753 questions

[ayrkidd]

Hello everyone, first post, but I have been reading the threads now for about a month. I just recently bought a 753 from the local bobcat dealer, and have some questions. First, it does have the BOSS system, it is very hard to read, I was wondering if I could remove this and just install conventional gauges and indicator lights. Also, it does run and the hydraulics seem to work, but the engine does smoke. The dealer thought the engine got hot, and told me the #3 cylinder was "dead". The engine starts and runs however, and does not seem have a misfire. Bought it for 2500. Any thoughts would be appreciated guys!! Nick

 

[thetool]

The Boss screen is backlit by a replaceable bulb inside. Your dealer parts guy may not know this, but change that bulb and the screen is readable.
A totally dead hole may be a bad valve. Low compression on one hole only is a cracked head and/or blown head gasket, most likely. Kubota's are famous for cracking heads if overheated.
A totally dead hole will be noticeable, you most likely have a cracked head that is still firing but also smoking.
As far as converting to conventional gauges-it would involve new sensors and switches as well as gauges and practically bulding a new harness.
Since you got it for $2500, it may be worth fixing the engine, but I'd see what that takes before going with the electrical switch-over. Just my two cents.
Good luck.

 

[Tazza]

The Boss screen is backlit by a replaceable bulb inside. Your dealer parts guy may not know this, but change that bulb and the screen is readable.
A totally dead hole may be a bad valve. Low compression on one hole only is a cracked head and/or blown head gasket, most likely. Kubota's are famous for cracking heads if overheated.
A totally dead hole will be noticeable, you most likely have a cracked head that is still firing but also smoking.
As far as converting to conventional gauges-it would involve new sensors and switches as well as gauges and practically bulding a new harness.
Since you got it for $2500, it may be worth fixing the engine, but I'd see what that takes before going with the electrical switch-over. Just my two cents.
Good luck.

All good points. I agree that if you have a *dead* pot i would check your vavle seats first but it could be cracked between vavles, this would cause low compression.
Do you get bubbles in your overflow tank? or can you hear it bubble or gurgle when you shut the machine down? both of these are signs of a cracked head or blown head gasket. A new head isn't that expensive in the scheme of things. You really need to remove the head to check all these things, its not a really hard job.
As mentioned, Kubotas crack heads when they over-heat.
Welcome to the site!

 

[pondfishr]

All good points. I agree that if you have a *dead* pot i would check your vavle seats first but it could be cracked between vavles, this would cause low compression.
Do you get bubbles in your overflow tank? or can you hear it bubble or gurgle when you shut the machine down? both of these are signs of a cracked head or blown head gasket. A new head isn't that expensive in the scheme of things. You really need to remove the head to check all these things, its not a really hard job.
As mentioned, Kubotas crack heads when they over-heat.
Welcome to the site!

For $2500 you got a good deal even if it costs a little to get the bugs worked out.

 

[Fishfiles]

something else to ponder on the back light bulb of display , bobcat sells a replaceable light socket pig tail which i found usually needs changing as the plastic disenergrates when you try to remove and reinstall it during a bulb change , i have just siliconed a bad socket in after changing the bulb

 

[skidsteer.ca]

something else to ponder on the back light bulb of display , bobcat sells a replaceable light socket pig tail which i found usually needs changing as the plastic disenergrates when you try to remove and reinstall it during a bulb change , i have just siliconed a bad socket in after changing the bulb

For 2500 you could part it out and win. Surplus center has new engines for 3800 if it comes to that. If the hours are right you got a deal imo
Ken

 

[Tazza]

For 2500 you could part it out and win. Surplus center has new engines for 3800 if it comes to that. If the hours are right you got a deal imo
Ken

As the engine still runs i would think worst case a new head at $1,500 ish should fix it.
How many hours are showing?
I agree, for the price you can't go wrong!!!

 

[ayrkidd]

For 2500 you could part it out and win. Surplus center has new engines for 3800 if it comes to that. If the hours are right you got a deal imo
Ken

Thanks guys for the quick responses. I have heard about the cylinder heads cracking, and the blown head gasket, but feel better about it hearing it on this site from you guys. Is there a good source for new or used dirt buckets? The price of steel obviously has driven the prices up, but I have not seen a lot of used attachments for sale. What about making a bucket copying an original??? thanks again for the input.... Nick

 

[ayrkidd]

Thanks guys for the quick responses. I have heard about the cylinder heads cracking, and the blown head gasket, but feel better about it hearing it on this site from you guys. Is there a good source for new or used dirt buckets? The price of steel obviously has driven the prices up, but I have not seen a lot of used attachments for sale. What about making a bucket copying an original??? thanks again for the input.... Nick

Hey forgot to add that I cannot read the hours on the BOSS. The machine came from a grain elevator in Nebraska, and looks like it got serviced occasionaly, and never cleaned. Still, with the prices that I've seen for this series in this condition, I am pleased with the price paid