AC model D info needed to get my grader back on the road...

[Graderfan1981]

thanks for your newest photos from this grader, nice to read what's going on

 

[joetx]

Hello, I just received the used D17 motor I bought and would like some help with some ID info... the motor # is: 17-53738-M I'm unsure about the "M" as I can't make it out clearly. I was told it was a 1st series. Anyone have some info as to the year? Another thing, most of it is painted orange, but I also see some yellow , like it was yellow and some time in it's life it got painted orange. Should it be yellow or orange according to the year model? Thanks, Joe.

 

[DonBC]

I think that they used a yellow primer at one time. My 1959 D grader is orange but there are places that yellow shows through and that appears to be primer. If the engine came off a farm tractor the colour would normally be orange unless the tractor was an industrial model. I just read your question about the D17 engine on the farm section of allischalmers.com and I think that the boys there are pretty sharp and seem to be of the opinion that it is from a series III or IV based on the oil filter. Essentially the same engine and if it has been rebuilt at some time it may have had higher compression pistons installed other than the type indicated on the serial number.

 

[joetx]

Thanks Don....Hopefully it will be a newer engine than a series I. But if it runs good I'm O.K. with that too. I see two coats of orange with the yellow below. Maybe it has had a rebuild at some time..Thanks, Joe.

 

[caterpillarmech]

Good looking project you have there. Keep up the good work.

 

[joetx]

Getting ready to sandblast...

Been locating need stuff to try to get the old grader running. So far, I got a rebuilt carb, used D17 engine both from Missouri, 4 like new heavy mud grip tires and wheels from Kentucky...these tires and wheels came off a '69 international loadstar truck and the wheels are identical to the AC wheels and will bolt on without any problems it seem. They are pretty close in size to the original tires.

I had found some new tires locally for $178. each and were supposed to be grader tires, the were not, so I decided to go with these used, but in great shape tires. Price plus shipping came out to $125. each and they were mounted, holding air, almost new and included the wheels....

I have the grader all stripped down and ready to sandblast and paint hopefully Monday if the weather clears up. I decided to go with Caterpillar yellow. Paint instructions says to apply direct to bare metal without primer.....Any one have some experience with this paint??? After which, I will start the engine installation and replace the hoses. Bought a new correct clutch kit and had the flywheel cut down. Fingers crossed that all works out.....Joe.

 

[Graderfan1981]

Thanks for your newest pictures, interesting to see what you do time to time

 

[DonBC]

Good deal on your tires. Was the wheel rim width the sameas your original rims? I had to get one new wheel for the front as the rim had been rusted out from calcium and they had a used rim that was 1/2" wider which was not a problem on the front. Three of the six wheels where loaded when I got the grader. I didn't bother to have any loaded when I put on new tires. My grader had similar mud and snow truck tires when I got it. They were badly miss matched with respect wear that I decided to get new tires since I would be roading it some on pavement. That same size and tread design was still available but after some deliberation I elected to go for a less aggressive tread as I expected to be dealing with some fractured rocks that might tear up that design.

 

[joetx]

Well, I'm back...Been away from the forum for a while but I've been doing a little work on the grader as time permits. I have too many irons in the fire and my health hasn't been the greatest. Seems like the VA had me in one of their clinics/offices 2-3 times a months. Things are better now and I've been able to spend more time at the shop.

I finally got it blasted and painted. Installed the tires, but the boy that was helping me put the front ones backward. Will have to change that later. I pulled all the hoses off as they were all in very sad shape. I marked everything and took a lot of pictures. Hope I can get them all back in the correct places. I sent off 28 different hoses to be made for me and I should be getting them back next week.

I had cleaned off my motor when I first got it and I started painting the engine today. Thought I would use a little orange...I'm getting ready to re-install it soon....I hope. Here's some picture updates. Thanks, Joe.

 

[joetx]

 

[joetx]

 

[joetx]

 

[joetx]

 

[oarwhat]

The front tires are supposed to be on that way on the front. Don't change them!! Nice job by the way

 

[Graderfan1981]

Wow, very interesting photos which you have shown here, thanks for the great report!!

 

[joetx]

Finally got my new hoses back....all 28 of them. Started installing them, and had to do some repair on the metal lines. With this done, I can finally get the engine back in and maybe get this old grader running. Joe.

 

[joetx]

 

[kb9tci]

Looks awesome!! Can't wait to see it all together!

 

[joetx]

Hello, Last time I posted was in 2015, time flies and life gets in the way too. Anyway, after 4 1/2 years, I finally got back into working on my grader. It has been laying dormant in my yard. Amazing that I was able to find most of my parts and get it together as far as I have. Only thing that hasn't showed up in my messy, neglected shop was the old wiring harness, which I wasn't going to use, but needed it for reference, and my instrument panel. Here are some pictures of what has been going on. I replaced the engine with the Gleaner engine that I bought and has been sitting on a cart. Had quite a few things that gave me a little problem, but most solved and I will be asking a couple of question in a bit. Thanks, Joe.

 

[joetx]

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