Buying & Fixing a Bulldozer, Cat D3 Dozer, Part 1/2
Part 1/2, my initial run-through of fixes and maintenance on this old machine.
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00:00 Problems with dozer
4:13 Install battery, how to drive dozer
9:06 Start on oil leak and alternator
18:49 Power wash
20:55 Meters, air filters, radiator
23:10 Alternator modification
28:35 Open and fix alternator
32:37 Dozer overview
35:22 Check fluids and wiring/breaker
41:12 Hour meter & oil pressure switch
49:17 Governor seal
54:00 Dozing!
I can imagine Matt from Dieselcreek clicking on this video like a mad man!
Or the boys from C&C.
Nah… not enough RUST!
How about Marty T? He would need to bash it with a chain a bit to get the right patina. I am happy that there will be more than 1 video
Matt "Dammit - Who out bid me? ...Farmcraft..."
Nah too easy to get started for matt lol
Suggestion from a retired heavy equipment guy. You don't need to replace your cylinder rods, you just send them out and have them ground and re chromed. You can get your cylinder repacked at the same shop or repack them yourself, it's easy. Either way the grinding, re chroming, polishing and repacking process could make a interesting episode if there's a shop that would allow you to film it. Good luck
My guess is he's gonna fix the rods himself with a welder and his lathe.
I suspect a pond.
how much does that cost, and what do they call the places that do this?
It is often cheaper to just replace the Spear with new material, especially if time is a factor.
At the very least that same shop can custom build a replacement rod (if they cannot re-chrome) usually for much much cheaper than new. We used to send out piles of reach cylinders for re-chrome and some of them were sheared off at the end.
I like your channel, no swearing, no weird music and to the point.
Could be wrong, but I believe those plywood "arm rests" are actually the base plates for the old arm rests. Looks like they just need a block of new foam and some vinyl upholstery wrap - unless you wanna go super fancy and do leather. 😆🤔 Love this project!! Can't wait to watch more, and glad to see the seals are back in action. Hehe.
You are probably right. Most Caterpillar machines have something similar. Usually very thick foam pads with heavy material covering.
I made new cushions for my little crawler, and NO WAY would I put black vinyl on them and probably couldn't afford leather. I bought a roll of water proof canvas duck cloth, in a light cream color. If you ever had to leave your seat in warm weather, black is terrible to come back to after the sun bakes it for a bit and my little Massey tractor had a brand new black vinyl seat when I got it 4 years ago, that lasted less than 2 years before cracking. It never sat out in the weather either.
Yup, that's exactly what that is! Arm rest pads go there. :)
If my memory serve me well, some dozer from this era did had a small tool box with a padded arm rest on top, this is the reason why the large ''distance'' from arm to the actual ''plywood rest'' ;-)
use closed cell foam stand up better to weather, with marine vinyl
That special time in a man's life when he gets his first Catepillar!
You can push a pin from the rear of the alternator to hold the brushes during assembly, there’s a hole there for that. Enjoyed the video!
👍 I was thinking the same thing
@@2990rick I wise old man told me to use a wood toothpick. No damage to the brushes and you can pull it out the back of the case after assembly.
I used to rebuild those....put the pin through from the inside (we used a chunk of the lacquered stator wire). with about an 1/8" sticking up on the inside. Pull it after assembly. Also you can "clock" the case...no need to extend those wires.
WD40 straw through the back of the alternator through the brushes for easy removal and it won’t short when you forget it’s there when connected to power.
That looks like a Ford/Motorcrap alternator. I'm thinking I would have put a spacer in between the ear of the alternator and the back bracket, just due to all the vibration on that machine.
Thumbs up for the DIY flare wrench
You may want to check out Diesel Services! They will rebuild all kinds of things(hydraulic pumps, Fuel pumps etc.) For MUCH less than a replacement cost! There should be a Office(service Center) near you or at least pretty close by! Oh, and locating a Service Manual for THAT Dozer would be a WISE move(should be on-line) It would take ALOT of guess work out of the equation! I really am excited for Part 2!!
Hell yeah, another project machine for Farm Craft! I hope it serves you well.
Your content, editing and commentary are top notch. I don't own, nor will I ever own a dozer but I'll watch every video you make on repairing and operating yours. Thank you!!
Me to...I worked on ski resort snow cats for ten years...never heavy equipment... so I also love this channel
His breadth of knowledge is impressive. His cannon making video is fascinating, even though I have zero interest in ever making a cannon.
