L5030 w/V2403....to rebuild engine or not rebuild engine.....

psu927

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Equipment
L5030 tractor
Dec 21, 2025
1
1
3
Felton, Pa
L5030 owners... I recently obtained a 5030c-HST model with 2200 hrs, it was overheated and had a blown headgasket and cracked head. I replaced both. The 2 center cylinders had some scoring. I hate to even call it scoring, because I couldn't feel it with a fingernail but it was definitly wear at least through the oem cross hatching.

I put it back together with new head and got it running today. It starts and runs fantastic, (25 degrees here today) however it has a fair amount of blow by. Here is my first question,, for those that have this model, how well does your tractor hold speed on a relatively steep incline in high gear? I am trying to get an idea if I am down on power or not. I have a relatively steep driveway, and was noticably lugging the engine in high gear going up. I suspect this is normal but I am looking for comparison. Medium gear doesn't slow at all. Also how much blow-by do you have? (V2403 owners only). Some engines inherently have a fair amount.

My conundrum.... my 4wd propeller shaft is also leaking, as well as injection pump has a slight leak. (delivery valves) Since I need to split the tractor to replace the shaft seal, I am wondering if I should tear the engine down and do a rebuild, or fix the seal and run it as-is. Like I said, it starts and runs great, no smoke out the exhause either. Thats why I ask about the power. I can deal with the blow-by if I am not down on power. For reference, if I plug the crankcase vent with my finger and set the oil fill cap in place (not pressed the whole way down) it blows the cap off. So it's significant. Tractor cranks smooth though.

Right now as it sits I am around $10,000 into the tractor total. It's in great condition with a cab and loader so I'm assuming value is upwards of 20-25k. I fix the leaks and run as-is or do a full rebuild? I will do the rebuild myself except for the machine work.
 
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North Idaho Wolfman

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L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
Jun 9, 2013
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Sandpoint, ID
It's normal for them to not be able to climb steep slopes in high.

Don't play guessing games, just do a compression test, that will answer your rebuild question.
 
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