Did I Blow up My Cheap Skid Steer? - Thomas 173HL Won't Rev up, Leaking Cylinder - Part 2

We figure out why the Kubota V2203 will no rev all the way up. We rebuild the boom cylinder. We rebuild the steering linkages. We replace the auxiliary couplers. Then we look at the other issues with this machine.
Thanks again to patrons! If you want to further test the Kubota self destruct system, check us out on Patreon at patreon.com/watchweswork
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[@WatchWesWork]

Thanks again to patrons! If you want to further test the Kubota self destruct system, check us out on Patreon at patreon.com/watchweswork Form a Funnel: amzn.to/3R9Iniy Mess Stopper Plug Kit: amzn.to/45LNKZB Seal Installer Kit: amzn.to/48anABj Spoon Pick Set: amzn.to/3Pfhwii

[@TenGreenRangers]

Runaway diesels are no fun .. My Cat 3406 ran away running off the oil feed line from the turbo when the turbo blew.. Chewed up the crank, out of frame/overhaul, $10,000 dollar lesson .. I don't recomend it. It was screaming with rpms ... thought schrapnel was fixing to come through the block.

[@silasmarner7586]

I live up in SW WIsconsin so if you need me to pick anything up 'round here lemme know.

[@sasquatchrosefarts]

How do you have weeds in your driveway? Whip your kid into shape. Little kids are great for grabbing weeds because they're closer to the ground.

[@darrellgarlough7140]

I guess I'm confused about Kubota dealers. I thought we had Rexco here in the quad cities as a full line dealer

[@jeffcooper5789]

Thanks for the tool listings. Great video as always.

[@tastitas3]

You look happier, Wes. Whatever changes you did in your life/shop sure shows through your emotions.

[@orbitalair2103]

he quit working for a living. i'll be happier too when I can quit.

[@AA-sq1xz]

he got a side piece 🤭

[@Chr.U.Cas2216]

Being a full time utuber is anything else than easy! It's a ton of work.

[@dfross87]

@@Chr.U.Cas2216 Still got to be easier than being a full time YTer AND work a full time job.

[@Chr.U.Cas2216]

Dear @@dfross87 Almost all people simply don't get it. It's work what is shown plus the big effort of filming the steps. Absolutely any work will therefore take 2 to 4 times longer than usual. Then the data must be put into the computer and the video has to be edited. Especially that is a lot of work. Afterwards the data has to be uploaded. Best regards, luck, health and wisdom.

[@thesushifiend]

It’s like watching South Main Auto, Rainman Ray, Andrew Camarata and Cutting Edge Engineering all rolled into one…

[@WatchWesWork]

I dunno if that is good or bad.

[@notgonnatellyou8716]

@@WatchWesWork it is what it is, you'll just have to live with it 😁

[@digi3218]

This channel is my favorite. But all those you listed are great too. I only recently found Cutting Edge though and he definitely has some skills!

[@rkalkes]

Cutting edge is a Machinist wizard.

[@Wyatt_K]

don’t forget diesel creek

[@peterjensen6844]

Anyone else catch the little bug crawling across the floor when Wes set the camera down. Wes is off camera fighting for his life and the bug is just out for a stroll...😂

[@joelonderee2872]

One thing I love about your videos is that you make mistakes (like all of us do). Then you explain what happened and how your fix the issues. That is very helpful to all of us. You could easily just leave mistakes out, then just record the corrects stuff. Mistakes make the videos more realistic and educational for us.

[@WatchWesWork]

If I edit out the mistake the videos would be 2 minutes long.

[@MF-hb7dc]

Look at the bright side during your full fuel. It didnt drive forward and try to crush you between the lift, the door, and the wall.

[@HorsleyLandy88]

I thought that as well :)

[@dean9498]

Are you referring to the Pontiac Vibe video? That one was quite the encounter. If you don't know about that video,sorry for the reply?

[@MF-hb7dc]

Yes that would be the reference. Wes reminds us every once in a while that no matter how precise and methodical we all try to be, a kick in the nuts is the end result

[@andrewmantle7627]

I thought to myself as Wes lowered the safety bar that this might not end well.