Electritian here. The battery drain is probably coming from the bridge wire on the alternator. if you bridge it that way it will keep the winding nice and toasty. Just use the spare old wire to the alternator and connect it on the switched side of your oil pressure switch. this will switch off the alternator as long as the engine is not running
When you are going to switch gears, specifically from forward to reverse; use your brakes to stop the machine. The jerky hard reverse/hard gear changes is really hard on your transmission, as well as your back. Everything about this is great, keep on keeping on.
15k delivered seems like a pretty good deal. Clint from C&C equipment has some great auction videos on KZhead where he goes through in detail what to look for when buying used construction equipment. It's an excellent resource for anyone in the market for that gear. He buys and sells equipment for a living, so he really knows his stuff.
@NikeHM69 maybe he has the guards Jon is looking for?
his prices are getting to high. Clint is a natural born mechanic salesmen.
I saw this pop up on the sidebar and actually got exited to watch it. This man has taught me so much about a lot of things I probably won't ever need to know, but just in case... I now know it.. and "Knowing is half the battle" - GI Joe
I think the best thing that he has taught me is to not be afraid of trying to fix something. Even big things are possible to fix if you take your time and think things through.
@@jimellis1496 1000% And showing mistakes makes it even better.. I kinda wish he was my uncle lol
One hour video and you don’t want it to end. Great content! Thank you!
Yeah, I was getting right into it and the bloody thing ended :(
My guess is there will be hours and hours of more fun tinkering on this old girl. No doubt several videos to come...
The idea to cut the slot in the alternator was brilliant.
if you have concerns about chipping the concrete, we use old tires to put under the tracks, especially for turns. Can't wait to see part 2.
I could hear my dad screaming at me for driving that dozer on concrete.
@@stephenbinion6348 🤣
Plywood works also
I prefer old conveyor belt. I have gotten large pieces of it for free or very cheap from a local quarry. Old conveyor belt also makes excellent mud flaps for trailers etc.
I saw you cleaning the radiator fins with a pick. They make a tool called a fin rake that straightens and cleans various pitch fins in cooling devices. Maybe you can look into something like that for next time.
I was a professional filmmaker for 50 years, with many national clients and in my opinion you have the best made videos on KZhead.
Your battery draw comes from the way you have your alternator field coil hooked up. It is always energized in its current setup. Use the wire you left disconnected in the console attach it to the hour meter side of the oil pressure switch and attach the other end to the F on the alternator. This way the field coil is only energized when the engine is running and you will no longer have a parasitic draw on the battery. Great video! I recently found your channel and have enjoyed watching. 👍
I was thinking something similar. With the field winding connected permanently to the battery it’s going to drain the battery. Normally the field winding would be connected to an ignition bulb in the dash, then to an ignition switch and finally to battery positive. The field winding only needs a small current and doesn’t need to be connected directly to 12V.
I was also thinking the same, although I would run the field wire to the key switch run post and bypass the oil pressure switch/hour meter thing. However if John replaces the broken battery isolator switch (and relocates it to a sensible position) then I suppose that would not be necessary. Nice little dozer though can't wait to see part 2 of fixing/using it and I don't think the price was excessive, dozers are just expensive.
Plus one to that advice.
@@kevinmills5293 amen
You are a 100% correct
Living my life vicariously through you since I love heavy equipment but live in a subdivision.
lol
Those are targets of opportunity.
First time I've seen anyone pull the brush hold-back wire out through the drive side of an alternator. Most of the time there's a hole in the back side to pull the exposed wire out. Nice to have the machine tools to adjust, adapt, and over come!
Great video, Jon! A few suggestions: 1) put a closed-cell foam sheet in the bottom of the battery box to cushion the battery. Harbor Freight sells them as .Anti-Fatigue Foam Mat Set. 2) Fabricate or purchase a battery hold-down bracket. Otherwise, you will eventually have a bad day, probably sooner than later 3) Always use the glow plugs before attempting to start engine. 4) Connect the alternator field terminal to the accessory terminal of the ignition switch, otherwise you'll have a constant battery drain in your existing connection. The internal regulator will try to supply current to the field windings to increase the output voltage, which won't happen if the rotor is not spinning. Originally, the FIELD terminal was connected to one terminal of a 12v light bulb, the other terminal to the starter switch IGNITION terminal on gasoline powered cars, and the bulb labeled ALTERNATOR. The bulb served dual functions as an "idiot light" and a max field current limiter. 5) There is a small hole in the rear alternator housing that lines up with the holes in the brush housing. I find that a paper clip partially straightened works great for holding the brushes in for reassembly. 6) The alternator output should start out around 14.5v for quick charging, but after running for a while should drop to around 13.6V-13.8V or otherwise your battery will be overcharging. If the voltage remains above 14v, consider switching to an AGM battery, as they are more tolerant of high charge currents/voltages 7) The battery disconnect switch fried because they tried routing starter current through it. If you routed starter current elsewhere, a battery disconnect is not a bad idea. Switch the positive terminal, not the negative, and connect the starter solenoid direct to the positive terminal. 8) The rear alternator mounting tab now has a LOT of tension on it because there's nothing filling the space between it and the alternator mounting bracket. I suggest filling that gap with something like a chunk of water pipe, just to relieve the side pressure on the tab and allow you to cinch the mounting bolt down more. It will also relieve pressure on the front mounting tab.
