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CAT D8H Rear Main Seal

NNYDairy

Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2021
Messages
11
Location
New York
Going to look at a D8H. Rear main seal is leaking. How bad of a job is that? Can you get to it with the engine in the machine or does the engine have to come out? Just trying to get an idea before I drive out to look at this thing. Also what are standard areas to check when looking at a dozer like this? I guess what are standard weak points of a D8H? I’m well versed mechanically just haven’t spent a lot of time around dozers. Thanks
 

OzDozer

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2007
Messages
2,207
Location
Perth, Western Australia.
Occupation
Semi-Retired ..
Need a tractor serial number to assist properly. The D8H was built from 1963 to 1975, and over 40,000 were manufactured. The amount of engineering changes in the D8H over that time period, would fill a couple of books.
There are direct drive (manual transmission) D8H's and powershift transmission D8H's. Also, any associated engine problems or any repair history will help.
 

John C.

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 11, 2007
Messages
12,870
Location
Northwest
Occupation
Machinery & Equipment Appraiser
The seal can be changed by removing the torque converter. The real issue is why is the seal leaking in the first place.
 

NNYDairy

Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2021
Messages
11
Location
New York
Well that’s too bad. Not sure it’s a good enough deal for me to want to pull the engine. That’s if it’s actually a 36A. He’s got one part wrong either the prefix or the transmission.
 

nicky 68a

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 14, 2013
Messages
1,164
Location
england
It’s not usual for the rear crank seal to leak.Is the owner sure?
I think it would be prudent to take a look at it yourself as there is uncertainty as to wether it’s powershift or direct drive?If that basic fact is in question,then so is the leaking rear crank seal I reakon.
 

chidog

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 21, 2021
Messages
799
Location
kent, wa
If memory serves that is a rope seal? I ran a 46A with an engine rear seal leak for a long time, not so good for the transmission etc. but with my little valve on the pressure port of the transmission pump, and a nice little rubber hose, I'd just check the engine dip stick occasionally, and if low pump some oil back to the engine. It was a cheap out fit I worked for.
 

Welder Dave

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 11, 2014
Messages
12,546
Location
Canada
The county my property is in had 2 original D8H's from around that era. They bought brand new, maybe 1968? Direct drive with CCU's and matching scrapers. Pony start. They used one to dig clay on my property to upgrade the road. Had almost new undercarriage. What was impressive was the torque that engine had. They were using their new D6N to help push the scraper and when the D8 operator released the clutch at the same time he stabbed the throttle it just rolled coal and never missed a beat. Finning only offered $10,000 trade in so they kept the 2 D8's and scrapers. I heard they sold them at auction a few years ago. They would have been worth putting a little $$$ into. They also had a 627 scraper from about 1970 they used for the road.
 
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