[@frank-t6857]

@@andrewmantle7627 Sometime repetitions are needed to learn 🤷‍♂

[@xsniperprox1]

There's some kind of Twisted Irony in getting satisfaction out of watching something that is broken get fixed only to hope there's more broken things to watch get fixed again. hope you're doing well, Wes. 🙂

[@TKing2724]

Also, by some miracle, Wes managed to not bump the controls and spray gallons of hydraulic oil all over the shop while the cylinder was off.

[@Qusin111]

LOL I call that level of brokenness.

[@johnnyrutkowski8750]

These old machines are tired, but not ready to give up. The Kubota couldn't have found a better home. Thanks for keeping her alive!

[@JoelGonzalez-qz5yg]

The man, the myth, the legend, and one of his favorite KZbinrs.

[@samholdsworth420]

Sorry I'm late

[@tallbrian100]

Keep a Co2 fire extinguisher around for a diesel runaway. A blast into the intake will shut it right down.

[@WeeShoeyDugless]

Never heard of that one before but it makes sense👍

[@_BAD_MERC_]

Good call!!!!!

[@pettyfogger2305]

On the same line of thinking, but much, much cheaper than having to pay for an extinguisher refill or replacement, CO2 cartridges (like those for pellet guns) put out a large volume from a small cylinder for pocket change versus 20-30 bucks plus time and travel for a refill.

[@sqike001ton]

I have never thought about that but it should work

[@rovhalgrencparselstedt8343]

But you will have to be very careful doing that, as a CO2 fire extinguisher mades dry ice particles that can puncture the air filter, get into the cylinders and do damage. Then again even mere seconds of runaway rpm can and will cause some damage even though you might not be able to feel or hear it, the rods are likely ever so slightly bent, the bearing shells will be hammered slightly oblong and the high rpm vibration may well have stretched/shaken the rod cap bolts loose. If it was my machine, i'd have to yoink the engine out, take the pan off and inspect all that just for peace of mind, but that could just be due to my autism asperger diagnosis.

[@infernoking7504]

I love rebuilding things instead of completely replacing I love seeing how stuff is built.

[@kw9849]

The terrible quality of parts these days has really resulted in a renaissance for rebuilding components.

[@jeepanimal2943]

It's the gratification of taking something that doesn't run/ function/ operate right or at all, that makes you feel excited? Right? Been there, still there, a little, but I'm getting too old for big projects, like Wes....

[@phillipkeeling7327]

Broaching? Form a funnel? Thread file? Who knew! Always learning stuff here. I can’t wait to tell one a my buddies LOOKS LIKE YA NEED TO BROACH A NEW KEYWAY. They’ll surely be impressed.

[@lrdisco2005]

Nothing can stop this man. Total hero who never gives up. Respect from an old guy.

[@olspanner]

Ditto, from another old guy

[@user-sr5tk8hb2u]

Yep the old guy convention has set in motion .

[@sethedmunds5451]

The videos never disappoint, Wes is one hell of mechanic he knows something about everything, keep it up man your an inspiration!!!

[@russrawley6712]

Seconded this guy is awesome

[@willb3018]

I wish he lived next door to me.😉

[@garymucher4082]

Always interesting to Watch Wes Work. Just remember, if things never break, wear out, leak, waddle too big, you wouldn't have a job. So while these things do happen, and always will, you will forever, or as long as want too, have a job. And therefore we get to see you do your job and learn... You seem to have an ability to post repairable videos AND a sense of humor at the same time. Thumbs Up!

[@tjlqk3]

You're by far the best subscription I have on here. No advertising, straight to the point no nonsense, good dry humor, and fix stuff the most would. And if you make a mistake, you admit it and move forward.

[@VinceCannavaII]

That little bug running towards danger is my spirit animal.

[@sameaston1301]

Not sure if you fully grasp how amazing you are to a layman like me. Watching you work just blows my mind sometimes. "You're a wizard, Harry" 😁

[@okeechobeejoe2868]

You did a great job on that Wes ! I have to say, being a machinist with a lathe sure helps out a lot. Looking forward to part 3.

[@POVwithRC]

The bug scurrying while you fought the runaway. Art.

[@joshbarba5061]

When I saw the Form a funnel, I was like "hey, I have one of those," then I remembered that your videos turned me onto them! They're great for oddball circumstances.

