Warranty issue dispute with Kubota - Advice anyone

[ptsg]

I didn't know that any manufacturer had a radiator fluid level gauge standard on their machines, and I've been around. So I wouldn't exactly call it common. In fact, other than commercial engines, don't think I've ever seen it on machines that I'm familiar with. It's impressive that Case tractors have that feature. Everyone should.
When I was looking seriously at buying a Case TLB a couple of years ago the salesman didn't mention it and probably should have.

I'll sure be looking for a fluid level gauge on any future purchase.
Now I'm wondering if anyone is thinking to retrofit their cars, trucks, & tractors that don't have that feature?
rScotty

Wouldn't be too hard to retrofit one. Just mount it on the top hose of the radiator, get a light and/or buzzer on the dash and it's good to go I guess.

 

[LouNY]

Some images of a few;

radiator level sensor - Google Search

 

[Peter 315]

I didn't know that any manufacturer had a radiator fluid level gauge standard on their machines, and I've been around. So I wouldn't exactly call it common. In fact, other than commercial engines, don't think I've ever seen it on machines that I'm familiar with. It's impressive that Case tractors have that feature. Everyone should.
When I was looking seriously at buying a Case TLB a couple of years ago the salesman didn't mention it and probably should have.

I'll sure be looking for a fluid level gauge on any future purchase.
Now I'm wondering if anyone is thinking to retrofit their cars, trucks, & tractors that don't have that feature?
rScotty

Komatsu has a low level light, The sensor is in the top radiator tank ....

 

[sd455dan]

I see the problem, and I think you have a valid complaint.....but unfortunately it's industry wide. The problem that got you, is the same potential problem on every fluid cooling system on every engine I can think of.....at least all the ones I've seen in some 60 years of mechanical work. Basically it sounds like you have put your finger on a major oversight in the engine cooling industry. Someone originally got their physics wrong, and then everyone copied each other.

As a result, if there is a leak anywhere low on the radiator or lower hoses the temperature sensor is going to be looking at air temperature rather than engine temperature. There is not way the existing temperature sensor/gauge can warn the operator, and a seized engine is the probable result. All it takes is one pinhole leak.

It sure looks like the whole auto, car, truck, tractor, and industial engine industry has copied that same design mistake that got you, but I'm afraid that their defense is going to be that the design is accepted as "common practice" - even though we now know that the design is wrong.
I wonder why it took so long for such an obvious design mistake to surface? I've not even heard it discussed in mechanical bull-sessions .... even though every mechanic has probably experience a similar problem where a temp sensor sits in a trapped air bubble which makes it send the wrong temp.

I hear some posters with arguments that one should check the radiator fluid each day before starting up, but how realistic is that? My wife probably isn't going to open the hood and take the radiator cap off to check the fluid level each time she starts the car, is yours? How about each time you start the car when doing errands in town? And you would have to do it that often to be sure of spotting the problem.
Or what about when driving down the highway? How often should we pull over to be sure that the radiator is still full of water?

Bottom line is that the way the coolant temperature sensor works needs to be changed throughout the industry. Oil temperature doesn't help as much. Has anyone got any good ideas? How about a simple fluid level gauge?

Now that you have made us aware of the problem, there is probably a fortune waiting for someone who comes up with a simple fix.
rScotty

I posted This on page 2 Post 14 of this thread


Radiator coolant level senders are Not real common as a factory feature

But some auto manufacturers did include a Radiator water level sender unit.

I am sure it saved a few engines from damage.

Mazda cars equipped with Rotary engines all had this sender in the radiator afaik




I have considered adding a bung to the radiator and installing 1

not to pricey at around $60 If anyone wants to add 1

https://www.ebay.com/p/1711255745?iid=230374507911


Sorry this happened to the OP and I realize anyone that buys a New tractor would think it is crazy to modify a new radiator and void the manufacturers warranty.

Just wanted to point out that there is a sender available for this situation /scenario

ps. The Mazda Rotaries ALL had a Audible Buzzer and light that were activated when the Radiator itself was not full and would buzz WELL before any damage Could Occur

 

[Jstpssng]

It stinks for the OP, and a very expensive way to learn a lesson. As somebody suggested early on, if you have insurance you might attempt to get some help through them. Otherwise I'm afraid that you're SOL.

I overheated the engine in my first pickup (1973 F100) the same way, to the point where I don't know why it didn't seize. I've been more diligent about checking fluids and not trusting gauges ever since.
It's a lot easier to pull the radiator cap before starting, before the engine is hot.

 

[hawkeye08]

Thanks AlantaViking for sharing your story. You likely knew you would get lots of negative opinions about how you should have checked radiator level, etc. I will be checking my radiator level next time I am going to use my tractor.

 

[airbiscuit]

I agree that this thread has been a useful reminder to occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator. I have never had an engine get so hot that it quit running, or worse yet locked up. I have had a few overheat because of low coolant or the coolant froze in the radiator. I have never had an engine overheat without warning signs:

• Steam
• Leaking Coolant
• Coolant Smell or Hot Smell
• Clicking Sounds from hot metal

I get that with a new and costly tractor, one would assume that it should just work. Understanding that stuff happens, I try to be attentive to the sights sounds and smells of my tractor when I am using it.

 

[Smokeydog]

Sorry for the OP unfortunate problem. I’m sure this has happen to others too. Good suggestions on how to prevent a lower leak from toasting an engine.

I operate in the woods more than most. Have several homemade attempts to prevent damage. Thought checking the overflow jug was sufficient so learned that’s not always the case.

Appreciate the dumbing down for lug nuts like me.

Vary interested in what retrofitting can be done to help prevent running with low radiator level. Tee in the upper radiator hose? Tee with the temperature sensor? And a source for those parts.

 

[rScotty]

Was thinking about how one would go about mounting a level sensor that would not require drilling, threading and mounting.

So what about mounting a level sender in the radiator cap itself?? Or replacing the cap with one having a level sensor? The sender could stick down far enough that it should always be submerged.
Simple, and I'd buy one. In fact, I may make one.
rScotty

 

[Peter 315]

Was thinking about how one would go about mounting a level sensor that would not require drilling, threading and mounting.

So what about mounting a level sender in the radiator cap itself?? Or replacing the cap with one having a level sensor? The sender could stick down far enough that it should always be submerged.
Simple, and I'd buy one. In fact, I may make one.
rScotty

The cap has two seals on to relieve pressure wont work..... no room for sender