Dwight Yachuk
Member
Howdy folks. My first post years ago was how do I start my excavator? I've come a long way since then learning how to run the machine and becoming an expert at replacing blown hydraulic hoses. (Hint: If they have turned red they haven't got long to go!) Maintenance is important as well as constantly checking to ensure your machine runs well.
Well my machine started drinking antifreeze and wouldn't you know there it is in the engine oil. Probably a blown head gasket but it could be any number of other things. Given the age of the Cat we've decided (me and my mechanic) to pull the engine and take it into the shop for an inspection and probable rebuild. Nothing like a brand new rebuilt engine to keep my baby going for years to come.
In order to save some money I'm prepping the engine for removal. I've drained the oil and rad fluid, removed the top covers, and removed the rad hoses and the fan cowling.
Q1. Should I undo the 6? bolts holding the fan to the engine or loosen the rad so the fan can come away from the rad when I lift the engine out?
Q2. On the other side is the hydraulic pump and I'm not sure how to tackle this. Is there a hydraulic drain plug somewhere? It looks like there is one at the bottom of the tank but access is difficult. Do I need to drain the hydraulic fluid completely from the tank or will the oil stay in the tank as it looks like the hoses are at the top of the tank so the oil should stay there. What about all the oil in the are? Just looking for the easiest way to disconnect the engine from the hydraulic pump.
Q3 Anything else that needs to be removed so the engine can come out?
Once everything is disconnected the boom truck will come to lift the engine out. Any other advice for getting the engine out is appreciated.
Dwight
Well my machine started drinking antifreeze and wouldn't you know there it is in the engine oil. Probably a blown head gasket but it could be any number of other things. Given the age of the Cat we've decided (me and my mechanic) to pull the engine and take it into the shop for an inspection and probable rebuild. Nothing like a brand new rebuilt engine to keep my baby going for years to come.
In order to save some money I'm prepping the engine for removal. I've drained the oil and rad fluid, removed the top covers, and removed the rad hoses and the fan cowling.
Q1. Should I undo the 6? bolts holding the fan to the engine or loosen the rad so the fan can come away from the rad when I lift the engine out?
Q2. On the other side is the hydraulic pump and I'm not sure how to tackle this. Is there a hydraulic drain plug somewhere? It looks like there is one at the bottom of the tank but access is difficult. Do I need to drain the hydraulic fluid completely from the tank or will the oil stay in the tank as it looks like the hoses are at the top of the tank so the oil should stay there. What about all the oil in the are? Just looking for the easiest way to disconnect the engine from the hydraulic pump.
Q3 Anything else that needs to be removed so the engine can come out?
Once everything is disconnected the boom truck will come to lift the engine out. Any other advice for getting the engine out is appreciated.
Dwight
