B7200 HSTE Radiator questions. Help wanted.

rustythread

Member

Equipment
L35, B7200HST
Nov 10, 2012
71
13
8
Mt Vernon, IL
As mentioned in another thread, the neck of the radiator fell off my tractor. I need to take the radiator out and have the neck re-soldered on at a radiator shop. I am going nuts trying to figure ourt what to remove, and the order in which to remove, in order to free the radiator. Can anyone post, or PM me, the portions of whatever manual covers that operation? Atlternatively, any suggestions or caveats about how to go about it? The parts diagram at Messick's doesn't tell me what I need to know.

Also: I cannot find a part number at Messick's for a thermostat for this model, and there is no thermostat shown or listed in the radiator parts diagram or prts list. Is there not supposed to be one? This is not a part for which I want to go to Amazon for a one-size-fits-nobody Chinese part.

Thanks
 

ve9aa

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TG1860, BX2380 -backblade, bx2830 snowblower, fel, weight box,pallet forks,etc
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This may/maynot help.

The tiny (rad) neck was leaking really badly on my 1980's Austin Mini 998cc engine. ( I bet the rad size is similar)
I put too much heat on it and broke (melted) it right off.

I soldered it right back on with nothing more than a wimpy propane torch that ran out of gas early on, but mostly just using a small handheld $15.00 butane torch (inside it looks like a bic lighter), some liquid flux and some silver solder.

That was 13-14yrs ago.

Works just fine.

IIRC I hardly drained much fluid/antifreeze prior to repair either.

Unless you have no tools/supplies or patience, I bet you could do it yourself. I did and had zero experience in rad work. (but have been soldering electrical stuff pretty much all my life)
 

ken erickson

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Equipment
B7100 hst, 2650 front mount snowblower, L2501 hst qa loader
Nov 21, 2010
1,147
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Waupaca Wisconsin
I found a parts listing for a thermostat from Messick's for the B7200HSTE. It is listed under Engine/ water flange rather than cooling water system.

Please double check before ordering as I only play a parts counter guy on the Internet , :oops:


 
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Roadworthy

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L2501 HST
Aug 17, 2019
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Benton City, WA
I like the ve9aa solution. I had a 1971 Volvo leaking around the radiator filler. I tried soldering but that created a wider gap. I took some copper braid (used for wicking solder away from things) and stuffed it into the gap. I was then able to solder carefully with my propane torch with no further issue. I never had to redo it and it held for as long as I had the car, which I sold about 1990.
 

rustythread

Member

Equipment
L35, B7200HST
Nov 10, 2012
71
13
8
Mt Vernon, IL
I likje the re-solder-in-place option, but can't do it: I have no depth perception, no vision in one eye, and only 10% vision in the other. I'm too dangerous with things like torches in close quarters.

I'll recheck the parts lists for the thermostat--thanks.
 

PoTreeBoy

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L35 Ford 3930
Mar 24, 2020
2,805
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WestTn/NoMs
As mentioned in another thread, the neck of the radiator fell off my tractor. I need to take the radiator out and have the neck re-soldered on at a radiator shop. I am going nuts trying to figure ourt what to remove, and the order in which to remove, in order to free the radiator. Can anyone post, or PM me, the portions of whatever manual covers that operation? Atlternatively, any suggestions or caveats about how to go about it? The parts diagram at Messick's doesn't tell me what I need to know.

Also: I cannot find a part number at Messick's for a thermostat for this model, and there is no thermostat shown or listed in the radiator parts diagram or prts list. Is there not supposed to be one? This is not a part for which I want to go to Amazon for a one-size-fits-nobody Chinese part.

Thanks
You can download a free WorkShop Manual at KubotaBooks
 

My Barn

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Kubota, Ford
Sep 14, 2022
135
37
28
Michigan
We have a B8200 and I tried solder and pitch tubes...It all work for a time! A new (Kubota) radiator was $700 as I remember? So I had my recorded, it was fun getting out...While I had it a part I replaced the hoses! The bottom one was wrong in the Kubota parts book.
As I remember I removed the fan and belt, than hoses draining it first good luck...
 

Russell King

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L185F, Modern Ag Competitor 4’ shredder, Rhino tiller, rear dirt scoop
Jun 17, 2012
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Austin, Texas
From looking at the illustrated parts list and having removed the radiator from my L185 it seems similar.

You will probably have to remove the side panels and then the hoses can be removed draining the fluid into a pan.

The hood may have to be removed but it just needs to allow the radiator to be removed vertically

Then remove the bolts attaching the fan shroud to the radiator (if there is a shroud)

Underneath the tractor at the radiator should be two threaded rods sticking down with a castle nut and a cotter pin on each side. The rods are attached to the bottom of the radiator and extend through the support structure and some rubber grommets. Remove the cotter pins and castle nuts

The radiator can be lifted vertically if nothing else is above it or attached to it.

On my tractor I recall having to remove a air inlet hose and some safety shields but you will have to see that as you try to remove the radiator on your tractor.

Not too hard but a lot of removal of parts required
 
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rustythread

Member

Equipment
L35, B7200HST
Nov 10, 2012
71
13
8
Mt Vernon, IL
Took a shot at re-soldering neck. Will check in the morning and see if it holds. Scraped old solder off down to bare metal; pre-heated with heat gun; brushed on flux; continued heat with propane torch, and added solder to crevice between parts. Shielded surrounding area with wet towels to minimize odds of unintended conflagrations. First time with acid flux since 8th grade shop. Hope my technique has improved.
 

rustythread

Member

Equipment
L35, B7200HST
Nov 10, 2012
71
13
8
Mt Vernon, IL
WOOHOO! Neck seems to be fixed and firm. without the slathers of solder there previously. Have taken cap on / off several times with no bad results.
I was hesitant about using torch due to vision liminations; worked slowly and cautiously and did not set fire to anything unintended.
THANKS to all who replied.
 

ve9aa

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TG1860, BX2380 -backblade, bx2830 snowblower, fel, weight box,pallet forks,etc
Apr 11, 2021
1,202
982
113
NB, Canada
WOOHOO! Neck seems to be fixed and firm. without the slathers of solder there previously. Have taken cap on / off several times with no bad results.
I was hesitant about using torch due to vision liminations; worked slowly and cautiously and did not set fire to anything unintended.
THANKS to all who replied.
Awesome. Given your reduced vision -> Very awesome ! !
 
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