Cracked head?

[bmud]

I finally opened up my L2900. Backstory-loss of coolant, some (not much?) White smoke on start up, and constant bubbles pushed into overflow the second the engine starts. My assumption (hopes) were a head gasket.

Photos attached. Coolant in cylinder 2. Gasket looks OK (which scares me)?

But....how bad is that potential crack in the head?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Where you in the need of a new boat anchor?
Because you now have one!

Sadly that head is now scrap metal and you'll need a new head.
No, there is no fixing it either.

Get an OEM gasket for it too.

https://www.tractorpartsasap.com/cy...PlV5WbxQbmn4ox95oEubLF4HC_nSBtmWO-M4dW7ozqt9R

Used Cylinder Head fits Kubota L2900 L3000 L3010 D1503 16467-03040 16467-03047 16467-03048 16467-03049 16467-03050

Cylinder Head for Kubota Engine(s) D1503, Tractor(s) L2900, L3000, L3010. Replaces Kubota OEM Number(s) 16467-03040, 16467-03047, 16467-03048, 16467-03049, 16467-03050.

www.tractorpartsasap.com

Amazon.com

 

[bmud]

Yeah, had that thought.

I have the OEM upper engine gasket kit on the way. Tore into the machine before the gaskets came here.

Thank you for the links. What about this source (Friday parts). It's a complete head w/valves and springs. I already have the gaskets one the way so I don't need them. But any thoughts on this source would be appreciated.

https://www.fridayparts.com/cylinder-head-full-gasket-kit-for-kubota-d1503-engine-kx91-3-u35-r420-l2900-l3000-excavator?amp=1

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Yeah, had that thought.

I have the OEM upper engine gasket kit on the way. Tore into the machine before the gaskets came here.

Thank you for the links. What about this source (Friday parts). It's a complete head w/valves and springs. I already have the gaskets one the way so I don't need them. But any thoughts on this source would be appreciated.

https://www.fridayparts.com/cylinder-head-full-gasket-kit-for-kubota-d1503-engine-kx91-3-u35-r420-l2900-l3000-excavator?amp=1

Most of the aftermarket cylinder heads are fine and dandy.
I would lap the valves just to make sure they are seating well.
All the other gaskets needed are fine to use, it's just that I always use OEM head gaskets, thickness being one issue and quality being another.

 

[bmud]

Most of the aftermarket cylinder heads are fine and dandy.
I would lap the valves just to make sure they are seating well.
All the other gaskets needed are fine to use, it's just that I always use OEM head gaskets, thickness being one issue and quality being another.

Thanks, I'm glad to hear that from you! It's actually crazy how inexpensive I've seen some of these aftermarket heads. Still not a *cheap* job, but still. Any red flags with this one?

D1503 Cylinder Head for Kubota L3300DT-GST, L3300F, L3410DT, L2800HST, L2800F | eBay

Model FIVE: L2800HST, L2800F, L3130DT. Model FOUR: L3300DT-GST, L3300F, L3410DT. For Kubota D1503. Engine Model: D1503. Model THREE: L3400DT, L3400HST, L3400F, L3300DT. -Our warranty is valid for max.

www.ebay.com

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

They don't list the right part numbers but that's quite common on aftermarket parts.
They do list the right tractor and engine, and there wasn't multiple versions of the D1503
And for the price I would try it.

 

[bmud]

They don't list the right part numbers but that's quite common on aftermarket parts.
They do list the right tractor and engine, and there wasn't multiple versions of the D1503
And for the price I would try it.

Thanks. Last question- One of the sources shows an option between "With holes and without holes" (see photo). What's the difference and does it matter? Mine does not have the holes.

I see messicks has two heads listed based on SN, but the current replacement head is the same number as the two. Is that holes vs. no holes?

 

[BruceP]

It sure appears that SOMEONE used "starting fluid" on a Kubota engine.

This is the #1 reason Kubota engines crack the head/blox

 

[bmud]

It sure appears that SOMEONE used "starting fluid" on a Kubota engine.

This is the #1 reason Kubota engines crack the head/blox

Not in the 5 years I've owned it.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

It sure appears that SOMEONE used "starting fluid" on a Kubota engine.

This is the #1 reason Kubota engines crack the head/blox

Nope, #1 reason a head cracks like that is from overheating.


Starting fluid breaks pistons and bends connecting rods.
And if you've got a cracked block you did something far worse than starting fluid.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Thanks. Last question- One of the sources shows an option between "With holes and without holes" (see photo). What's the difference and does it matter? Mine does not have the holes.

I see messicks has two heads listed based on SN, but the current replacement head is the same number as the two. Is that holes vs. no holes?

The difference is the valve cover used.
Industrial motors typically have perimeter bolts on covers, where AG motors have center bolted valve covers.
You can use either for AG motor use.

 

[Lil Foot]

The difference is the valve cover used.
Industrial motors typically have perimeter bolts on covers, where AG motors have center bolted valve covers.
You can use either for AG motor use.

Learned something new today, thanks!