Oil gushing out suddenly

[OldL185]

Hi everyone,
Yesterday I started my L185 to move it and oil started gushing out from behind the alternator. I moved it about 10 feet before I saw it and shut it down. I have not started to work on it yet. I wanted to see if anyone has had this happen and the possibilities of what it could be before I get into it. It has had oil slightly weeping from that spot for a little while. Not enough for me to have to add any though. I am searching through this forum for guidance for a proper repair. Thanks for reading and possible replies.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Most likely pin plug, easy fix, just put a new plug in the hole.
Pictures of leak will verify, as there are other plugs in that area too that could leak.

15521-96020

 

[Waynesville-Kubota]

I’ve seen that happen on my own L185. I agree with wolfman - plug probably popped out.

 

[Russell King]

Here is a document that covers the long gone dealer repair. Sorry I don’t have the complete document but I think it was on here and posted by @whitetiger

 

[OldL185]

I saw that the plugs can pop out in my research here. Thanks for that diagram and the replies. And I also saw something about an o ring in between the head amd block. I am hoping it is the plug. I will confirm that and add a picture later this evening. I plan to find out today. I need to find an oil pressure sender while Im doing this. The light is driving me mad. haha. Can I use one from an auto parts store.

 

[OldL185]

You guys were correct. Thanks so much. I found the old plug sitting on the alternator bracket. Is this something that I need to get from kubota? or can I get it at an auto parts store? It looks pretty cheesy and a little beat up. I would rather install a new one. Maybe it will last longer.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

The new plugs are threaded, you will need a tap of the right size.

 

[whitetiger]

Here is PSB-1981-006 complete.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

A general "rule of thumb" would be to put a dab of grease on the tap to try and catch some of the chips that will be created when tapping.

That's what I would do anyway.....

 

[Russell King]

Here is PSB-1981-006 complete.

Thank you!

 

[Russell King]

@OldL185

The plug in the service bulletin is near the oil filter. On my L185 the alternator is on the opposite side of the engine.

So have you actually located the hole the plug came out of (and where oil is gushing out)?

Please post a picture of where this is located so I can inspect my engine to see if I need to worry about the same plug.

 

[OldL185]

@OldL185

The plug in the service bulletin is near the oil filter. On my L185 the alternator is on the opposite side of the engine.

So have you actually located the hole the plug came out of (and where oil is gushing out)?

Please post a picture of where this is located so I can inspect my engine to see if I need to worry about the same plug.

Russell. Yeah I located it directly behind the alternator. You will have to remove it to see the plug. If you see oil weeping around the alternator its a good chance its that plug. whitetiger, I sent that and the other diagram to my kubota dealer. They have no idea about this. Thank you.

 

[OldL185]

This is what kubota sold me. It is the same part. I bought 2 in case the other one fails in the future. It will be fixed and back in action shortly. Thanks again guys for all of the help.

 

[Flintknapper]

Core plug sealant might prevent it from happening again.

 

[OldL185]

flintknapper. I used the loctite equivalent. however it was useless. These plugs are slightly larger than the hole. So when they go in the ouside of the plug scrapes off slightly. The plug is very soft. I used a drill punch after installing to tighten it a little more. Its holding so far. Will see what happens after a few run times from cold to hot and expansion and contraction. If it pops out again I will find a small fine thread bolt and tap the hole.

 

[OldL185]

hydraulic hoses are the next thing. It needs every one. They are all not leaking but are in bad shape. They are 1/2" right?

 

[Russell King]

They may be 1/2 inch but you could go to 3/8 if you want to

 

[OldL185]

They may be 1/2 inch but you could go to 3/8 if you want to

Russell. They are 3/8. I was able to get 3 from tractor supply. 4800 psi so they are more than enough for this. I think this tractor needs a minimum 3000 psi. It looks like I will have to order the rest of them. Im going to need a lot for the FEL, 12 total (I think) from the controller to the bucket. And 3 longer ones from the transmission top to both controllers. The ones for the box scraper are 1/2 " and in good condition. My plan is to get them all and replace them all at once. But I might install these 3 tomorrow. Just because I can. Haha. Thanks for the advise.

 

[Russell King]

Just do the replace one at a time to avoid any confusion, or mark both ends somehow!