Cat 977L Fuel Leak

[jezow2010]

Hello,

we are looking at potentially buying two Cat 977Ls - one serial is 11K05182 and I cannot find the serial on the other although I am sure it is similar.

long story short we don’t know the story and we know nothing about these larger CATs. One machine fired on ether but as soon as we got it to fire a little it started pouring fuel out of what seems to be a weep hole out of the transfer pump? It’s just a line that runs into the belly pan. Am I correct in assuming it’s a weep hole and is there no fuel return from the pump area on this system? All I can see is the fuel line incoming from the tank nothing else. It was smoking, I’m assuming it is getting fuel and is a runner we just didn’t have the best batteries and didn’t know what to think when it started dumping fuel.

For the sake of seeing if it will run, move forward and backward and steer, I think I will just run this line into the tank or a catch and let it bleed for the few minutes we run it.

Lastly, what else do we need to look for if I may ask? The other machine is seized but being able to buy them both makes me comfortable that I will have parts to keep the one good one running. I will check the fluids, try and check operation etc. but if anyone has some advice I am all ears!

also, what manuals would you recommend I get? I have been trying to download a nice service manual so I can look at the fuel system schematic and diagrams of the fuel pump but I think I will have to order a hard copy somewhere.

Thanks!! Tyler

 

[Nige]

also, what manuals would you recommend I get? I have been trying to download a nice service manual so I can look at the fuel system schematic and diagrams of the fuel pump but I think I will have to order a hard copy somewhere.

Here's what to look for based on the 11K05182 S/N. The same manuals might apply for the other machine but that is not guaranteed. See comments below.

SEBU5374 - Operation & Maintenance Manual - $30
UEG0732S - Parts Manual - $124
REG00635 - Service & Repair Manual - $200.
Prices quoted are for pdf downloads and/or CD as appropriate. The service manual is not available for donwload AFAIK, the nearest option that is not in paper form is on CD.

The 11K prefix covered both 977K and 977L loaders. There are 4 different ranges of the 11K prefix, 1-3918 that are badged as K model, 3919-5050, 5051-7762, and 7763-Up. The last 3 groups are all L models. Different manuals can apply to different groups, especially for parts.

You may find some useful information in this link - https://tractors.fandom.com/wiki/Caterpillar_977K

 

[Nige]

One machine fired on ether but as soon as we got it to fire a little it started pouring fuel out of what seems to be a weep hole out of the transfer pump? It’s just a line that runs into the belly pan

Keep posting..........
As a new member once you have made 3 posts you will be able to upload photos. At that point get snapping and let everyone else see what you see.

 

[fest777]

could be a bleed line, is there a petcock on the pump end may need too shut it off

 

[jezow2010]

could be a bleed line, is there a petcock on the pump end may need too shut it off

There is the air bleed at the top, I’m assuming, just like a round knob you turn. I never did check what position that was in and whether or not that would change things.

 

[jezow2010]

Here's what to look for based on the 11K05182 S/N. The same manuals might apply for the other machine but that is not guaranteed. See comments below.

SEBU5374 - Operation & Maintenance Manual - $30
UEG0732S - Parts Manual - $124
REG00635 - Service & Repair Manual - $200.
Prices quoted are for pdf downloads and/or CD as appropriate. The service manual is not available for donwload AFAIK, the nearest option that is not in paper form is on CD.

The 11K prefix covered both 977K and 977L loaders. There are 4 different ranges of the 11K prefix, 1-3918 that are badged as K model, 3919-5050, 5051-7762, and 7763-Up. The last 3 groups are all L models. Different manuals can apply to different groups, especially for parts.

You may find some useful information in this link - https://tractors.fandom.com/wiki/Caterpillar_977K

Thanks for the source for the manuals!

 

[Cat977]

The undercarriage is the make or break deal. Post pictures. 8" pitch from 11K1 to 11K05958 the SALT track witch has 8 1/2" pitch. But I've seen 2 old machines with the 8 1/2" pitch. The 8" pitch replacements will be phased out, if they haven't been already. Don't bet the farm on this info but it may help.

The Caterpillar 977K crawler loader was introduced in 1966 in the USA. Production began in Japan in 1967 and Scotland a year later.[1]

The 977K has a D333 turbocharged, six-cylinder engine producing 170 hp (130 kW) (FWHP). It has a three-speed powershift transmission. It comes standard with oil cooled clutches and brakes, pedal steer, and electric start.

The 977K was manufactured in the USA, with an 11K or 46H serial number prefix; in Japan with a 70J or 76H prefix; and in Scotland, with a 48J prefix.

The 46H unit has a walk-through operator’s compartment.

In 1970 Caterpillar modified the final drive, beginning with 70J00569, 48J00376, and 11K03019.

In 1971 a sealed loader linkage was added, beginning with 70J01083, 48J00584, and 11K03687.

