Universal M-25 to Kubota Part Numbers

[eb1smith]

After doing some research if you have a Universal M-25 Diesel you actually have a Kubota D850. This may not be news to many of you all, but it does help get parts a little more inexpensively. Here is a breakdown of Kubota Part Numbers and how they relate to the Universal ones.

The thermostat (301358 - $60.28) can be replaced with Kubota (15531-73010 - $24.54) with the understanding that the Kubota is a 180F thermostat and the Universal one is a 160F. The cooler one is so that salt crystals will not form, but this temperature is a little cold in a fresh water system.

Glowplugs from Universal (299685 - $71.39) the Kubota (15261-65510 - $9.00) price is much cheaper.

Universal Fresh Water Pump (300203 - $307.56) from Kubota (15552-73030 - $87.10).

Universal has two different part numbers for this but that is because there is a nut on top for return fuel so you really just need one, injector (298788 - $323.29) the Kubota only has one number for the part (70000-65209 - $61.94).

I am still working on the fuel lift pump replacement but I will verify it once I get back to my boat tomorrow.

I hope this helps a little. I also have a parts list if anyone needs it.

Fair Winds,

--Eric

[MFC]

I wonder if the Universal 5424 has a corresponding Kubota block as well and whether anyone has matcehd up the part numbers . . .?

Matt

[eb1smith]

The Model 5424, a 68 cu in, 24 hp, 3 cylinder, based on the Kubota D-1101 block, was built from 1977 to 1983.

[Jim Walsh]

I replaced my M-25 with a M-25XPB. I knew it was also based on a Kubota but I never delved into the exact model. How were you able to derive exact replacement parts with certainty? I'm finishing my third season and it's time to start playing it safe. I want a sensible set of spares on board next season, not just belts and filters.

[eb1smith]

The Catalina's Owners Web Site has a lot of information as does various cruiser forums, do a Google search on "Universal and Kubota". Then after that at I did a comparison of various parts on my own M-25, and hey look at that they work and are a lot less money.

http://www.catalina30.com/TechLib/Engin ... ompany.txt

From the Catalina30 Website:

The following are Universal Marine/ Kubota tractor diesel designations:

M15/5411 Z-500
M18 Z-600
M25 D-850
M25XP D-950
M3-20 D640
M30 D-1101

Kubota parts online: http://www.tractorsmart.com

Use this information wisely.

Fair Winds,

Eric

[Tom in Cambria]

BTW the model 25 is not 25 horsepower as many erroneously assume. It was originally 18 hp, but was redesigned by Universal to make it 21 horsepower. FYI the power curve graph is on the first page of the parts manual, not in the engine manual as you would expect.

[eb1smith]

The electric fuel pump is a Facet-Purolator 476087 E cost about $85.00 from a auto supply house, Universal price $260.70. You could also go with the Facet-Purolator 476459 E but it is hard to find but found some at $90.00. Also there is an filter in these pumps that should be changed or cleaned.

What gets me is the premium that is being charged for just normal parts. I know that B.O.A.T stands for "Break Out Another Thousand". Part of me says this pricing formula is just wrong.

--Eric

[mgphl52]

Eric,

I agree with you regarding "boat" or "marine" items.
But we really are better off than others.
Just ask anyone who owns and maintains an airplane!

-michael

[Steve Laume]

Model M20, which was produced in 1982 and 1983.
Approximately 230 were sold

This is from the Catalina site with the history of the Universal engine.

They did not list a match up engine either. With only 230 of these things ever sold it seems like parts might become a problem.

Any advise on a cross over model number for this beast?

I might have a museum piece in a few years, Steve.

[Dean Abramson]

Eric,

Thanks for a very valuable post!

Which of the Kubota parts have you actually successfully used on the M25?

Dean

[Phil Shedd]

I have replaced the water pump, thermostat and the front crank shaft seal. I got all this from the local Kubota dealer . The owner was very helpful when it came to getting the right part. When I took out the seal I destroyed the part number . He was able to figure out what tractor had this seal.

We were hauled out last week. The wharfs and decks were covered in frost on haul out day .

Phil

[eb1smith]

So far I have tested an injector, glow plug and will be getting a water pump. I have been building a spare set for the boat.

Fair Winds,

Eric

[GLutzow]

They call it "Value Added" and we have been dealing with it in the Medical Industry for years. If you purchase a sufficient number of an item you can, for a fee, get the part privately labeled with your part number which makes it extremely difficult to out source. Case in point the $2.25 switch that costs $47.00 if purchased from the equipment manufacturer. Or better yet, the $2,300.00 imaging table top which, if sourced from the equipment manufacturer will cost you $19,000.00 and they insist on installing it themselves for an extra $1,500.00.......its held on by four bolts.

In the early 70's and late 60's Chevy was infamous for doing that with their Corvette parts. Quite a few of them were identical to the same part on the Camero but you needed to know the proper part number to order.

GOTCHA

[CruiseAlong]

Does anyone know of any ties between the above Kubota BX2660 tractor engine (D-1005) and Universal engine M25XPB?
Dana

[Kevin Kaldenbach]

I am adding this to this post because next time I need the number I will have forgot I had it. The glow plug for the M 25 part number 299685 also know as a Kubota 15261-65510 is also NGK Y103K. I could have got it from local auto parts store for five dollars and change if I wanted to wait. The NGK number is also the number I got off of the plug.