A Bad day in Loader Land

[Dcara]

I was repositioning to finish off a tree and trying to figure out a sound that had just started when suddenly there was engine smoke every where. I shut it down and grabbed the fire extinguisher and hopped down. Fresh oil was coating the engine and I think it was coming out of the breather. I cheched the engine oil and I was about a quart low. I was only about half a quart low when I started the day 30 minutes earlier. I cranked it again and now there was a noticeable knock. The engine labored hard for about 5 seconds and died.

I took off both oil filters and poured them onto a cleaned spot on some metal and then into a rag looking for any metal shavings. The only thing I think I might have seen is a very fine brass looking dust. Not alot, I could just catch a glimpse of a sparkle from time to time.

Assuming the worst, does anyone know where I could find a rebuilt motor for a 78 model Komatsu D31S-16, sn 26253 near Greenville or Dallas Texas?

Any ideas would also be appreciated.

 

[westcliffe01]

Get the engine out and tear it down. Then what your options are will become clear. With a diesel, I would always rather rebuild myself than trust someone elses "overhauled" engine.

If the engine threw a rod and cracked the block, all you will be keeping are the accessories and the fueling system. If it didn't come to that, worst case scenario would be new crank, liners, pistons and a head job. Dropping a valve can also be pretty catastrophic, just does not sound like the kind of failure that you had.

If you want a used engine, make sure you get to see it start and run.

Best of luck.

 

[Dcara]

So does anyone have any idea what a 70hp replacement motor will cost and/or a guess at labor hours to replace?

 

[tlbuser]

Before deciding on a course of action, I would find out what's wrong with what you have.

Could be something that's only affecting one cylinder, could be time for an overhaul. The question then is whether you can do an inframe or does the motor come out?

A&I products probably has whatever you need, except a block to rebuild/overhaul the motor you have. For my 310, an Inframe 4 cylinder about 900.00 in parts, major kit about 1100.00 plus about 1100. for a crank.

If for some reason you decide to swap engines, it shouldn't take a decent mechanic more than 8 hours.