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.