Very Upset

MikePA · Dec 8, 2002

So the vacuum indicator tells me when the filter has blockage, and that would be when I replace it. 
I found a place that makes these indicators, <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.filterminder.com>FilterMinder</A>. I've sent them an email to see what they recommend for my tractor.

BigDave · Dec 8, 2002

Vince,

I wasn't trying to pick you out as telling Todd he did something wrong, I was just echong Todds sentiment and my own impression that responders suspected his problem was his and not Kubota's. Come on, why would anyone suspect someone of creating false posts? Is brand loyalty so important that people must commit acts of sabotage at TBN? Todd had to defend himself and explain his computer problems, then Todd had to defend himself again showing that he operates & cares for his tractor correctly. He showed he was diligent in his tractor care, and you warned him about the dangers of overservicing. When Todd responded "Man I can't win" after your post...I also had the same impression and said "Man he can't win."

Also, like Mike and many others, I too check my filter frequently according to my manual, and if I find blockage or significant accumulation, I clean it. During the dry summer months, I find the need to clean it about every 10 hours, but that's why the manual says to check it daily.

tmcd · Dec 8, 2002

Thanks for the support bigdave, I think next time I might keep my comments to myself. I do take great pride in my tractor but on the other hand I did buy it to use. If Im doing somthing wrong why is all my other equipment running fine.

TresCrows · Dec 8, 2002

No, I think the problem is Kubotas, I am just not sure we have all the story. I cannot see how Kubota could not back a 200 hour engine with warranty. I question the shop that says it has low compression to begin with and if in fact it does then I have to wonder why. Defective engine--possibly, improper maintenece--maybe, bad operating practices----hmmmmmmm, darn bad luck---that sounds good, I believe in there being a reason for everything, I do not believe in lemons or chance. We are mssing a piece of the puzzle and it may well be something none of us would have ever guessed. Now why was the tractor taken to a "larger" dealer rather than the one it was purchased from? Did they actually show you the compression reading and the spec value? This engine block heater thing is bothering me too--what exactly did they do? Did it ever overheat or run without oil? What oil and filter? I do not think this is an airfilter problem though that cannot be discounted since we do not know the situation completely. This is an engine that has been used for several years by Kubota so it is not a new design and it does have a good track record. Why does the dealer say it is not warranty when I see my warranty states that it is, what does he see we do not? Lot's of questions and no answers, I know one thing, I would not let someone work on my tractor engine--for low compression--who says it is not under warranty. I would have taken it somewhere else unless you suspect it is something they did then it is up to them to confess and make it right. J

Bird · Dec 8, 2002

I assume the right way to do this is to blow compressed air from inside the filter?

That's the way I've always done it, and frequently, too, being careful to not apply enough air pressure in one spot to blow any holes in the filter material, of course.

Buster57 · Dec 8, 2002

Tres Crows,
Perfect response.
BTW, I still don't know what is bad about blowing off an air filter with a leaf blower? 200 mph seems to work pretty well.
Reguardless, I will change all the filters as required in the manual.

DK35vince · Dec 8, 2002

I think the next time I might keep my comments to myself
Todd,
I'm sure no one here wanted that to happen !
We would all like to see your problem resolved.
TBN is a great site to learn from.Every now and then not everyone agrees with someones opinion,but we learn from it and move on.
Please let us know what happens.

TresCrows · Dec 8, 2002

No, don't keep it to yourself, I think we TBNers should just all show up at the noncooperative dealership and all kick their butts. That would be an internet first worthy of Jerry Springer---angry internet tractor guys riot local dealership. No, we are on your side and I think they are lying or seriously confused or something. J

Kyle_in_Tex · Dec 8, 2002

Something seems wrong here. When air gets colder, it becomes more dense thus more compression. Anyone with diesel experience knows that when diesel engines get cold, they need glow plugs or something to warm the cylinders prior to starting. Diesel engines need heat and compression to run properly. If your engine has less compression below 40 degrees than say at 75 degrees, it could have sticky rings. It could be something else but don't blame the cold air for lack of compression. Somewhere out there is a formula to figure out how much extra HP we have when the temp falls. It adds up when comparing 95 degrees to 32 degrees.

MikePA · Dec 9, 2002

I should have added that I only tap the outer filter on the ground. Any dust that was dislodged and got on the inside of the outer filter would have been trapped by the inner filter.

tmcd · Dec 9, 2002

Well guys, theres not a whole lot I can tell you yet exept the dealer did tell me today that the inside of my motor looks good. The cylinder walls and pistons look good. I dont know if that is good or bad. He thinks the rings just never seated in properly. I did talk to the dealer in New York that GoYankees told me to and he was very helpful. Told me who to contact at Kubota. I left a message on his voice mail. I sure wish my dealers around here where that nice and courteous. The dealer said he was still waiting on Kubota for a answer. I will keep you posted.

JoeReal · Dec 10, 2002

I have a JD 110 tlb but I also have work done by some one who runs Kubotas. Last summer he blew the motor on his 4310 which had well over 1000 hours on it. He had no problems getting a new motor from Kubota. He also lost the transmission on his other M L series tractor with over 1000 hours. Again no problems with getting it repaired under warrantee. Your problem I suspect is your dealer, not Kubota. Good luck.

jasonf · Dec 11, 2002

Not to cause you any trouble, but I would not have left that tractor with that dealer. Something is not right. I would suggest that no additional work be done until a Kubota rep sees the tractor and agrees to cover the repair. Kubota has a pretty good record as far as I know about covering repairs under warantee. Have you seen the compression readings? Since he has the Head off, does he see the cause of the low compression?

tmcd · Dec 11, 2002

I just got off yhe phone with Kubota and they have talked to my dealer. They have both come to the conclusion that my rings never seated in properly. They are going to put new rings in it and hone the cylnders and then run it on a dyno to make sure the new rings seat in and everything else is OK. Still no word though on whos paying for it,The Kubota rep said he should hear from California soon and they will let me know. He didnt think it would be a problem. Let you know more when I hear more.

TresCrows · Dec 11, 2002

Do you really baby your machine or from another angle did you run it pretty hard that would have caused it to get hot when you first got it. Sometimes both conditions can cause cylinder glazing. Once the cylinder walls glaze ring seating will never happen. I know it sounds strange but it can happen. In aviation we expect this and there are special breakin methods--for a consumer device like your tractor or a car etc I feel it is their responsibility to change the rings for you at warranty. Let them run it in some to be sure to seat in the rings. JR

tmcd · Dec 12, 2002

I would say it was broke it in average. I ran it pretty hard while landscaping our house but it never overheated. Most of the time on it is just mowing time. It takes about 3 hours to mow my yard. I am still waiting on my answers. Just called Kubota in California, had to leave voice mail because everybody in warr. was busy. I am starting to wonder! I just wish someone would call me back. My Tractor has been gone 3 weeks today.

tmcd · Dec 16, 2002

Well, Just got off the phone with Kubota in California, AND, they said they know nothing about my problem. He is going to check his messages but he cant believe he has not heard about my problem. My dealer and the local rep said they were waiting on him. I GIVE UP!!! I see another person has posted the same problem as mine and you all were so nice to him. Not nothing he did wrong. Whats up with that. I must have the worst luck in the world. I still like my tractor but it is getting harder and harder. It is to bad that you pay 13000 dollars for somthing that you cant even use.