I have a Kubota L4350 tractor that some of you may remember having clutch problems with,well I have got the clutch fixed but as my luck would have it I have a new problem.It has been loosing water for some time and I was afraid it was the head gasket because I could not find any water leaks externally.Well it got worse so I pulled it apart today and could see where the head gasket was leaking so I checked head with straight edge and looks like its not warped but I got to checking and it looks like the #4 rod is bent :mad: It is about a quarter inch shorter than the rest.,so can I jus get a new rod and install it with old rings and bearings or do I need new rings and bearings?I don't really have the funds to do a complete overhaul right now after the new clutch and getting vehicles and house fixed from storm damage.So what should I do?Sorry for the long post but need some help!

How did it bend a rod? I guess I would figure that out first, so it doesn't happen again. If you do end up patching it together, definitely replace the rod bearing, you can probably reuse the rings if you remove the carbon ridge before you pull the piston out.

IF you have a bent rod I would assume it was caused by hydraulic pressure from water getting into that cylinder from the leaking head gasket.

Hi, am kubota engine dealer, sounds like your head is cracked, kubota head gaskets don't typically blow or leak, have a whole pile of cracked heads at shop, need to know what model the engine is, am not familiar with that tractor model.
Coolant will get on top of piston and bend the rod, usually it will seep on to the piston when engine is not in use and when you start engine it may not turn over momentarily then once the starter overcomes the rod then the engine will turn again, get calls about this sometimes, customer will state engine would not turn over then after several tries it did turn. yes you can replace just that one rod, piston and rings, do not trust a piston that has been on bent rod, it has been through the same pressures as the rod.
If i can help any further please let me know, p.m. me if you need to.
Do not reuse rings as the cylinder should at least be honed, could have scuff marks from heat and may need to be bored, need to remove piston and visually inspect cyl. hopefully all is o.k. and can just be honed.
Bearings can be reused just don't mix them up, bearing reuse is manufacturer approved if bearing is not scored or damaged, although i don't think i would ruse that particular bearing as it has been subjected to severe stress also. once you unseat rings from cyl. they will not reseat, reused rings may cause the engine to use some oil as oil will get past rings.
Sorry if this is a little mixed up am trying to think and type at the same time, am not a very good at typing.
The only part that will be very expensive is new cyl. head, there are people around who can weld heads, but personally i have not had good luck with welded heads, the rest of these parts are not very expensive.

Thanks for the help,jbdmax I wondered if this was a common problem with kubota engines evidently is is.My engine code is (engine no. 001376) I n looking at the head gasket after removal I can see where it was leaking past the head gasket.The bearings do not show any signs of wear.Thanks for the info on everything I now have parts ordered and am waiting on them to come in.

Have the head pressure checked at engine machine shop if one is close by, they will at least be able to verify if the head is o.k.. This should not cost very much, also have them check for warpage, although you can do this with a good straight edge. I had customer buy 4 head gaskets before i asked him why he had to keep changing the gasket, he said because it keeps blowing out and i am getting coolant in the engine, had his head checked and it was cracked.
If i can help let me know, info is always free, and is better to ask before any problems occur.
Sorry mean't to ask for engine model not code, i.e. D950, V1305, V1505 ect
This type of problem usually only occurs if engine has run hot for some reason, check cooling system, front or back of radiator may be dirty and not allowing enough air to pass. other than this kubota engines are super tough and very reliable.