How an Iseki TA262 Took an Unexpected Dive – and how We Brought it Back to Life
Some repairs start with a phone call.
This one began with a video: an Iseki TA262 hanging half-submerged in a canal, while a few people tried to pull it out of the mud.
Not exactly a standard introduction at Shop4trac.
When the tractor finally reached solid ground and was delivered to the workshop later that evening, it was immediately clear: this wouldn’t be a simple job.
The first images show how the Iseki Landleader TA262 is brought into the shop. Everything has been underwater — the engine, air intake, hydraulics — and we all know what that means. Water in an engine is never a good sign.
Before I started disassembling, I had a quick look. It was soon clear that the engine was completely filled with water.
Disassembly: the Real Investigation Begins
The job started with removing the engine cover and disassembling the intake and exhaust systems. Every part we removed told the same story: mud everywhere, milky oil, and dirt hidden in every corner.
After removing the intake, it became clear that the injectors had to come out. The engine was completely submerged. By removing the injectors, you can push the water out of the cylinders through compression — a messy job, but necessary.
Rebuilding the Engine after the First Start Attempt
With the injectors out, the exhaust manifold removed, and the entire intake open, I could finally see how extensive the damage really was. Clip after clip showed how far the water had managed to penetrate. In one fragment, the oil even sprayed towards the ceiling when I turned the engine over — a typical video moment.
The engine had to be completely cleared of water:
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pressing water out of the block by repeatedly starting without injectors
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draining mixed oil and water and replacing with fresh oil
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performing a complete engine flush
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later an additional flush to ensure no residue remained
After cleaning and drying all components, we neatly rebuilt the engine and installed a new radiator — the old one was leaking.
The First Start Attempts
The first time turning over without injectors at least produced oil pressure — always a reassuring sign.
Then came the real test: reinstall injectors, replace diesel and bleed, turn the key.
The engine tried to start, but the stop solenoid was defective. After disconnecting and another attempt…
There was the moment.
After all that work, it fired up. Not perfect yet — there was still moisture in it — but it was running.
A little later, it was running well enough to reach operating temperature and test the remaining systems. After about ten minutes, I performed another engine flush to remove every trace of water. Then I refilled it with fresh oil and a new filter.
Transmission & Hydraulics: Water there Too
The transmission and hydraulic systems hadn’t escaped the water either. All oils were drained, filters were replaced, and fresh oil was added everywhere. A tractor that has been underwater is almost certain to face condensation and long-term contamination — that’s why it’s wise to replace everything immediately.
The End Result: Ready for the Customer
As a final step, the TA262 got a thorough wash. In the video, you can see how the industrial cleaner does its job: the mud almost slides off by itself, and within twenty seconds you see a tractor that no longer looks like a machine that has been lying in a canal for two days.
And that’s perhaps the best part of these kinds of projects: fully restoring a machine that was almost given up on to working condition. No matter how busy it gets, I always make time for these rescue operations.
In Conclusion
Are you working on an Iseki, Kubota, Yanmar, or another Japanese mini or compact tractor yourself?
Many of the parts I replaced in this video — filters, hydraulic components, oil seals, electrical parts — are available through our webshop. Go to ‘Iseki TA’ via the search bar and find all the parts.