[@uglybull1]

It is always amazing to see how you can get complicated jobs working again with relatively simple means. A new part here or there, but still largely using the knowledge and craftsmanship that you have acquired over the years. Admirable and respected for that. For me, it's great to watch. Wesley.

[@tonyjacobson9824]

Enjoy the videos very much! Really appreciate the self reflection to figure out what went wrong. Too many people blame someone or thing else instead of finding out what they could do better with.

[@Ivc406]

Wes who needs box sets when we've got Wes and Co regards from Scotland

[@skiphill9]

Bringing clapped out machinery back up to a proper operational level is such a pain! It must be in my DNA to really like doing projects like this one! My mother accused me of having motor oil for blood! Great job !! Looking forward to the next revival edition!!

[@williammccarthy5696]

It is always a great feeling when repairing something, that you return it to the way it was built . Having the technical ability and curiosity to be able to think outside of the box to find the parts or fabricate them always helps .

[@troubleis5271]

loving this series so far. What i appreciate the most is Wes openly shares his "happy accidents" so we all get to learn. Thanks for sharing.

[@brianmoore5498]

nice one. good to see max walking around with less limp too

[@WatchWesWork]

We've been running 2 miles every day.

[@peglegtoo]

Keep doing skid steer revivals. You'll get tons of views.

[@davidhelmuth6654]

I used to work, in a former life, in an industrial maintenance shop. Without sounding strange. Astro Glide was made for the space program to lubricant O-rings. Kept a bottle in my tool box. Also to keep junk out of any hole, like the hydraulic stuff I use the foam earplugs, they work great for paint prep as well. Plus super easy to remove and dirt cheep as well. Always educational and entertaining. Thank you. 👍👍👍

[@brianessex6666]

I’m always impressed by people doing jobs I can no longer do. The use of fairy liquid I do recognise that!

[@smplyizzy]

I enjoyed you admittance of borrowing friends and families attachments, lol.

[@paulsilva3346]

Fine job West taking care of Thomas SlobCat.! 😊 29:15

[@wacholder5690]

"The skid-steer from hell ..." As always: a bargain stopps being a bargain when all the "little malfunctions" sum up. But so far you did a good job on its revival. Like to see further progress 🙂

[@robertklein1316]

Wes better see his cardiologist after the episode of the runaway Kubota, one has never lived without some engine going full throttle with no easy shutdown, especially on a diesel. I expect that this will going for many more episodes, so be wary when you buy a worn out skid steer.

[@ginobragoli1448]

"They say there is always one out there that will buy it" I think you were the one this time😂

[@phammond68]

i came to this channel for the automotive stuff, and im still here for that, but i gotta say im a big fan of the machining and fabrication side as well! and i dont know anything about that stuff, im a chef lol. good stuff Wes!

[@WatchWesWork]

I appreciate that!

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

Whenever we rebuilt a Detroit, we always had a plate to cover the intake horn in case the engine took off. Most of them had an emergency shutoff plate in the air horn but you always had to check to make certain in worked. Another good practice is to have some CO2 fire extinguishers handy to shoot into the intake so there isn't oxygen to support combustion.

[@grendel1960a]

the boat I use has a 3 cylinder kubota base engine, so far its had 3 diesel overruns, the last one bent a con rod, turns out the mechanical fuel pump was leaking diesel into the sump, its now running lovely. these engines are pretty much bullet proof.

[@fiat38]

Thomas used to make the skid steers for Ford back when Ford was into construction equipment.

[@rustyaxelrod]

Man, this was like a skid steer “kit”. Most of the stuff you need and you build the rest. 😮

[@WatchWesWork]

That's a pretty good way to describe it!

[@kd5byb]

"The tool i s supposed to make it easier." Boy have I been there, done that! I also have a collection of o-rings where I needed 2 and had to buy 50. Eventually, you'll find something else that uses them, amazing how that works. Might take 20 years, but you will. :)

[@WatchWesWork]

The problem is I'll forget I have them or where they are.

[@dfross87]

@@WatchWesWork What you need is more storage! When we bought (most of) the contents of a hydraulic shop that closed down, we got more fittings and seals than you could ever dream of. Thankfully, we also bought the storage system that held it all. Roughly converting it to imperial, it would be ~2450' of shelf space. And I still find I don't have the right part in stock!

