(800) 853-2651
SHOP NOW

Kawasaki Mule-- Cold weather problems

L

LeakyBoot

Member
Bought Mule to use feeding and cutting ice in cold weather. Has 13 hrs on meter so far. What they didn't tell me is you can't use these in cold temps without problems of the crankcase vent system icing up and then pressure builds up in crankcase which then blows out the push in oil filler/dipstick--which lets oil fly out all over theplace. I searched on problem and there is alot of people dealing with the same issue. Dealer just tells them to change oil often and take long trips to burn out the moisture buildup in crankcase.

Most of these UTV rigs are used on short hops here and there and are not going to reach a hot temp in winter. They were not bought for over the road trips to town.

Has anyone come up with a solution to this problem. I would like to zero in on the exact location of the ice block. I suspect it is at the carb end of the hose coming from the head. You can't just block the plug from popping out. It caused the pressure to stop the fuel pump from working.

Cold weather Mule owners please reply. Thanks, LB
 
I've had this problem with other engines and we used to just cut the end of the vent hose at a 45 degree angle. This was in the days when the crankcase was vented out into the open air.
 
I was thinking of inserting a T fitting in the hose then a shut off on the T so I can just open it to vent pressure when it is giving a problem.
 
Is this a liquid cooled engine? I have the small JD gator with the kawasaki air cooled motor and have had this same problem and was wondering if going to the liquid cooled engine would solve it. What model mule do you have? be nice to avoid that one as you are right most of us only have short run times on these outfits.
 

Can you insulate the hose running from the crankcase to engine inlet. It would seem the crankcase vapor should be warm enough to keep from freezing - if it had a little help from cooling off along the trip to be re-burned.
 
Which model mule? There's many configurations nowadays. Mules weakness has always been the engine, mine had numerous cooling problems over the years and was just plain wore out by 2000 hours, I finally repowered it with a 13 hp air cooled Briggs and couldn't be happier, a little less power than original but much more reliable!
 
I have a JD 620i Gator that wife was going to use to feed hay to the horses. Moisture built up in the crank case because it didnt get warm enough. Now she pulls the hay in a sled. Not just a Mule problem.
 
I have a 2012 4010 mule, 190 hrs. Don't use mine that much in winter, but I've never had your problem with any engine, air or water cooled. With 13 hrs on it, I would be taking it back to dealer. Yours should still be under a year warantee.

Short hops in winter you may have condensation in crankcase. Open oil fill cap. Condensation will make oil white milky. Good chance you are not getting engine hot enough. Try storing mule inside heated garage and see if problem goes away. Or you have a head gasket problem if water cooled like my 4010. 610 mules are air cooled.

I store mine in a dry unheated pole barn which is usually 10-15 degrees warmer than outside. I store everything inside under roof to keep it out of the elements, do you?

Lets us know what you find out.
 
Mule is a 610 air cooled. 2015 model. My experience with dealers is far from good. They are trained to tell you anything to make it your fault. All the post on internet from people with the same problems were told they needed to run it more long trips and change oil often.

I once took and atv in that had a terrible carb problem and fouled the plug in a couple days. After working on it they announced they had found my problem. Wrong brand plug. Had to be a NGK. Couple of days later the NGK was fouled. They get these guys off the street.
 
I would take it back. Tell them to fix it or trade it for a different model. Take some documentation of others with the same problem.

If you modify it, that would be their excuse to do nothing.
 
I don't like my dealer too, but I let them do my warranty work. Other Kawasaki dealers can to warranty work. Is the oil level ok. Is it possible some gas is leaking from carb and getting in the oil?
 
I have a Mitsubishi mini truck that I use for chores. It is cold blooded. I have the radiator blocked off completely - if it starts to get warm when I am pulling hay racks I just crank on the heat. In the winter I bet the thing runs for five hours a day. I start it and never shut it off just so that the engine is always good and hot. Don't shut it off - run it for a good long while. I think Kawasaki makes a good engine but I haven't been impressed with the reliability of their machines. That's why I bought the little mini truck. I've got an 825i gator for nice weather. Not impressed with it either.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

B
JD 720 Gas Compression test
Replies
12
Views
446
BMAN in Detroit
B
usedcarguy
No power....runs but wont throttle up
Replies
18
Views
532
HFJ
H
O
Looking for another idea.
2 3
Replies
42
Views
2K
rustred
rustred
H
JD 145 gas oil pressure issue
Replies
2
Views
299
caterpillar guy
C
W
Chicago Electric Generator Model / Item Number 98838
Replies
4
Views
651
used red MN
U
Tractor Parts Tractor Manuals

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy

Back
Top