L305DT rescued from the salvage yard

D2Cat · Jun 9, 2014

I don't have any pictures of it as it set when I originally looked at it. Front tires were cracked, flat and one coated with grease. Setting in a field. My wife wouldn't get out of the truck, and when I came back she said, "You didn't buy that did you?"

This is after I put some old truck tires on it so it would roll! It had been in a barn that caught fire. The tractor itself was not on fire, just REAL close. Notice the steering wheel, all melted to little stalactites. The light that were on the fenders melted off. Had been setting outside for 4-5 years.

ShaunRH · Jun 9, 2014

Exposed to high heat can cause a ton of problems, which is probably why it was scrapped. Now, a dedicated restore will fix all those issues but it's possible you will be putting more into it than it's worth, so consider it a labor of love.

Anything plastic or rubber will need to be checked/replaced. Seals will have to be tested and replaced. Engine may have to be torn down and de-varnished.

If you are really lucky, it wasn't all that close and it will only need a thorough cleaning, some new tires, wiring and hoses, maybe a new panel here and there and paint.

If it was close enough to cook the oil in the block, you'll have a lot of work ahead of ya, so I'm hoping you got off easy! <fingers crossed>

North Idaho Wolfman · Jun 9, 2014

That looks like a great base to work from, I love doing rebuilds like that!

D2Cat · Jun 11, 2014

ShaunRH, I think everything will work out ok! Want to see some additional pictures?

ShaunRH · Jun 11, 2014

Love to see the pictures and progress you make. If it all works out then you have a steal on your hands!

D2Cat · Jun 14, 2014

Couple more pictures. I didn't want to pretty it up until I was satisfied it was mechanically functioning. Engine has 444 actual hours. (Tach and speedo still work and cable spins fine.) Takes about 5 rotations to fire off without glow plugs. With GPs one rotation and she's going.

Removed glow plugs and checked. Made sure engine was free. Changed engine oil and filter. Cleaned fuel tank, replaced hoses to IP, new fuel filter, new IP. Cleaned radiator, new lower radiator hose, new fan blade. Oh, I replaced the entire wiring harness. Put new seal and "0" rings in right front hub.

gpreuss · Jun 14, 2014

Wow! It looks like you got the proverbial "deal!"

kc8fbl · Jun 14, 2014

Glad you can get her all fixed up! You had to put a little money into her, but with only 444 hours, that's basically barely broke in! Lots of hours left to play or work. Great job!

D2Cat · Jun 16, 2014

Need to get the hood finished. Install new knobs on the levers.

But here is how she sets.

kc8fbl · Jun 16, 2014

Looks great! Looks better than sitting in the salvage yard for sure!

skeets · Jun 17, 2014

Now what kind of restoration is that?,, not a beer can in sight ,,, LOL ,, She looks pretty good, yes Sir pretty good indeed

D2Cat · Jun 17, 2014

I have to keep that can on there until I get a flapper. The exhaust manifold had a crack from the top to the bottom at the front of the elbow where it turns up. Blew exhaust right onto the alternator. I don't think there is a drain hole in the manifold anywhere.

In talking with North Idaho Wolfman he thought the open muffler may have allowed water in and then it froze causing the split. I used my wire welder to patch the split. That split may have been the salvation of the engine! It set out in the open for 4-5 years. Had nice green antifreeze in it though.

Where do I buy a 1" flapper, a toy store?

North Idaho Wolfman · Jun 17, 2014

This is where EBay can be your friend!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-1-to-1-...=BI_Heavy_Equipment_Parts&hash=item20da6f1e81

Or you could go way redneck and put on one of these... I think it would even cover the existing muffler!

D2Cat · Nov 26, 2014

Got a few new pictures of the L305DT. The first four show how I modified the metal from the top of the dash going over the fuel tank. I had such trouble getting to it I decided I was going to make it easier to get there next time.

Welded tabs with nuts welded to bottom so four bolts hold it in place.

The other picture shows the condition of the wiring at the fuse panel. The reason I had such difficulty removing the dash is because the wiring insulation was melted to the metal.

D2Cat · Nov 26, 2014

A few more. The condition of the engine area.

Daren Todd · Nov 26, 2014

That looks like a lot of work. But a really nice feeling when you get her all back together and running good. I've had to tackle a few pieces at work that have been burned or wrecked. You got that sense of pride and can say " yup, I did that". I Look forward to seeing the picks of it done

D2Cat · Nov 26, 2014

Daren, remember that loader I went down to you neck of the woods to get? Folks say you can't put a Massey loader on a Kubota..... Had to fabricate all the brackets, change a couple of hyd. lines, disassemble the valve and install new seals and clean.

Tooljunkie · Nov 26, 2014

Very nice. You are a Patient man.
I get impatient too easily, and dont want to take it apart for the tenth last time to get it perfect. Someting i need to get a grip on. Still want to tear my wiring harness out and find the break in the clutch circuit.
Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Daren Todd · Nov 26, 2014

Really nice job, looks great

D2Cat · Nov 26, 2014

Thanks. I had to pick North Idaho Wolfman's brain several times to get to this point.

L305DT rescued from the salvage yard

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