743 with Kubota V1702

[sblanchard]

I have a 743 skid steer that I bought used that has a strange (non standard) configuration off the water pump. There is a Y that has as short hose to the Thermostat and a longer hose that goes to what I think is what should be the coolant drain plug on the side of the block below the injectors on the left side (as looking at the engine from the back). I have purchased the correct hose (short L hose) to connect the issue, but didn't know if anyone knew why someone would have changed the plumbing to be this way. Do you think it was to provide better circulation? Also, what is the flow direction in the cooling system? Thanks. Scott

 

[Tazza]

I wonder if there was once a cab heater that it was hooked up to.
Just a thought, there is no reason for the by-pass hose to be plumbed back that way.

 

[bremery]

I wonder if there was once a cab heater that it was hooked up to.
Just a thought, there is no reason for the by-pass hose to be plumbed back that way.

Sounds to me someone had a “tank style” coolant heater that may have been removed. They way you describe it sounds like the way I have mine plumbed in. The coolant heater makes starting in cold temperatures easier. Turn it on for about 30 minutes and the machine will fire up nice and easy.

 

[Tazza]

Sounds to me someone had a “tank style” coolant heater that may have been removed. They way you describe it sounds like the way I have mine plumbed in. The coolant heater makes starting in cold temperatures easier. Turn it on for about 30 minutes and the machine will fire up nice and easy.

Never thought about an engine heater, totally possible!

 

[sblanchard]

I wonder if there was once a cab heater that it was hooked up to.
Just a thought, there is no reason for the by-pass hose to be plumbed back that way.

So is there a problem just leaving it that way, or am I better off removing the "Y", installing the correct hose and putting the plug back on the block? I just replaced the thermostat gasket (because it was leaking coolant), and I don't know if that configuration had any affect on it.

 

[Tazza]

So is there a problem just leaving it that way, or am I better off removing the "Y", installing the correct hose and putting the plug back on the block? I just replaced the thermostat gasket (because it was leaking coolant), and I don't know if that configuration had any affect on it.

It may not cause any issues, but its the way it was designed, i'd just get the loop hose and install it, they're pretty cheap.
The only issue i could think of is the coolant may not be returning where it should causing possible heat build up in the wrong place, but who know.