L2950; Fan shaft broke off front of water pump

[knightgang]

So, out at our land clearing property lines today, and the Kubota started running really warm. Gauge got into the Hot and we immediately shut it down (my wife was running it) and the coolant was boiling back into the overflow (luckily the engine was not hurt.

As we got to looking at it, I noticed that the fan shaft broke off the front of the water pump. (Pics attached)

So, I am not sure how this happened. At one point, I saw a hood panel about the fall off (my wife does not pay that much attention when she operates, but I have to have something for her to do) I can only guess that a stick got in there and blocked the fan for a moment a broke it. Not sure about that as there is some damage on the fan, but not what I would expect to see if a stick got in there.

So I will be tearing it down tomorrow and doing a good cleaning of the rad, checking the bearing in the fan shaft and seeing how I can replace the water pump mount.

Any suggestions on parts outside of the dealer?

BTW, when I remove the LA450 loader so that I can get better access, do I turn this screw in the center of the hydraulic manifold under the tractor so that it will operate properly with the loader off, or is there another valve that is to be turned, I could not find anything else.

Thanks

 

[Tooljunkie]

I would have to agree with a stick causing the break. Good thing it looks like an easily replaced part. Just need to unbolt the broken part. My way of looking at it, is like a fusible link, something that gives way without destroying anyting else. Would check bearing near fan and make sure alignment is spot on. My preference would be to install an electric fan.

 

[knightgang]

I would have to agree with a stick causing the break. Good thing it looks like an easily replaced part. Just need to unbolt the broken part. My way of looking at it, is like a fusible link, something that gives way without destroying anything else. Would check bearing near fan and make sure alignment is spot on. My preference would be to install an electric fan.

Electric fan would be a good idea, I just might look into that. That would be something I could get tomorrow from any auto parts store and get installed.

One thing I still gotta figure out, does it pull air through the RAD and into the engine compartment or does it push it out of the engine compartment through the RAD. If I can keep it cool by pushing, that might be the preference at it would suck less trash into the radiator.

 

[Diydave]

Look at the direction of the fan blades, and the direction the motor turns. Most Kubotas that I have worked on are pullers, not pushers. With an electric fan, sometimes you get a kit, with reversible polarity, for the motor, to change the direction.

Couple tips: Check for radiator damage, from fan blades striking the rad.

Check for any loose part that could have caused that fresh lookin nick I see on the back side of the fan blade. sometimes a bolt loosens up, where it can do damage.

Also look at the break point, had to be something substantial, or a loose bolt to make a break, that big.

 

[knightgang]

Yep, checked the rotation of the motor with the pitch of the fan blades, looks like this one is a pusher. The debris screen is on the inside of the radiator between the RAD and the fan. So all in all I think this one is a pusher.

Will be pulling everything out tomorrow, inspecting for any other hidden damage and to ensure the RAD is in good shape and installing electric fan. I think I will set it up to be on full time rather than temperature controlled. Anyone see a problem with that?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I wouldn't put a electric fan on it, I've seen too many fail in equipment (way too much junk that can make it fail).
The reason the fan drive failed was because someone took out the flex coupling, very important for this model!
Aluminum part #10 34070-40370 $35.59
Flex disk #30 34070-40380 $17.95
Bolts #40 (4) 01125-50816 $0.46 each
http://www.colemanequip.com/Kubota_Parts.asp#partSearch

 

[Tooljunkie]

As wolfman pointed out the missing part, between engine and fan there needs to be something flexible to allow movement. Stress on aluminum piece eventually would weaken it.

For the price of repair parts, if they are easy to obtain would be the cheapest route.

 

[knightgang]

I will probably put on the electric fan as a temp fix while I wait for the proper parts to come in.

Now, if someone will look at my 3 Point Hydraulics issue thread. I can't help but to think that the bounce of the implements on the back of the tractor is continuing to make a problem worse. This really bothers me and I want to get it fixed before it costs all the parts and pumps in the hydraulics.

http://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22589

 

[rbargeron]

Pretty sure you can replace the coupling parts without taking anything else apart or taking the loader off - just raise it up out of the way. The photos don't show whether the aluminum coupling is partly broken - a new one can be had here. The flexible disk could be temporarily replaced by cutting a round piece of 3/8" or 1/2" reinforced conveyor belt material (cloth-inserted neoprene) and drilling some holes for bolts & washers. Or, there's an OEM part here.

On the hydraulic hunting, it sometimes helps to lower the touch lever a bit. Even if you ignore it there is no damage being done by the slight bouncing. Maybe just a feedback adjustment.

 

[knightgang]

I can do it without the loader off, but it need to pull the radiator for a good cleaning and the screen needs replacing. I figure it best to get it all out of the way.


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[North Idaho Wolfman]

The photos don't show whether the aluminum coupling is partly broken - a new one can be had here.

Well the part price is good, but dang shipping cost is going to kill you, came up with $40 to ship to me, and I can only imagine the time from the Philippines!

Do not substitute the flex coupling for a rubber coupling, the original is fiberglass and keeps the fan shaft centered and does not allow to much flex and distortion.