301.8 Cat

[Chass]

Hi Guys got a question I got a 301.8 Cat excavator I need to replace the glass/plastic Hydraulic level indicator, has anyone done this before? Just looking at the new one it look like I have to get access into the tank is that right and how do I do that I have removed the seat and seat base plate but there is no access hole on top of the tank.:Banghead

 

[Nige]

Giveme until tomorrow to have a trawl through the system. I'll get back to you.

 

[Cmark]

Be careful.

Some Cat sight gauges have a kind of rubber grommet on the mounting bolts that expands inside the tank. If you unscrew the old one you run the risk of dropping parts into the bottom and causing yourself a world of grief.

On the other hand, some just screw into captive nuts. Straightforward.

Any chance of posting a photo of the new one?

 

[Chass]

serial number is 5DW09183 arrangment number 1456693 product number CAT03018VBFA03788

 

[Chass]

thanks mate just having problems with my modem so having problems getting onto internet

 

[Chass]

thank you posted picture and serial number Iam thinking I do not have captive nuts.

 

[Cmark]

Looking at your pictures, I think your sight gauge just screws into captive nuts. The two flange nuts supplied with your new gauge will be surplus to requirements.

 

[Cmark]

By the way, your machine serial number is BFA3788. Engine number is 5DW9183.

 

[Nige]

Do you have the list of Part Numbers for what is shown in your photo..? The reason I ask is that there are 3 different hydraulic tank arrangements depending on what Serial Number the machine is, and before going further I'd like to make sure that you have been supplied with the correct parts for your particular machine S/N - BFA03788.

The parts manual does not list the nuts & bolts in your photo separately (WTF?) - however it does also list 2 more o-ring seals in addition to the 2 square-section seals but I don't see them in your photo. If I had to I'd say the square section seals go under the head of the bolts - they seem about the right size - and the o-rings go between the sight glass assembly and the tank itself.

Although there is nothing clearly saying so (no D&A procedure for the tank), I get the impression that you MIGHT have to pull the strainer assembly from the bottom of the tank and reach up inside to get at the 2 nuts inside the tank. The strainer is the only hole on the tank that is big enough to get into with a spanner to get on to the nuts. There is nothing in the Parts Manual to suggest that the nuts are captive. Also the breakdown of the parts making up the tank assembly does not list any welded nuts, so it pretty much confirms that the nuts on the sight glass fittings are loose ones.

 

[Chass]

ok got two more photo there is 2 o-ring Nige and the part number is 233-7778 GB INDICATO
it was given to me when I bought the machine as part of the deal, Iam getting the feeling or understanding why they said we will supply the parts you fit them.

 

[Chass]

Looking at your pictures, I think your sight gauge just screws into captive nuts. The two flange nuts supplied with your new gauge will be surplus to requirements.

I hope so Cmark just waiting to see what Nige comes back with again thanks for the help guys hope some day I can help you guys

 

[Nige]

Ok, the 2 o-rings are the ones I was referring to, so that checks one box. Your sight gauge is the correct one for your serial number, so that checks a second. The parts manual shows no nuts and bolts at all, I have no idea why.

Looking at another online resource the sight gauge doesn't break down any further so I assume the hardware is not part of the gauge itself. Looking at the hydraulic tank on the same resource I can't see any "weld nuts" in the tank Bill of Material. That leads me to believe that the nuts for the sight gauge are loose and you will have to go into the tank through the hole for the strainer to get at them. Have fun...........

 

[Chass]

OH great that sounds like a job for another long weekend thank you very much for all your help Nige.

 

[Nige]

This is what your hydraulic tank looks like broken down ........... as you can see there is no separate listing for the bolts. Item 5 is simply listed the Sight Gauge plus the O-Ring & Quad Ring seals.

 

[Lil' Puss]

View attachment 117628

Looking at the reservoir, note that the flange weldment on the inside bottom to capture the bolts for the suction strainer are dotted lines. Also, the through-holed thread bosses for the sight gauge are also dotted lines. This is the way Cat draws internals and things hidden from view. I'm saying you can change out the sight gauge without reservoir internal access. Just make sure the level is low enough. Cat has some of the best manuals around.

 

[Nige]

I agree with your reasoning but I'm still not sure TBH. It seems perfectly logical that there ought to be captive nuts inside the tank. The problem is I've dug down right to the BOM used to make the tank itself and can't find them, well sort of .........'

The BOM lists 4 "weld nuts" which I assume are the ones on the wall of the tank facing you on the illustration - 2 of them are easily visible on the left corner of the tank in the illustration.
It also lists 3 "bosses", 2 of one Part Number and 1 of another. I'm assuming the 2 are those on the top of the tank (for lifting purposes) and the single one is for the drain plug on the bottom. I've looked at it every way I can think of and apart from actually getting hold of the tank prints I can't see anything that looks like it should be a weld nut or boss.

The thing that's throwing me completely is the fact the bolts/screws used to fix the sight glass to the tank don't appear to be called out anywhere that I can see.

If it was me I'd try unscrewing the top bolt on the sight glass and see if it comes right out. If once it's loose it just keeps turning & turning then you can safely conclude it has loose nuts inside the tank .............

 

[Chass]

Thanks guys I will try it, we have a long weekend this weekend in Australia and I will check my diary to see what jobs are coming up just in case I run out of time I will let you know How I go. Unfortunately the cat dealer here in Adelaide is not very helpful they do not release info over the phone or email.cheers

 

[Chass]

Ok yes has taken some time but finally changed the level gauge no problem the tank is threaded so easy fix thanks again for all your help

 

[Nige]

Nice to know it was a simple job in the end.