L185 pin plug.

[freewheel3]

Hi guys, I searched but didn't find anything conclusive. I started my L185 and left it idle while I installed the loader on my B7100. I came back 10 min later to find the oil light on and a pool of oil on the ground. It came from a hole cast in the block just above and behind the oil filter.(see attached pics). The parts diagram I found online (sorry can't figure out how to post link) shows the block from opposite side so I can't tell for sure if it's the right one.
I have two questions: 1. It appears to be a push in pin plug #15221-33640, am I correct? And 2. Is it common to have these fall out?

 

[kubotasam]

I had one come out of the engine on a B7100 once. I was backing out of the garage, when I turned back to the front I saw the puddle on the floor. It only ran long enough to loose about 1/2 the oil. It is called an oil galley plug. The replacement was made from aluminum. It was very difficult to get it started in straight. The dealer recommended drilling and tapping the hole for a pipe plug, but I was worried about leaving any metal chips in the block. If I remember correctly permatex makes an adhesive which I used to help seal the new plug in place. Once I finished it was fine. I hope yours did not run too long without oil in the engine.

 

[freewheel3]

Yeah, I hope it didn't run too long without oil, either. I have no idea how long, other than I know it wasn't leaking until after I got off the tractor. It seemed to be running fine when I got back to it, and after adding some oil to it, it spun over and ran fine for the few seconds it took to determine where the oil was coming from. Judging by the size of the puddle on the ground though, I think it had definitely pumped itself empty.

 

[Tooljunkie]

I would drill/tap for pipe plug. Grease bit and drill slow, grease tap and clean and regrease to trap chips. Start engine to push loose chips out.
Clean threads and loctite plug in hole.

 

[bofrondorf]

I know this is an old thread, but what was the resolve to your oil leak problem?
Did the replacement pin work or did you drill and tab?

 

[shootem604]

I had the same issue with my L245 and after I got the crappy plastic replacement plug from the dealer ($1.60) I decided to replace it with a little section of fuel line and a bolt threaded into it to force it in tight. Found the idea online in the TBN forum. I agree that threaded with a little 1/4" NPT plug or a bolt would be ideal, but I'm too prone to mishap to attempt it.

 

[Pau7220]

You could always remove the oil pressure sending unit and install a pressurized pre-lube tank to flush constantly while you're drilling and tapping.

 

[D2Cat]

I would drill/tap for pipe plug. Grease bit and drill slow, grease tap and clean and regrease to trap chips. Start engine to push loose chips out.
Clean threads and loctite plug in hole.

If you follow Tooljunkie's instructions, going slow with grease on bit, you'll be fine without additional precautions. You simply drill and the metal attaches to the grease. Remove the bit wipe the grease, apply new grease, and repeat. Just keep wiping the bit and your worries are a waste of energy!