota accountable. Send your contact info to me at Landruma@aol.com if interested.

 

[Oaktree]

A few more details would be helpful. Was it just the fuel pump that failed, and if so how did it destroy the rest of the engine?

If there was a factory defect, you'd think it would have showed up well before 1200 hr.

 

[repete]

Don't know about the newer engines but my L2550DT has about 6200 hours (off the top of my head) and the system has operated flawlessly, never even pulled an injector.

I do have an in-ground tank pumped through a water block filter then into the tractor tank though. Having noticed water building up in the tractor fuel filter years ago I have learned to keep the tanks full to lower condensation forming in the fuel tank of the tractor. My tractor filter remains clear (red) fuel now but I still replace it every couple years.

 

[landruma]

A few more details would be helpful. Was it just the fuel pump that failed, and if so how did it destroy the rest of the engine?

If there was a factory defect, you'd think it would have showed up well before 1200 hr.

I don't know, Kubota dealer has not opened engine yet. Fuel pump no longer drawing fuel, guessing the timing gear damaged due to grinding noise when trying to start. Guessing fuel rail and injectors may be damaged. Lot's of guessing at the moment.

 

[orezok]

How do you have a $17K estimate if the dealer hasn’t opened it up yet?

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

How do you have a $17K estimate if the dealer hasn’t opened it up yet?

Very good question......

 

[landruma]

That's why it's a guesstimate. We all use our experience to get a feel before diving in. Not really here to argue about the estimate. Looking to see if this is a common failure of tier 4 engines.

 

[workinonit]

I'm guessing you won't find anyone with the same failure.

 

[jeff9366]

My 2019 M5-111 (tier 4) last month had catastrophic engine failure at 1,200 hours

I would pursue a warranty claim before insurance. I believe the engine and drive line have a six year warranty.

Do not antagonize anyone until you pursue a warranty claim.

 

[landruma]

My 2019 M5-111 (tier 4) last month had catastrophic engine failure at 1,200 hours

I would pursue a warranty claim before insurance. I believe the engine and drive line have a six year warranty.

Do not antagonize anyone until you pursue a warranty claim.

Unfortunately, the warranty expired 9 months back, according to dealer.

 

[landruma]

I'm guessing you won't find anyone with the same failure.

Lots of guessing at this stage.

 

[Lineman North Florida]

Don't know if this applies but if you go on You Tube and look up a guy named Lakeland Septic, he has a Kubota tracked skid steer SVL-65 that had a catastrophic motor failure at around 100 hrs or so I believe.

 

[Chewwy]

Not sure it’s related but diesel powered pickup trucks in the US equiped with the Bosch CP4 high pressure fuel pump have seen a lot of failures. Failure of the pump send pieces downstream sometimes resulting in $10k or more for repairs.

Failure of the pump has been attributed to lower lubricity in US diesel fuel compared to diesel fuel in Europe. Failures have generally occurred at around 100,000 miles. There are several class action lawsuits against Ford, GM, FCA, and Bosch.

 

[jeff9366]

Unfortunately, the warranty expired 9 months back, according to dealer.

Why don't YOU read your warranty, rather than accept the dealer's take? I believe the engine and drive line have a six year warranty.

 

[Rdrcr]

Fuel quality and contamination (water in fuel) appear to be the leading cause of tractor engine failures and/or major repairs I’ve read about in recent years.

Mike

 

[jyoutz]

Fuel quality and contamination (water in fuel) appear to be the leading cause of tractor engine failures and/or major repairs I’ve read about in recent years.

Mike

Use Mr Funnel to fuel the tractor.

 

[jyoutz]

Why don't YOU read your warranty, rather than accept the dealer's take? I believe the engine and drive line have a six year warranty.

And if the dealer doesn’t cooperate, contact the Kubota factory representative.

 

[ptsg]

I still can't get over the fact that Kubota cheaped out so much on such a sensitive fuel system. Considering how they overprice their tractors so much, would it hurt them so much if they include a simple water in fuel sensor and a light on the dash or an error code? That simple gadget could've saved lot's of money on the owners as they would easily caught the water in fuel before ruin an entire fuel system.

Even the so called "cheap brands" have a water in fuel sensor on models with common rail engines.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

I agree that a 'water in fuel' warning light should be on these fancy tractors. I also just recently had a $10,000 repair bill on my Kubota Grand L6060.

My base model Bobcat T550 skid steer with a Kubota engine has automatically shut down on me because of water in the fuel.

 

[sd455dan]

Not sure it’s related but diesel powered pickup trucks in the US equiped with the Bosch CP4 high pressure fuel pump have seen a lot of failures. Failure of the pump send pieces downstream sometimes resulting in $10k or more for repairs.

Failure of the pump has been attributed to lower lubricity in US diesel fuel compared to diesel fuel in Europe. Failures have generally occurred at around 100,000 miles. There are several class action lawsuits against Ford, GM, FCA, and Bosch.

RAM trucks with Cummins power have switched back to CP 3 pumps, If it is only a "fuel" problem then why is it not killing even older CP 3 pumps in large numbers?
Sure sounds like the CP 4 is not as tough, and from reports it sends metal everywhere when it begins to fail Not something that is reported widely with a CP 3.