engine swap for a b6000

[1jackyl]

Hello all! I just joined the site and need some advice. I have a B6000 that my father bought new back in 1976. After using it for 30 years (+/-) he bought a new tractor and gave me the Kubota. We discovered that the head was cracked and needed to be replaced. We found a new one and put it on, had no problems till this winter. This winter I noticed a lack of power, then one day it decided it wouldn't start. I don't know whats going on but I suspect that the head cracked again. What I would like to know is would it be possible to put in one of the 3 cyl engines? I know that they are longer so I would need the front part of the frame as well as the engine. Any ideas?

 

[284 International]

I would expect a properly rebuilt Kubota engine to give another 30 years of service. The head didn't crack without cause. If you don't fix the root cause of the cracking cylinder, putting a new engine in won't do anything helpful for you. Has the radiator been rodded out and washed thoroughly? Are the hoses in good shape? Proper antifreeze mixture added, etc?

For that matter, start at the fuel tank, air and fuel filters and work your way out, and make sure you actually have engine trouble before deciding what you need to do.

Having said that, while I don't know specifically about converting one thing to another, it certainly can be done. If you have a loader or front blade attached the conversion may be more difficult. I suspect you would be ahead, overall, to sell the B6000 and buy something else if you're set on not keeping it in stock form.

I have a B6000 and like it, but its tiny size and light weight limit its usefulness in many ways. Conversely, the tiny size also allows it to go places another larger machine couldn't. Putting a larger (more powerful) engine in mine wouldn't make it more useful: It virtually always runs out of traction before it runs out of power. An assessment of your needs and goals for the machine may indicate keeping it, or upgrading to something heavier.

 

[bruceatlam]

There is a fair amount already published on the site concerning engine swaps ---- it's just not something that's worth the trouble. Use the "Search" feature and type in "Engine Swap".

 

[1jackyl]

Sounds like some good advice from you both! I think I will pull the engine and take it to the local Kubota shop and have them make sure that everything is working right, have them check to make sure the top of the block is flat as well.With as many hours on it as there is might as well have the cylinders honed and new rings put on. Thanks to you both.

 

[284 International]

If you do that, make sure to take the radiator to a good shop and have them go through it and make sure everything is up to snuff, or else you may be spending good money on an engine that will soon burn up.