Phil
Senior Member
- Joined
- May 2, 2005
- Messages
- 1,067
- Location
- Southeastern Ontario
- Occupation
- retired operator and mechanic
Even if the older Cat D8 were not the 'best' older machine of that size, the supply of aftermarket parts available for it, makes the decision for you. The first 46A D8H had a fuel torque and a 6 roller frame, up until about serial #3,000. Also the earlier D8H was a low horse model, and had a different cylinder block and crankshaft I believe. The crank bearings were thicker and deemed not as efficient at heat transfer, when the horsepower went up, around serial #46A 11,000 or so. If the engine breather mounts on an angle then it is a high horse engine.
The difference between the low and high horse D8H is really noticeable. The final drives and the head gaskets as I remember, became the weaker link in the chain as the HP went up. I have great respect for someone out there repairing those final drives. I have heard of slightly bent final drive shafts causing short final drive life, and ripping frozen ground was not good for them either. The late D8H or the D8K with spacer plate engine, will always be one of Cat's best I think. Phil
The difference between the low and high horse D8H is really noticeable. The final drives and the head gaskets as I remember, became the weaker link in the chain as the HP went up. I have great respect for someone out there repairing those final drives. I have heard of slightly bent final drive shafts causing short final drive life, and ripping frozen ground was not good for them either. The late D8H or the D8K with spacer plate engine, will always be one of Cat's best I think. Phil
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