B7100D Air Filter - Cap Fell Off - Mystery Part Found

[DavePSB]

Mowing a field. When I got back to the house, I discovered the air filter cap had fallen off. The wing nut that holds the element in place was also gone, but surprisingly, the filter element was still there.

Out in the field, I found the black cap in good condition. I was looking for the wing nut, but gave up as I can jerry rig that. I did not think anything else was missing. But on the way back, about 30 feet from where I found the cap, I found the remnants of a clean but damaged silver metal "can" for lack of a better word. It had obviously been through the mower and could easily have been thrown that far. I am not sure if it is part of the air filter assembly, but its size and some of the remaining radii on it makes me think that it is. Perhaps a baffle?? I can't find pictures or references to such a part. I have found caps for sale, but the mystery part is not shown.

It is possible that the mystery part has nothing to do with the air filter or the tractor, but it seems too much of a coincidence.

I have attached a couple photos. Does anyone know what the mystery silver part is and what it does? And where to buy a replacement?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[DavePSB]

Well, I'm going to partially answer my own question. It is indeed the baffle that fits inside the cap. The baffle's part number is KU-15221-11410.

What do you think would happen if I didn't use it for a few engine-hours while I wait for a new baffle. I would use the filter element with the cap on, but not a baffle. For info, the Operator's Manual says:

"Be sure to refit the dust cup with the arrow upright. If the dust cup is improperly refitted, dust passes by the dust cup and directly adheres to the element, badly affecting the service life."

Therefore, I wonder if all I risk is a reduced filter element life. So one idea might be to go ahead and use the filter without the baffle (I estimate 6 running hours over the next week), and then just plan on replacing the element when the new baffle arrives.

I'm trying to look at the risk in a practical manner as I really don't want to be dead in the water while I wait for the part. Anyway, what do you think?

Does anyone know a supplier that would ship internationally (France)?

 

[Dave_eng]

If you were using your tractor in a very dusty environment ( sand or gravel pit) , the answer to your question would be different than if you are mowing grass.

I would continue to use it.

Dave

 

[Lil Foot]

Kubota #15221-11410 COVER

COVER

www.messicks.com

 

[torch]

The two latches on my air filter cover are secured to each other with safety wire. Now I know why.

 

[Lil Foot]

The two latches on my air filter cover are secured to each other with safety wire. Now I know why.

Mine has never come loose, but maybe I should secure mine with a couple zip ties.

 

[BigG]

For $38 plus shipping you need the safety wire, wire ties and duck (quack, quack) tape.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Never been an issue with either of mine, however, I have taken the over center wire clips off in the past and bent them slightly to achieve more securing tension. It's imperative that the wire hold down clips 'cam over' when secured and they do tend to loosen up after a while.

 

[DavePSB]

Thanks for all the quick replies everyone. Great forum here.

I should say that I was mowing between spindly wild trees covered in brambles and wild roses. I brushed very close to some of those trees, and that's probably where the clips got caught and let loose. I would have been too focused on the thorny rose branches scraping across my neck to notice.

Messicks is a great site, but unfortunately, the only thing they don't ship overseas are Kubota parts! From their FAQ:

Q: Do you ship parts orders internationally?

A: Yes. We can ship all parts internationally, with the exception of Kubota parts. Kubota parts may only be sold and shipped domestically in the United States. Import duties, taxes, and changes are not included and are the responsibility of the buyer. Please check with your counties customs office to determine what these costs maybe prior to buying.

Q: Why can’t you ship Kubota parts internationally?

A: Kubota’s dealer contract does not allow retailers to sell into other countries. They are strictly enforcing this clause.

Fortunately, I was able to find one on the UK Ebay site, and am having it shipped to a friend who lives in England, and who will forward it on to me in France. It was 15 pounds + 9 pounds shipping (about $31 total), which I'm reasonably happy with.

In the meantime, I feel all right running without the baffle for a week or two. I'll check the element often, and replace it when I get the new baffle.

Thanks again to everyone.
Dave

And by the way, here's what it is supposed to look like...

 

[SidecarFlip]

Got a local dealer? They have the same parts availablity as Messicks and no ship cost either.

That is the large dirt separator cup.

 

[Russell King]

You may be able to fashion a similar part from heavy paper stock (paper board or poster board in USA but clueless in France)??

 

[DavePSB]

I actually considered 3D printing one, but wasn't sure I could get the dimensions I need from what's left of the part. For fun, I think I will have a look at just what the baffle is for and how it works, then maybe have a go. Perhaps scale off a photograph of a new part. Something to do during these lock-down nights...

 

[leveraddict]

What purpose does that part serve? A cap inside the cap?

 

[SidecarFlip]

What purpose does that part serve? A cap inside the cap?

Post 10. The cup separates the heavier dirt particles from the dust and allows them to fall into the filter cannister instead of sticking to the filter. All Kubota's have them in various designs. My M's have them but are built into the outer cover with what is referred to as an 'evacuation valve' or a flexible rubber sleeve on the bottom of the outside removable cover you can squeeze to let the heavy stuff drop out.

One thing I do with my Donaldson air cleaners (Donaldson make them for Kubota) is, I wipe the inside the the housing with a greasy shop rag before I install a new filter. The grease helps trap the dirt (in the grease) and allows the element to last longer.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Dinner is served..............