2011 L4740 engine damage from overheating

[1190]

First time I EVER let anyone else use my tractor and it results in major engine damage
I asked my gardener to chip branches I didn't have time to get to
He said he heard an explosion
Tractor started when I got home to assess the situation but was clearly leaking coolant
When I got it into the barn it was also leaking what looked like oil from the clutch split pin plug
Inspection revealed the plastic top of radiator had blown
Replaced it with new OEM radiator- $800!!!
Tractor seemed to run fine after changing oil and installing coolant- no leaks after 10 minutes of light use
Then after doing some tilling and more chipping this afternoon I noticed coolant coming from exhaust
I need to use the tractor several times a week for the next 3-4 months
Advice?

 

[1970cs]

You don't have much choice except to pull the cylinder head and inspect for blown head gasket or which is more than likely the case a cracked head. Hopefully your problems end there?

Pat

 

[D2Cat]

If you're going to loan your tractor out, the operator needs to be aware of engine operating temperature. He let it get WAY too hot.

What do you think was the cause? Blocked radiator? Low on fluid? Try to figure that out before doing repairs. What did your "old" radiator look like?

Your description says you have a head gasket that gave up the ghost.

 

[1190]

thanks for the replies
yes I figured the head gasket is bad
to be a little more specific:
1. how long can I run the tractor with a bad head gasket as long as I keep topping off the coolant?
2. what kind of additional damage might running it that way cause?
3. how difficult is doing the job yourself?
4. how much would the average dealer charge?
5. what are the chances there is additional damage given my knowns?

 

[coachgeo]

thanks for the replies
yes I figured the head gasket is bad
to be a little more specific:
1. how long can I run the tractor with a bad head gasket as long as I keep topping off the coolant?...

Ask the same question in varied but similar instances .....

. how long can you run with a hole in your head even if you Walk around with IV blood infusion? Will doing that cause problems?
. how long can I let a pipe in my house leak if I just turn up the water flow a little to compensate... and will doing that cause my ???? (floors, under house orr) to flood?
.


You've now answered your questions.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

1190,
Being a little more tractor specific on what will happen:
To start, You will scar and gouge the cylinder walls from the steam, then it will start to force water down into the oil that will destroy the rest of the motor.
And even worse case it could crack the head or possibly crack and drop a valve that could go through the piston or cylinder wall
Or even worse yet seize or hydro lock the piston and then bend the rod, and break the crank.

Replacing the head gasket on most is a good days job for the competent mechanic, and I would say it rates, on the low side, for complexity.

Most likely the original problem was a bad head gasket with a combination of a bad radiator cap, that will cause excess pressure to be sent and held in the radiator and eventually blow the radiator.

Get the WSM for your tractor and get you hand dirty!
Your tractor will thank you for it!

 

[1190]

Thanks Wolfman. That's the info I was looking for. Sounds like I need to fix it or have it fixed asap.
If I do decide to do it myself, anything else I should replace while I've got it torn down?

 

[1190]

One more question...
Opinions on Bar's Leaks 1111 Head Gasket Fix?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Thanks Wolfman. That's the info I was looking for. Sounds like I need to fix it or have it fixed asap.
If I do decide to do it myself, anything else I should replace while I've got it torn down?

One more question...
Opinions on Bar's Leaks 1111 Head Gasket Fix?

I would do the water pump and the t-stat while your in there.

I'm a big Bar's fan.... For gasoline engines that is, in a diesel there is too much compression to have it work well.

 

[1190]

I would do the water pump and the t-stat while your in there.

I'm a big Bar's fan.... For gasoline engines that is, in a diesel there is too much compression to have it work well.

ok
makes sense

 

[Diydave]

Dis-assemble, and test the head, to make sure there are no tiny cracks... I like any cooling sealant that has sodium silicate, in it...

 

[Bulldog]

Guy down the road from me spent $15k last year on a engine for his M9000. It had been ran hot and simply patched back together.

 

[rentthis]

I lost 2 radiators on low hour engines. One was a 3240 and I forget the model of the other. Kubota replaced one under warranty, I had already replaced the other before I saw a pattern. I bitched and complained and they paid for the second radiator. They both broke at the upper tank. They second one cost me a rebuild. I did the rebuild myself. As it turned out, all it really needed was replacing the head. I completely disassembled the engine and had the head and block checked for damage. All the damage was in the head. I have been told since that that is usually the case. If I ever have that happen again, I will probably start with just repairing or replacing the head.

 

[D2Cat]

Take the head to a machine shop that can magnaflux the head. This will give you clear knowledge the head has no cracks, before you bolt it back on. They can also check to make sure the head is not warped, and the valves are OK.