Real-world fluid capacities? (L3940)

fc1

Active member

Equipment
L3940
Apr 17, 2024
50
104
33
Michigan
My new-to-me L3940 is at 600h (I got it at abt 520). Because I've no way of knowing if the major 400h service was done I'm doing it now, including front axle, engine oil, HST fluid, and coolant.

Thus far, none of the capacities listed in the OM are close to correct.

Front axle capacity is supposed to be abt 7qt; fluid came out the check hole at about 5 qts added ( this with long drains and use after filling).

Engine oil should be abt 9 quarts with a filter change; I'm overfull after adding 7qt.

Coolant system should be 8 qt, but refilling after a drain takes less than a gallon.

Is this typical? The axle and engine have enough fluid, but not knowing really if there's another gallon of coolant in the block will make getting the final blend correct sort of challenging...

Thanks in advance for any insight!
 

Nicksacco

Well-known member

Equipment
Kubota L35 TLB, 2014 RTV-1140CPX
Sep 15, 2021
678
382
63
Bahama, NC
Yes, I'd like to hear what others say as well.
I've found the same to be true of most machines - that is the OEM spec is "close",
The examples you give though are rather far off from my experience.

For oils, I use it as a guide to know about how much I should have on hand for a change.
Then I rely on dipsticks.
No doubt there's lots of nooks and crannies where some old oil might live.

For coolant, I mix the distilled water and coolant in a jug so I know I have 50/50.
Then I mix more as I need it.
I also blow out the system with compressed air after flushing with clean water - probably too anal.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: 1 users

BAP

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
2012 Kubota 2920, 60MMM, FEL, BH65 48" Bush Hog, 60"Backblade, B2782B Snowblower
Dec 31, 2012
2,742
854
113
New Hampshire
I’m not sure about your model tractor, but many of the Kubota tractors have 2 drain plugs on the engine oil pan. If you don’t take out both plugs, you don’t get all the oil drained out.
 

lugbolt

Well-known member

Equipment
ZG127S-54
Oct 15, 2015
5,203
1,888
113
Mid, South, USA
those books are rarely 100% correct. One of many things I griped about to the "reps".

The downside to japanese (or any really any larger company) is that when you have a legitimate gripe, they listen but it takes FOREVER for a change to get made. I can think of a one exception OTOH and that can be a pain too. Too many production and/or literature changes in too short of a time.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users

fc1

Active member

Equipment
L3940
Apr 17, 2024
50
104
33
Michigan
I’m not sure about your model tractor, but many of the Kubota tractors have 2 drain plugs on the engine oil pan. If you don’t take out both plugs, you don’t get all the oil drained out.
3940 does, and I opened both for sure. The old oil was nasty diesel black and after a cpl hours the new is still clean, so it seems unlikely that any great amount of old oil was left behind. I even warmed up the tractor and let it continue to drain while I swapped the filter for new.
 

mikester

Well-known member

Equipment
M59 TLB
Oct 21, 2017
3,545
2,000
113
Canada
www.divergentstuff.ca
1728646599151.jpeg


applies to measuring vessels

Yesterday I was trying to figure out how the costco fuel pump managed to squeeze 28L of Premium fuel in a 25L gerry can.
 
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: 1 users