Installing plug in Camshaft L185

Jrh · Aug 18, 2013

I have received the plug for the front of camshaft. Can't believe that tiny thing cost almost 12.00. I assume you just insert the small end and hammer it in the hole. Is this correct? I think I am going to put lock tite on before installing then cover the hole with JB weld. I do not want that sucker to come out anymore.
jrh

lsmurphy · Aug 18, 2013

If it looks similar to this............

I used a socket that fits inside the cap and then tap it in.

Clean the hole well.

I would not fill the cap/hole with JB or anything that could be released in the engine.

If anything I would use a small amount of JB instead of Locktite.

Apogee · Aug 18, 2013

You need to find out the procedure Kubota recommends for installing these. There are two service bulletins on it.

Apparently the failure was caused by the original being aluminum and having different expansion/contraction rates than the iron camshaft. The replacement is steel to minimize that issue.

Not sure if it should be staked in place following installation.

Good luck,

Steve

Jrh · Aug 19, 2013

Mine does not look like that. Mine is just a round aluminum looking plug about .25" in diameter and about .25" long. Mine may be the old original type of plug that would not hold originally. I like the looks of yours better as far as staying in the hole.
jrh

Apogee · Aug 19, 2013

You might consider contacting the dealer to find out if they supplied the old style plug rather than the newer steel one.

The service bulletin should list the updated part number and the service department should have a copy of the bulletin.

Would be a bummer to go through all this work and have it blow again.

Steve

Jrh · Aug 20, 2013

I will try to post a picture of the plug they sold me for the camshaft.
They still say it is the new style. I don't believe this because they say it should be welded in. Can I weld in this plug? I also heard that the new number for the plug was 15401-33631. Does anyone know if this is correct or not?

Apogee · Aug 20, 2013

Stick a magnet on the plug they sold you to figure out if it's aluminum or steel. If it's aluminum, you won't be welding it to an iron camshaft...

Let us know what you find. Also, some other pics of the plug you have would be helpful.

Jrh · Aug 20, 2013

Plug has been driven in with a 1/4" punch and then part of the remaining cavity filled with JB weld. Should never come out. It was the old style plug they sent me but I went ahead and used it because the new style according to the service bulletin had to be welded in with the camshaft removed. I will take my chances on this thing coming out first.

Thanks for the replies.
Now another question. Where do I find the torque specifications for the gear case cover, and the crankshaft nut?
Thanks
John

Jrh · Aug 27, 2013

Have finished work on the tractor and reassembled. Tractor works perfectly with oil pressure now running about 65psi at 2000 rpm and around 20-25 at idle. Using Shell Rotella 15w40.

Thanks for all the input here.
John

Apogee · Aug 27, 2013

Congrats on getting it fixed. She'll live a long time I'm sure.

Nice work!

Steve

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