I was looking to see if someone commented on the field draining the battery..... we'll spotted! Could connect the field to the oil pressure switch ( looked like that's where the wire used to be connected).
@@workparty3949I like the idea of connecting the field wire to the oil pressure switch! Good call!
Pro tip. If you get the whoopdey doos when pushing dirt, split your cut so that half the dozer is on smoother flat ground. and angle the blade that will help too. It essentially makes the dozer longer and the cut narrower.
or just push the highs into the lows, and stop moving the blade up and down so much as you travel. Only lower and raise when your butt level senses the machine lift or dive. Less is more.
@@DarrellDrinkwine new operators don’t have a calibrated butt level sensor. And they over compensate movements.
Although you were able to set the brushes with the wire there is actually a hole in the back case that allows the wire to be pulled out of the back. I alway use an old paper clip. It allows you to spin the rotor before setting the brushes. More than one way to skin a cat!
I have had to do that on my Vega’s alternator back in 1974 , !!❤
It is a pleasure to watch you do different things that are not normally done, IE the oil pressure switch, alternator modification and that my friend is cool!
I agree. You make very interesting videos of stuff I may never use, but your mind works in a different way from mine and I get inspired to do things I would never dream of doing. I would love to come and just watch you repair your stuff. Your videos are almost a tutorial for me. Thanks for that.
One thing I've learned if you are going to blow out used air filters with compressed air, try to blow them from the inside out, instead of outside in. Otherwise you risk pushing more of the dirt into the filter which could go into the engine if reinstalled.
Nice size, 6 way blade, $15K with few issues, not crazy but bring tools next time. I love those turbo heads on the washers. Not slip rings, commutator. Scenic route, LOL. Add a spacer on the bolt! Please don't make us wait a week for part 2!
31:17 : First time I hear the British national anthem played on a drill... Sounds great !
lol i hear it too haha
Can’t wait to see you fix this one up
I currently own a 1985 Cat D3. I have noticed some similarities and I am VERY interested to continue to watch this series! I use the heck out of mine and so I really want to keep it in good condition.
If you own an old Cat bulldozer or Yanmar excavator then you have wonderful guides on keeping them going.
FYI hold the Alternator brushes back with a small wire, just like you used but through outside of the of the rear case (next to the bearing ) and pull it out the back.
Honestly, if you can put new cylinders on & rebuild the pump for even $22k or so that’s a bargain. Heavy equipment, even little machines are through the roof in prices . Keep up the great videos and lessons 😊
I love that (for YOU) the seal joke never gets old!😂 A classic “Dad joke” if ever there was one.
What's a walrus always looking for a tight seal
when blowing out the air filter you should blow on the inside so the dirt comes out the way it went into the filter rather than pushing it further in. if you have time you can also dip it in a bucket of water a few times after spraying to shed more fine dirt. the paper will dry fine as long as you dont agitate it to much.
Dropping them on concrete repeatedly works well too.
I always blow them out from the inside out but am not a fan of giving them any sort of a bath especially the safety filter (inner filter). But to each his own.
@@gullreefclub fair enough. paper holds ok to being wet if you allow it to dry before applying loads again. its amazing how much more comes out of the filter.
This is my favorite kind of video: a piece of equipment that needs a bit of love and will be put to practical use. I'm also kinda jealous as I would love to have one of those little dozers at our place.
Make sure to put a rubber/carpet mat under the battery. It’ll keep it from rubbing against the metal floor which can damage the battery.
Mud flap are great for that and it’s what I use
John, you amaze me with how you fix everything you have. Where did you get all that KNOWLEDGE ?????? I enjoy every KZhead video you show us ! THANKS.
