So all the way back in 2007, I bought a Case 310G crawler dozer from an older local fellow. I paid about $5300 for it back then and have used it on and off for the past 12 years around the farm. I've done a lot clearing with it, dug a pond (that took a while), drained and then filled in another old silted-up pond, and a lot of general cleaning up and grading projects. It's been pretty reliable for an old machine and I've had to put very little into it besides changing filters.
When I fired it up to do some work in the fall after it sat most of the summer, I used it for about 15 minutes pushing some dirt out of a pile to scoop with a loader and I thought I heard (through my earplugs) an unfamiliar knock coming from the engine. I got off and listened more intently, then called one of my friends that has a lot of experience with older equipment and let him listen to it over the phone. I asked "What should I do about that?" and he said "Start driving it to wherever you want to tear it down at!".
So I did...
...and I got about halfway to the barn. On the way, it lost power, smoked a bit, coughed and died. I did have the foresight to raise the blade completely, so I was able to (with the help of my lovely bride) use my old M35 deuce and half to pull the dozer to the barn.
The good news is the engine still turns over, but that's about it.
I'm thinking I'm going to get into an engine rebuild/overhaul because I would like to be able to use the dozer again. I've done some engine and transmission swaps in vehicles before, but I've never done an engine teardown and rebuild before.
The engine is the Case 188D 4 cylinder diesel, and I've got the overhaul/service manual for it. It looks like that parts availability isn't going to be too bad because the engine was used for years and years and years by Case in lots of different equipment. It looks like I may have to do some measuring and figuring out exactly what components I may have because there's not guarantee that this is even the original engine to the crawler.
My question to the group is: anything in particular to be aware of regarding this project? I go the blade disconnected and pulled off so I can get to the tractor better, and have removed the hood, front cowl, radiator and some other odds and ends. I've found a set of videos where a fellow goes over what he did in rebuilding his 188D (also from a 310G), and they look helpful, but there are a some gaps in it as well.
What are the different levels of an overhaul or rebuild? I've read some comments on other forums about doing an in-frame versus removing the engine from the crawler? I'm assuming the removing the engine allows for better access to all the components for removal and replacement, but is more work, will take more time and cost more.
My barn isn't heated, so I'm working on cleaning out my well house (which has electricity and can be heated) so I'll have a place to work if I pull the engine out. That will probably take a week or two, so I thought I would see if there's anyone that cares to offer some advice on what I should be planning for besides diving headlong into the project.
I have a buddy that has offered an engine stand that he's not using. I know from my previous projects to take a lot of notes and bag/tag/label everything that I remove and disconnect so that I can (hopefully) put it back where it came from. My biggest issue is that I'm just completely new to the challenge of rebuilding an engine.
The 188D looks like it might be a good candidate for someone like me to learn on, because it looks like a relatively simple engine.
I would welcome any advice, either specific to my equipment or about rebuilds in general. I have no particular rush on my timeline. I would prefer to take longer and get it right the first time rather than have to pay my "stupid tax" and do something twice.
I appreciate any help anyone cares to offer.
Thanks.
Good luck and take care.
When I fired it up to do some work in the fall after it sat most of the summer, I used it for about 15 minutes pushing some dirt out of a pile to scoop with a loader and I thought I heard (through my earplugs) an unfamiliar knock coming from the engine. I got off and listened more intently, then called one of my friends that has a lot of experience with older equipment and let him listen to it over the phone. I asked "What should I do about that?" and he said "Start driving it to wherever you want to tear it down at!".
So I did...
...and I got about halfway to the barn. On the way, it lost power, smoked a bit, coughed and died. I did have the foresight to raise the blade completely, so I was able to (with the help of my lovely bride) use my old M35 deuce and half to pull the dozer to the barn.
The good news is the engine still turns over, but that's about it.
I'm thinking I'm going to get into an engine rebuild/overhaul because I would like to be able to use the dozer again. I've done some engine and transmission swaps in vehicles before, but I've never done an engine teardown and rebuild before.
The engine is the Case 188D 4 cylinder diesel, and I've got the overhaul/service manual for it. It looks like that parts availability isn't going to be too bad because the engine was used for years and years and years by Case in lots of different equipment. It looks like I may have to do some measuring and figuring out exactly what components I may have because there's not guarantee that this is even the original engine to the crawler.
My question to the group is: anything in particular to be aware of regarding this project? I go the blade disconnected and pulled off so I can get to the tractor better, and have removed the hood, front cowl, radiator and some other odds and ends. I've found a set of videos where a fellow goes over what he did in rebuilding his 188D (also from a 310G), and they look helpful, but there are a some gaps in it as well.
What are the different levels of an overhaul or rebuild? I've read some comments on other forums about doing an in-frame versus removing the engine from the crawler? I'm assuming the removing the engine allows for better access to all the components for removal and replacement, but is more work, will take more time and cost more.
My barn isn't heated, so I'm working on cleaning out my well house (which has electricity and can be heated) so I'll have a place to work if I pull the engine out. That will probably take a week or two, so I thought I would see if there's anyone that cares to offer some advice on what I should be planning for besides diving headlong into the project.
I have a buddy that has offered an engine stand that he's not using. I know from my previous projects to take a lot of notes and bag/tag/label everything that I remove and disconnect so that I can (hopefully) put it back where it came from. My biggest issue is that I'm just completely new to the challenge of rebuilding an engine.
The 188D looks like it might be a good candidate for someone like me to learn on, because it looks like a relatively simple engine.
I would welcome any advice, either specific to my equipment or about rebuilds in general. I have no particular rush on my timeline. I would prefer to take longer and get it right the first time rather than have to pay my "stupid tax" and do something twice.
I appreciate any help anyone cares to offer.
Thanks.
Good luck and take care.
