Kubota L3130 GST Connector Issue

cypresslake · Aug 12, 2023

Hello folks this is my first post on this site, starting off with a thanks to the members as just a search of other posts has helped me tremendously over the years. I have a Kubota L3130 bought slightly used in 2007with 90 hours, has about 2100 hours now. I do a lot of brush clearing and general maintenance work on my property and last year a stick got behind the GST connector assembly at the transmission and ripped it loose, breaking the plastic clip that holds it together. I plugged it back in and the GST works fine but the disconnect issue has happened a couple more times and I'm worried that eventually I won't be able to get the connector to stay together.

Option 1 is to replace the connector, number 5 in the service manual pictures. It shows a protective shield over the connector but unfortunately mine didn't have that. The GST side of the connector is part number 8 in the next picture. It is held in place with a snap ring but from the pictures there is not enough excess wire to simply remove the snap ring, pull out and replace the connector. I appears that I will have to remove the cover plate, pull out the solenoids / wiring / connector and then replace the connector - quite an involved procedure. I do most of my own maintenance and have the normal sockets / wrenches but no specialty tools or training. Trying to get this done while laying down underneath the tractor doesn't seem like much fun.

Option 2 is some strategically applied glue and duct tape to hold everything together and protect against future pull outs. Maybe fabricate a simple protector plate to cover the connector. Before I move forward I thought I would poll this group - am I thinking correctly here? Is the connector replacement simpler that what I perceived? Plus is that connector a readily available item for purchase? Thanks in advance for any advice.

K5lwq · Aug 12, 2023

A small zip tie around that connector would hold it no problem. That is what I would use.

whitetiger · Aug 12, 2023

cypresslake said:
Is the connector replacement simpler that what I perceived? Plus is that connector a readily available item for purchase?

The connector is readily available and very easy to replace, I have replaced several.
Drain the hydraulic oil, and be ready to catch a cup full or more when you remove the cover plate.
Unplug the harness from the connector, unplug the connector on the inside, and it's out. The coils just slip into small bores, if any are in the way, just pull it out. Take a picture before you move anything right after removing the cover plate.
You almost have to try to screw up replacing the connector.

cypresslake · Aug 13, 2023

Many thanks for the quick replies K5lwq and Whitetiger. It's a busy time for me now so I'll do the quick fix zip tie / duct tape to start and prepare for the full fix later when my schedule allows.

jmc · Aug 13, 2023

I called Messicks parts department, described the QA spring I needed, and he found the part number and price while I was still getting my credit card out. They could probably answer any questions you have too.