Geo Tracker Kubota Diesel Engine Swap

[DieselDrewski]

Any ideas on modifying the tank filler neck so that a diesel nozzle will fit in?

[DieselDrewski]

I have a new update video, including the first test drive.
Geo Tracker Diesel Conversion Part V
I have also added a turbo (IHI-RHB31 from the Festiva)

Here are my current mechanical issues/concerns
1) Turbo wastegate opens a little above 5psi (I hope it's the wastegate, anyway...at that pressure, the turbo whine gets gnarly sounding and the impeller speed drops)
2) Lots of smoke is coming from the crankcase vent (but not a tremendous amount of flow) This was happening without the turbo also.
3) Oil capacity. I need more, an oil cooler is probably the answer
4) coolant leaks. Gotta fix 'em
5) Front bearings/hubs need work. It appears that the front hubs do not unlock

Performance Stuff
1) Tires suck. Two of them leak, all are worn out, and they all roll like they're covered in glue. What tire/wheel combo can be mounted. (note that I can't get smaller in diameter, as I'm running out of RPM in 5th gear already.)
2) Aero sucks. Putting the hood back on should help =P Past that, there is probably a lot of low-hanging fruit to make less of a hole in the air.

Any thoughts?

[oil pan 4]

Take off the filler neck and hole saw it.
For more oil capacity get the largest oil filter you can find that will fit.

So you want more boost?

[DieselDrewski]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

Take off the filler neck and hole saw it.
For more oil capacity get the largest oil filter you can find that will fit.

So you want more boost?

Good suggestions. I will do those.

I THINK I want more boost... right now, the turbo starts dumping before max RPM and output. at maybe 80% of that.

I'm going to try SeaFoam to address the crankcase venting...maybe a stuck ring because of sitting outside unused for a couple of years. I might also spray some PB Blaster in each cylinder overnight (unless someone tells me that's a bad idea)

[oil pan 4]

PB blaster would be good but I would try getting the engine hot and dumping in a tea spoon of ester/PAO based hydraulic fluid in each cylinder through the glow plug hole.

Most kubots come in a turbo version, typically they run at 8psi from the factory and all diesels seem like they can take at least 15psi in short bursts. Some heavier engines can take 25 to 60 psi of boost from the factory.

[bandit86]

I had 2 (and have one more) kubota diesels and they all have lots of blow by. dont worry about it. route the vent into intake? it will cake up the impeller maybe but wont make a mess

how did you do the adapter to the tranny?

[DieselDrewski]

Originally Posted by bandit86

I had 2 (and have one more) kubota diesels and they all have lots of blow by. dont worry about it. route the vent into intake? it will cake up the impeller maybe but wont make a mess

how did you do the adapter to the tranny?

Thanks for the reassurance on the blowby. I see it's pretty common on Kubotas when I search the 'net for it.

There is a little bit about the adapter in the first couple of conversion videos on my YouTube channel.

Basically, I just measured and drew out the critical dimensions, and that told me how far apart to space the trans and engine. I have an old PC with AutoCad 2000 in the garage that I used to make drawings. Help from O'Reily's friendly employees helped me find a clutch kit that would match up to the engine and trans (Mazda 323 kit)

[DieselDrewski]

How about a turbo test drive?
Geo Tracker Diesel Conversion Part VI: Turbo Test Drive!!

At 4:48 in the video, is that the wastegate kicking in? it sounds awful.

[Diesel_Dave]

Dude, you're awesome. If I lived in Wichita, I'd come over to you're garage and help you out just for fun.

[DieselDrewski]

Thanks, I could use a shop buddy. I have a friend at work who would be interested, but we live about as far apart as you can be while still within the city limits, and he has 4 young kids, so he pretty much can never come over.