Caterpillar replaced 977K with 977L in 1971, but retained the 977K serial number prefixes. The 977L features increased horsepower to 190 hp (140 kW) FWHP, beginning with 70J01303, 48J00586, and 11K03919.


In 1970 Caterpillar modified the final drive, beginning with 70J00569, 48J00376, and 11K03019.

In 1971 a sealed loader linkage was added, beginning with 70J01083, 48J00584, and 11K03687.

Caterpillar replaced 977K with 977L in 1971, but retained the 977K serial number prefixes. The 977L features increased horsepower to 190 hp (140 kW) FWHP, beginning with 70J01303, 48J00586, and 11K03919.

In 1973 a rollover protection system (ROPS) was added to the American unit, beginning with 11K05417. Cat also added a two-piece master link, beginning with 11K05959.

 

[jezow2010]

Undercarriage is surprisingly ok for as much as we would use them. The price is right… I would hate to see them to to go to the crusher and we could definitely have some fun with them.

Not sure when we will go look again, next time hopefully we can fire the one up fuel leaks aside and make a deal and get them home!

 

[Cat977]

I think those tracks are stretched/worn. The sprockets are worn way out from it I believe. The chain probably skips teeth under the load of pushing, on both of them from the distant pictures. You could post better ones. I would advise getting a look see from a pro or you may be fighting your way up a long list of bills. Just replacing the sprocket won't work the old chain won't match the new sprocket and will climb up on top of teeth snapping and grinding, and something will break after too short a time.
I have some older segments I may sell cheap or look on Machinery Trader for some used ones. "Don't even try New Ones"
Absolute best of luck whatever you decide!!

 

[Dave Neubert]

check to see if bleeder is open if it is closed then supply pump needs replaced or rebuilt

 

[jezow2010]

check to see if bleeder is open if it is closed then supply pump needs replaced or rebuilt

Yeah that’s what I read, can you tell me where, for sure, the bleeder is?
There are two things that I can see clearly - a knob that I can turn which I’m assuming is the bleeder, and then a pump to prime things. Is that the bleeder?

 

[Delmer]

yes, a knob you can turn could be a bleeder. Turn it clockwise and see if it shuts off the fuel. Not unexpected that somebody trying to get it started would open that and leave it open if they couldn't get it working.

 

[Nige]

Is this, or something similar, what you have.? #1 is the bleeder valve. It is a needle valve and may be damaged or not seating correctly.

 

[Nige]

Here's a slightly different illustration of what you may have. #23 is the priming pump. The knob is unscrewed anti-clockwise to release then pump to prime and at the end crew it clockwise until it tightens.

 

[jezow2010]

That does look like it. So when that bleeder valve is open it will not bleed around the valve but down to a drain?
I am going back out Friday, I will be able to share more then!

 

[Nige]

Take some good photos so that everyone else can see what you're looking at.

 

[jezow2010]

Ok we went back yesterday. Few things -
1. The fuel pump on the first machine definitely needs rebuilding. Someone in here said the seals were bad and that has to be the case… it is leaking fuel everywhere out of the transfer pump once it gets going. Fuel leak solved.
2. Said machine has either a rod knock or a broken piston. Sounds horrible but it had good oil pressure. Other than that it turned and moved forward and back but that’s it. Rest in peace.
3. The other machine is locked up from sitting. It would turn slightly but needs a little more work. If I were to unscrew the glow plugs does that give me access to the pistons to put some penetrating oil down the cylinders? If so I may go back and try.
4. The undercarriage on the seized machine is marginal, pics attached.
These machines are headed to the shredder unless someone is interested, I do not think I am so much anymore. $5k each based on scrap value if anyone is interested.
I will also link a YouTube video once it is uploaded.

 

[jezow2010]

More pics

 

[DMiller]

What ever went thru the gear train on the last few photos may have wiped out a worthy overhaulable engine, timing cover busted, mounting plate bent and injection pump who knows. SALT rails, may have some life left internally Pin to Bushings, need to look at bushing wear and if any of the seals have failed with oily greasy residue inside the link ears. Sprocket segments on the Dozer Shoe unit are pointing, around 60-70% worn, rollers would need to be checked for frozen or busted flanges on that unit. Large Tooth Shaped rail section is the Master Link, remove the rail shoe bolts and beat the dickens out of that to separate to remove a rail. To measure Rail wear, get the rail tighter, across four segment(five Pins) measure as close to Ctr to Ctr or edge of a pin to same edge of a fifth pin away and divide by four. Either one of those and or both will be MONEY pits for awhile to get 'Functional Enough' to work.

 

[jezow2010]

This shows a lot more -
CAT 977 cut 01

the pictures of the messed up engine are what is left of a cannibalized/half scrapped machine but it shows the fuel system that is on the other. Amazingly enough it turns over haha.