[@FlimtotheFlam]

For as long as that engine was probably running at just low rpm it probably needed that Italian tune job.

[@alwayssearching1882]

For a second I thought during the high rev issue the channel's new name was going to be Watch Wes Worry.

[@greggumbs1935]

The ant scuttling across the floor around 14:55... Priceless

[@richardellis3141]

now that was a very scary moment Wes. especially with steering controls being reworked without an adjustment, very scary. glad you are ok.

[@malanvogt]

That part made by Lord Corp is made in a tiny little town in PA my home town infact. 15 min south is where channelock is made and 15 min north is where most every domestic automobile wheel bearing is made and also timpkins hub bearing assys

[@danielmorris3377]

Love watching you fix up all sorts of old equipment for yourself rather than for customers. Even if you were to flip them to make extra money. For some reason, the videos are just better when you own the project. That said, I still like customer stuff, though. Long time subscriber. Keep it up!

[@paulog8813]

Thank you Wes, for the lesson on Mechanics again. Your production on the videos is largely improved. I’ll indicate you for an Oscar. 😂😂 oGreetings from Brazil.

[@adrianrolston-earl9029]

In awe of your skills, love your work

[@neonaffliction]

29:40 Honestly I'd like to see you install something modern like a back camera on the thing. Cheers Wes, love the vids.

[@coltonkruse2313]

Oh man that is my worst nightmare anytime I am working on my diesels. Glad you got it shut down in time.

[@roryfruhling9100]

You teach and inspire a lot man. Motivate is a better word. Doing hard things is the best for character, to understand how things work, forces renewed patience. I really like you music choices too

[@martinquintana5837]

Wes there's something about watching your video. It just brings a sense of fulfillment to me knowing that there's still some awesome mechanics out there. Epic video Wes can't wait for the next video. Have a blessed day. Aloha from Kansas

[@WatchWesWork]

Glad to hear it!

[@haydenc2742]

Get some of that rubberized spray paint and paint the battery compartment and holddown (just a TLC thing) Defintely getting some love that it needs! Keep em coming!!!!

[@CorvetteBill364]

Great Video Matt. I love the change of subjects. Working on old Rusty Ford diesels was getting old. 😂

[@rssvss]

40+ years ago diesel mechanic my stepfather was friends with instilled in me, ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN FOR A RUNAWAY ENGINE. lol Good video!

[@yamahayamaso8694]

30:17: Did you see how much play/wear the right hydraulic cylinder has? It moved up about a centimeter 😅

[@WatchWesWork]

More than that...

[@daleolson3506]

How many pounds is a centimeter?

[@johnnyzander1466]

@@daleolson3506 Yes...

[@10splitter]

Some of Wes' catchphrases; "howdy folks," "kiddo," "lady," "parts cannon," "just fine," and "Bangladeshi ship breaker - ship breaking yard." 😆

[@shamesplanters7093]

You gotta BE ready for runaways @ ALL TIMES when the diesel engine is running! Nerve racking, but necessary. Your beard handled the situation well. Good job 2all 🥶 🐲

[@chuckeecheese162]

Sometimes the Amish lifestyle looks good. 😂

[@WatchWesWork]

I'd take a horse a lot of days.

[@demelitia]

@@WatchWesWorkit would still have dodgy electrical problems from a previous owner. I don’t even want to think about the leaking fluids…….

[@chuckeecheese162]

@@WatchWesWork I was picking up some brake pads the other day. This totally frustrated man holding a caliper with half a hose and his wife are behind me. I say, looks like yer havin fun too. He shrugs his torso in disgust. She says, I wish it was a horse; we could eat it. 😅

[@SIGINT007]

The outro music has a Miami Vice feel to it. I like it.

[@TheCRDMiller]

Great job Wes. As a heavy equipment mechanic and now service manager, your hired!

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

Your sweat equity has paid off nicely. Good repairs. I love that seal install tool. Thanks again, Wes. Give Max a pat and a pet for us.

[@sledhead904]

I felt your pain and being out of breathe during that potential runaway. You forget to the dozen expletives unless they were edited out 😂😂

[@jasongreene303]

Wes, if you need injection pump parts, call a pump rebuilding shop. It seems that KZbin folks have had good luck with Area Diesel Service. I used to rebuild them myself and I i figure that part should be available, but i do like your approach to it and it made for great content.

