Its been hot and progress slow. I have replaced the turbo, installed the intercooler. I have started it up and drove it around the yard. Just need to do all the wiring now for everything from the key switch to lights to the intercooler pump.

 

Cooling issue or Questions. While idling it seems to get a bit hot, and like to puke into the over flow tank. So I wire the temp sender that came with the engine (reefer engine) to the trucks gauge. A quick google search leads me to believe both (kubota and GM) use decreasing resistance with increasing temperature so the gauge and sensor should be compatible????? the gauge never moves though as the engine heats up. Does the Temp sensor get hot if the thermostat is stuck closed? I checked the gauge and it shows full scale with a short and less than a 100 with an open.

Anybody got part numbers for the thermostat and temp sensor that I could use at a local auto parts store?


Jason

 

You need the one from the original engine. I am sure you can get a replacement. Check out rockauto.com. for part #. I have found that site as a great resource, and good prices

 

GM uses a 3/8 NPT, is this the same thread in the Kubota head? Curios as most stuff thus far has been metric.


Jason

 

Probably not the same but an adapter can be found

 

most of the Kubota plumbing I have worked on is British standard pipe, or metric o-ring,/ crush washer. I 2nd. the idea of running the temp sender from your truck not the Kubota, and make sure the sender is in good submerged water flow. my jeep stays pretty cool, at start up, but after a few minutes it goes up to 180F and stays there. it will creep up to 190-195 when pulling uphill in 2nd or 3rd going very slow.
you should have a lot of reserve cooling capacity. the jeeps radiator is double the size it needs to be for the Kubota.
looks like you are really coming along. let us know how you like the W to Air intercooler?

 

I pulled the sensor, it looks to be 1/4 inch NPT, but is probably 1/4 BSP. The GM one is 3/8 npt. I'll see if there an adapter I can find locally tomorrow. As far as thermostat, a quick search reveals a Napa THM215 should work.

I have an exhaust leak before the turbo and it looks to be the ultra fine threaded studs that came in the kubota manifold won't pull down tight enough. Looks like i'll have to remove the manifold and drill out the studs and replace with 3/8 bolts.


Jason

 

Sam at Leanards diesel in CA has Kubota stud kits

 

Are you trying to use the cooling passage at the pax rear side of the block? I just corked that. There are other places you can use your bigger GM sender, like your air vent fitting or a different style thermostat neck.

 

Yep trying to use that passage, I had hoped i could get away with using the kubota sensor but mine is dead.