L285 Water Pump

avvidclif

New member

Equipment
BX2230 L285
May 12, 2020
23
0
1
Mabank, Tx
So I'm slowly fixing up this L285. Noticed the water pump although not leaking was very loose. I went to searching for a replacement. I started with the parts manual I have and it shows 15401-73030(1,2,3 for last zero). Went to Merricks & Ebay and got confused. Merricks shows the 15401 number but Ebay shows it to be SN <3500. Then there is the 15321-73032 number which shows for a whole string of L numbers including the L285. The 285 & 345 has the 4 cylinder engine but the rest are 3 cylinder engines, same water pump?

Long story short the 15401 numbers start at $75 and go up, the 15321 start at $30 and up.

My L285 is SN 111**. Will the 15321 number fit?

Also trying to take the slop out of the front end, any clues?
 

freewheel3

Active member

Equipment
MX5000DT LA852, BX1800D, B6000DT, B6200HSTD, B7100HSTD, L185, T1700HX, ZD1211
Mar 9, 2013
334
33
28
Alberta
So I'm slowly fixing up this L285. Noticed the water pump although not leaking was very loose. I went to searching for a replacement. I started with the parts manual I have and it shows 15401-73030(1,2,3 for last zero). Went to Merricks & Ebay and got confused. Merricks shows the 15401 number but Ebay shows it to be SN <3500. Then there is the 15321-73032 number which shows for a whole string of L numbers including the L285. The 285 & 345 has the 4 cylinder engine but the rest are 3 cylinder engines, same water pump?

Long story short the 15401 numbers start at $75 and go up, the 15321 start at $30 and up.

My L285 is SN 111**. Will the 15321 number fit?

Also trying to take the slop out of the front end, any clues?
Where is the slop in the front end? If it's in the tie rods and steering knuckles, replace them. If it is in the steering box, it can be tightened up by removing a little rubber plug usually on the right side, and adjusting the screw that is under the plug. Only make small adjustments though, like about an 1/8 turn at most, and try it out.
 

avvidclif

New member

Equipment
BX2230 L285
May 12, 2020
23
0
1
Mabank, Tx
There is some slop in the steering box but it has so much JB weld on it it's not funny. The adjustment screw doesn't help.

The steering arms where they connect to the spindle is where most of it is. Top of the spindle is square and the arm sits over it with a bolt to tighten but it won't tighten. The arm is cast iron BTW
 

whitetiger

Moderator
Staff member

Equipment
Kubota tech..BX2370, RCK60, B7100HST, RTV900 w plow, Ford 1100 FWA
Nov 20, 2011
2,921
1,383
113
Kansas City, KS
So I'm slowly fixing up this L285. Noticed the water pump although not leaking was very loose. I went to searching for a replacement. I started with the parts manual I have and it shows 15401-73030(1,2,3 for last zero). Went to Merricks & Ebay and got confused. Merricks shows the 15401 number but Ebay shows it to be SN <3500. Then there is the 15321-73032 number which shows for a whole string of L numbers including the L285. The 285 & 345 has the 4 cylinder engine but the rest are 3 cylinder engines, same water pump?

Long story short the 15401 numbers start at $75 and go up, the 15321 start at $30 and up.

My L285 is SN 111**. Will the 15321 number fit?

Also trying to take the slop out of the front end, any clues?
The serial numbers for L285's start at "10001".
Kubota parts list your water pump part number as 15401-73030. I would not get a "maybe it will work" pump from eBay.
 

avvidclif

New member

Equipment
BX2230 L285
May 12, 2020
23
0
1
Mabank, Tx
I bought one of the 15321 pumps for $35 and will find out if it fits and post it here.

I just checked Messicks and looked up the pump for an L245 (3 cylinder engine) and guess what, 15321-73032. Grrr. I tried looking up the 15321 on their site previously but it didn't indicate what it fit. Now I know.

Looks like it may not fit????
 

Orange L285

Member

Equipment
L285 1200FEL
Jul 14, 2014
49
20
8
Texas
Has anyone found a more affordable water pump that works well for the L285? Kubota wants over $300 for one which is just a little ridiculous IMO.
 

Orange L285

Member

Equipment
L285 1200FEL
Jul 14, 2014
49
20
8
Texas
I bought one of the 15321 pumps for $35 and will find out if it fits and post it here.

I just checked Messicks and looked up the pump for an L245 (3 cylinder engine) and guess what, 15321-73032. Grrr. I tried looking up the 15321 on their site previously but it didn't indicate what it fit. Now I know.

Looks like it may not fit????
aavidclif, wondering what water pump you ended up using. If you would recommend the water pump (based on the part quality and how it works for you) any chance you can share the Vendor/link?