[@svfourwinds8435]

It’s about time you did a series of videos on the Honda Goldwing that’s in the background of just about every video you make. There is a big motorcycle following out there.

[@Oddman1980]

There are two things your channel has convinced me I need - a mirror on a telescoping stick, and a powered ratchet. Sure has made my life easier!

[@WatchWesWork]

You need a couple mirrors of different sizes to fit where you want them and for backup when they break.

[@Oddman1980]

@@WatchWesWork Definitely need a backup for when I break them!

[@johnhopkins6658]

my thread files saved me a few times and shocked fellow mechanics who had never heard of them.

[@ronmimnaugh7674]

I so felt your pain when that part disappeared from the vice when you were grinding on it. Nice work on this rescue beast.

[@jonathanbaxter5821]

Every man needs a hobby, and an excuse to work on his hobby that keeps his wife off his back. Starting this channel was genius.

[@gmctech]

"I don't think she's got too many of those left in her" That one made my day...

[@OzarksWildman]

The shorthair pointer was doing his thing and pointing 😆

[@alans.7733]

Never would have expected to hear Lord mounts mentioned here. Ive machined a couple hundred Lord engine isolator mounts for Delta 757’s. As always, really enjoy your content. Makes my Sunday afternoons.

[@richied6319]

By the time you get done Wes, you will have a pretty decent machine. Looking forward to part 3!

[@seanwies6637]

“Click!” Love it! Thanks.

[@ghettsumm7949]

I really enjoy watching your fabrication skills on unobtainium pieces,. It's a lost art. Mega skills Wes! To shutdown a runaway Diesel engine, place a piece of plywood over the intake and choke it out.

[@WatchWesWork]

The intake was blocked. It was still running.

[@rmr5740]

Great channel, one of my favs if not my favorite. When the video ends, I'm always disappointed it's over.

[@benjaminmellingen5340]

The last few months this has been my favourite channel to watch. Keep up what you're doing Wes 🎉

[@r.j.sworkshop7883]

Another interesting series to watch. Thanks.

[@jeepindave5464]

Great series. Thanks wes

[@gunners4129]

Mechanic by trade, machinist by demand

[@glenharper3136]

Thanks for the video Wes.

[@jaybrown3953]

Thanks Wes... Can't wait for the next one.

[@user-fd8wg9cp8b]

Thanks for sharing.

[@billroberts3864]

Wes, another great video showing your 'can do' attitude. The new tool to insert the plastic wiper sure is handy. Keep on producing interesting videos. Blessings to you.

[@johnwinden8511]

Good stuff as usual Wes, Thank You!

[@erichenao6537]

Great content. Loving this channel!

[@matthewsmith988]

Excellent job. Great mechanic.

[@robertheinkel6225]

I was factory trained on New Holland skid steers. We got a new one in with a weak hydrostatic drive on one side. After two repair attempts, we called in the factory technician. He found nothing also, but sent me a new drive unit. He took the old one back to the factory to figure out what happened. When it was built the motor pistons were put in the pump. The only difference was the lube hole in the slippers. The motor slipper lube hole is .02 inches larger than the pump slippers.

[@WatchWesWork]

Crazy. You'd think they would idiot proof that a little bit.

[@mattlaptop5728]

Thanks as always for another interesting video.

[@aslant9246]

great video series

[@keithpreston1841]

Cool video. Thanks for sharing the journey.

[@samonsthewise]

this is an awesome series, i love rebuilds

[@kisselectronics8360]

Lord got into the rubber mounting business in 1918I..They specialized in vibration dampening mounts for WWII airborne electronic boxes.

[@thigtsquare950]

Just another cliffhanger in my life…. My life is like watching a telenovela: waiting for the next episode. Thank you very much Wes.

[@gregpavone8485]

Really enjoyed the video, thanks.

[@gregquante8864]

Love your work and explanation of what you’re doing. Thanks as always!!

[@richkelley5112]

"CLICK!" I love your sense of humor as much as your resourcefulness and perseverance Wes. Great stuff.

[@sharplessguy]

I really appreciate your videos. I've learned so much.