L245 Rebuild - Radiator/Cooling System

[LJ1]

Hey guys n gals!

My cousin recently got a L245 for free! and we have decided to give it a light rebuild and whatnot. I've done a few engine rebuilds but nothing over 2cyl, or diesel, but just basic cleaning of the cooling system, checking/changing filters and oils will be done (broken bolts, welds, wiring etc).


First problem is that the radiator fins and hoses were stuffed and that let in a lot of muddy water (it's been through a flood) and the gear case cooling area is quite full of dirt & the hose intakes are rusted.
If we were to remove the front gear case would it be easier to clean inside (and would the speed/throttle control plate be holding it on)?
And could we use an alternative radiator to save on costs (anyone have a knockoff model that fits)?


If any more info is required please let me know. We are young, getting our hands dirty and want to learn a lot!

Thanks,
LJ.

 

[Diydave]

Hey guys n gals!

My cousin recently got a L245 for free! and we have decided to give it a light rebuild and whatnot. I've done a few engine rebuilds but nothing over 2cyl, or diesel, but just basic cleaning of the cooling system, checking/changing filters and oils will be done (broken bolts, welds, wiring etc).


First problem is that the radiator fins and hoses were stuffed and that let in a lot of muddy water (it's been through a flood) and the gear case cooling area is quite full of dirt & the hose intakes are rusted.
If we were to remove the front gear case would it be easier to clean inside (and would the speed/throttle control plate be holding it on)?
And could we use an alternative radiator to save on costs (anyone have a knockoff model that fits)?


If any more info is required please let me know. We are young, getting our hands dirty and want to learn a lot!

Thanks,
LJ.

Get a manual. It describes how to remove the governor spring(s) which are holding it on. Don't know if you can bodge up a radiator or not, seems like a lot of time to spend VS just paying for a correct one...

 

[LJ1]

Get a manual. It describes how to remove the governor spring(s) which are holding it on. Don't know if you can bodge up a radiator or not, seems like a lot of time to spend VS just paying for a correct one...

Got a manual and explosion of all parts to help along the way.

Price is just an issue unless we find someone wrecking another (very unlikely here) as they are $350AUS+postage.

We aren't too afraid in getting a similar sized radiator and hooking it all up and watching temps, just not too sure what is similar and whether or not it can be done (14"x12.875" or 350mmx325mm).
LJ1 is online now Report Post

 

[olthumpa]

Is there a radiator shop near you that might be able to re core the radiator? Still not cheep but less than a new one.

Just a thought.

 

[Diydave]

Got a manual and explosion of all parts to help along the way.

Price is just an issue unless we find someone wrecking another (very unlikely here) as they are $350AUS+postage.

We aren't too afraid in getting a similar sized radiator and hooking it all up and watching temps, just not too sure what is similar and whether or not it can be done (14"x12.875" or 350mmx325mm).
LJ1 is online now Report Post

You might want to check around for a used one, there are lots of other machines and golf course equipment that use Kubota motors as power units. I don't know where you are in the country, but weaver's in Shippensburg, PA comes to mind...

Whoops, on edit I see you are down under. I bet there's a boneyard down there, similar, though...

 

[coachgeo]

You might want to check around for a used one, there are lots of other machines and golf course equipment that use Kubota motors as power units. .......

Don't know about Aus, but I hear that said alot yet tend to find this only holds true for the Z482, D650, D750 and D950 engines and some more modern ones. The older L tractors if its true... please point out what other things their engines (D1102, D1302, D1402, D1101, D1100) were in. Those engines are hard as hell to find and so far only in Tractors.

Believe his L245 will have the D1302 engine.

LJ1 have you done a compression test?

 

[Daren Todd]

Usually your radiators are vendor specific. You take your tractor, and compare the radiator to one out of a different piece of equipment that has the same exact engine. And you will find it will mount differently, or there will be a size difference. Either thicker, shorter, wider, or taller.

 

[LJ1]

You might want to check around for a used one, there are lots of other machines and golf course equipment that use Kubota motors as power units. I don't know where you are in the country, but weaver's in Shippensburg, PA comes to mind...

Whoops, on edit I see you are down under. I bet there's a boneyard down there, similar, though...

Been trying that but with no luck so far. We may have to dig a lot deeper and hope for the best.

Don't know about Aus, but I hear that said alot yet tend to find this only holds true for the Z482, D650, D750 and D950 engines and some more modern ones. The older L tractors if its true... please point out what other things their engines (D1102, D1302, D1402, D1101, D1100) were in. Those engines are hard as hell to find and so far only in Tractors.

Believe his L245 will have the D1302 engine.

LJ1 have you done a compression test?

Engine is a DH1101-A and we are yet to do a compression test (have to try and borrow a diesel tester off of someone).

Usually your radiators are vendor specific. You take your tractor, and compare the radiator to one out of a different piece of equipment that has the same exact engine. And you will find it will mount differently, or there will be a size difference. Either thicker, shorter, wider, or taller.

Though a similar radiator should perform in the same way? We aren't too worried about getting on similar in size and mounting it up in the correct position.

Thank you all for the responses.

 

[LJ1]

Starter motor looks like it's had it. Tried to test it with a battery and jumper cables but nothing (little contacts inside the starter are so rusted).

The head water flange piece also has a a crack and hole in it (this part http://www.kubotaparts.com.au/parts/product_info.php?products_id=1057). Just wondering if it would be worth to clean up and take it to someone to patch weld it up.

Damn parts are so expensive and there seem to be none getting wrecked in Australia.

 

[sheepfarmer]

Off the wall idea here, but I wonder if you could pirate some useable parts off marine diesels? There may be more old boats out your way.. than old Kubotas. Idea came to mind because I've got a cousin near Brisbane who is refitting an old boat. I have no clue as to what might be similar and what is not.

 

[coachgeo]

...Engine is a DH1101-A and we are yet to do a compression test (have to try and borrow a diesel tester off of someone).
.....

My bad..... yes 1101. I keep getting L245 and L275 engine #'s confused. Anyway..... same engine used here in the states for the L245.

Still though have not heard of this model engine in much of anything else but as another mentioned; in Sail Boats. Universal Marine Engine being the Faux name for the Marine counter part. Think it is Universal Marine engine M30/5424. Take note that anything with MARINE in purpose is triple in price than Agriculture of same part.