L3800DT replacement radiator

[BigBucks1]

L3800DT. One of the bottom plastic "pins" on radiator (plastic) broke off and leaked all fluid. Looking for inexpensive replacement radiator. Seem to be able to find numerous radiators in the 135-250$ range but none that seem to fit the 3800. >$600 for a radiator seems ridiculous. Wondering if anyone has leads to a suitable replacement . Thanks.

 

[BigBucks1]

Guess it's a ghost.

 

[rentthis]

Guess it's a ghost.

In 30 years, I have never found an aftermarket Kubota radiator. That's not to say they don't exist. I have always had to hold my nose and buy OEM. You might try West Kentucky tractor. They sell used parts and just might have one.

 

[old and tired]

Have you tried a local radiator shop to try and get it repaired? or possible they can cross reference it? (have no idea if it can be repaired but that's what I would try to do. first..)

 

[Pau7220]

Have you tried a local radiator shop to try and get it repaired?

I have to agree with this. You have to find a shop willing to do it. Ask the guys at a car show where they get their stuff done. The plastic tank is crimped so it can be removed. A replacement tank may be able to be matched by measurements. If the plastic is just broken and not fatigued, it may be able to be welded inside and out. It can then be drilled and a gasketed stainless bolt put in for a pin. Rad shop can pull and reinstall the tank... most body shops are experienced at plastic welding.
You have nothing to lose.

 

[BigBucks1]

Thanks guys. Been away for awhile. I pulled radiator and found the "nipple" on bottom of plastic housing was broken completely off. Nipple was stuck in rubber grommet on base of housing. Long story short, I performed some DIY plastic welding and then proceeded to JB weld all around the nipple. Radiator didn't leak so I re-installed and after about 5 hours of hard work it is still holding up with zero leaks. I know at some point I will have to replace it. Very well may end up replacing it with a radiator of same size and just fab up (weld up) a new housing for whichever radiator I choose. Guess I'm just a rebel but it really ticks me off that OEM replacements are so ridiculously expensive. This radiator is NOT some technological marvel that should command such a price. Matter of fact I deem it to be inferior engineering on the part of Kubota.

 

[whitetiger]

Thanks guys. Been away for awhile. I pulled radiator and found the "nipple" on bottom of plastic housing was broken completely off. Nipple was stuck in rubber grommet on base of housing. Long story short, I performed some DIY plastic welding and then proceeded to JB weld all around the nipple. Radiator didn't leak so I re-installed and after about 5 hours of hard work it is still holding up with zero leaks. I know at some point I will have to replace it. Very well may end up replacing it with a radiator of same size and just fab up (weld up) a new housing for whichever radiator I choose. Guess I'm just a rebel but it really ticks me off that OEM replacements are so ridiculously expensive. This radiator is NOT some technological marvel that should command such a price. Matter of fact I deem it to be inferior engineering on the part of Kubota.

Kubota and several other manufactures mount radiators the same way. There are tens of thousands of that style radiator in use, not often does one break off the nipple without being struck, and most of those would break off whatever style of mounting was used anyway.
I know $500. seems like a lot of money for a radiator, but a regularly see comparable radiators costing 2 to 3 times as much.