Subframe fabrication

[WinnieCouple]

So, my front assembly on my L245DT has broken away on the left side at the front of the engine block. (excessive FEL use or poor design...) There are only 2 bolts in that location, since it now has a 2wd oil pan. The 4wd pan has at least 2 more bolts on each side.
SO, I'm fabricating a subframe from my front bumper (8" C channel) which already has bracing from the bumper up to the front/horizontal part of the FEL frame at the front of the tractor.
I may go from the front bumper back to the mid FEL support, or all the way back to the rear axle.
I'll have to see how strong I can make it just with the front half.

Question. On the side of the engine block, it looks like plugs in mounting points...? are they..? these blank plugs, do they open into the water jacket?
Can they be used to mount the subframe?

Maybe I should be looking for the correct oil pan, but it wont support the weight by itself.
Anyway, i'm trying to save my FrankenTractor 4x/2x cross breed... wish me luck, feel free to add any comments for me to watch for.

 

[meanjean]

Please post pics.
Sounds like a similar problem I had.
Want to see what you are dealing with.

 

[WinnieCouple]

Please post pics.
Sounds like a similar problem I had.
Want to see what you are dealing with.

Will do, just have to figure out how to post pics...

 

[WinnieCouple]

Here is a pic of the FEL set up. The front of the FEL frame is supported to the front bumper, I'm wondering if this extra support, forced more stress to the mount that broke?
I'll get more pics tomorrow, but this is what I'm working with and hope to get her back to work soon.

 

[Eric McCarthy]

How in sam hell are you supposed to flip open the hood to get to the motor? The cross member under the headlights looks like its in the way. Also it seems like that FEL is not designed to be on that size tractor. To me it looks like your FEL should be mounted on a much larger tractor and somebody made it fit yours.

 

[WinnieCouple]

How in sam hell are you supposed to flip open the hood to get to the motor? The cross member under the headlights looks like its in the way. Also it seems like that FEL is not designed to be on that size tractor. To me it looks like your FEL should be mounted on a much larger tractor and somebody made it fit yours.

The front bar across the grill is hinged, unbolt one side with the bucket down and swing it open and tilt the hood.

Vic, thanks for checking out my post, I'm sure you've seen some torn up tractors. I believe a subframe will hold mine together for many years to come. I'll pop out one of the engine plugs and see if it can be used.
My plan is to weld the subframe to the front assebly, and bolt it to the front bumper and to the FEL mid mount. So it can be removed if needed, basically making a huge H out of the front assembly.