I think he reads a lot of service manuals... 😇
Sweet! I just Love troubleshooting and having the knowledge and skills to make things work on the fly without buying new parts all the time to make it work. This channel is pure gold for keeping it real and crafting what u need to make it happen. 👍
Absolutely one of my favorite KZhead channels, and I love how you take a challenge to anything you have not done before! Great content!
It's like a combination of Andrew Camatera and Abom79. I love this kind of content, cause you definitely have your own spin on it. Can't wait for part 2!
I came here to say the same thing, but I was going to add Dirtperfect, Letsdig18 and Diesel Creek
I've tried so give him info he can't otherwise find.... He's here to make content. Andrew *might* be a bit more legit, but Andrew would rather teach you how to break stuff in the process of fixing it. (srry Andrew) I reach out once or twice with info you won't find or figure out yourself.... (which Andrew doesn't need really). But after that, i don't really care. Information, like intelligence isn't free... And this content obviously isn't for charity 💁♂️
I find the new Abom content less appealing than before for some reason… 😢
@@hpw59 John doesn't have enough dead projects laying around to be in Matt's league.
@@XavierAncarno I think Adam is a little overly pedantic, if that makes sense. I prefer Curtis' (Cutting Edge Engineering) approach better, though I do learn stuff from Adam.
Fantastic. I’m at the point with this channel where I just hit the like button 5 seconds into the video because I know it’s going to be a like. No one wants you to only do one video on this dozer, we want many many videos.
I was wondering what that thing was in the background in the last video waking up to another farmcraft video about repairing big machines is always a sign for a good day
All my life people have been telling me I can fix anything. But, compared to you, I am still a beginner. You are the boss! Great video.
You are the epitome of a pragmatic farmer (I guess all farmers are pragmatic). Jack of all trades and master of none. You make sure that something is good enough to work and don’t waste time trying to make anything perfect. Thanks for taking the time to share these videos with us.
Good to see the seals back. So far looks like you got a good deal on the dozer. Job guess, land clearing and leveling a plot for a building.
Brilliantly simple and effective solution on the alternator. I love farmer-problem-solving.
Just for future reference. Air filters are designed to be blown from the inside out. Not the other way. Which sometimes can be a pain to fine something that fits down the center that can blow at an angle but just thought I'd toss that out there. Maybe you can fab something for use for anther time. Love the videos btw 🍻
Let's see...you need a dozer, excavator, and dump truck. That's got pond building written all over it. Very nice find in that dozer and 15k is about right considering the cylinder rods. Any places in your general area that can re-chrome the straight ones?
How about an inground swimming pool. He already has a body of water that he uses to tool around in his boar propelled by his j=Johnson that he repaired in some other videos (last year was it?) Oh, yeah, and there's that video where he built a bench (hanging out over the water) off the side of the pier on that body of water. Oh, it just hit me, he could built a small pond to water his herd of cattle.
Looks like the poor girl had minimal maintenance in it’s life! Glad it found a good home! Now just loosen up the tracks. Great video!
It’s KZhead content that feeds the beast so Jon is in a win win situation fix the machine while entertaining us cheers mate
Great! Another piece of heavy equipment we get to watch you troubleshoot and repair! I love your videos. Your logic, experimentation, and video editing make for fascinating educational material. Now, if I might make a suggestion, how about you buy a beat-up old locomotive? That would be cool watching you lay track and fix it up!
I know it’s not easy making these videos but I wish you made more than one a week…I love your videos!
Another outstanding way to spend an hour of my life! If there is anything I have learned from watching your channel it is that in addition to having a grasp of what the problem is, having the right tools to attack it and knowing how to use the tools are essential. Thanks very much! It's always fun to watch you work through things!!!!
Governor seal removal: F'n genius! Way to go.
Nice job on that dozer, already is much better to work when battery will not die after some time :) Patience in which you do all stuff around machines and cars is contagious :)
John you are a wealth of knowledge, I truly appreciate you sharing it with us all. Cheers Mark from Niagara
We always take a chance when buying used and sometimes buying new but when it works makes it all worth it. Thanks for taking me along
Looks like it was designed to be easily serviced and repaired. Looking forward to see more instalments about it. The thing that always gets me about your lifts is a standard UK household electrical supply is *almost* enough to run them.
Thanks Jon, it's always an adventure into what if? You take me places I will probably never go but it's always entertaining and educational. When you post a new video it's the first place I go.
Dude is living our inner childs dream, all you need now is a crane with a wrecking ball
That old equipment will teach you things. It is nice to have something that will work for you that you can be part of . Enjoy that doze and it will enjoy you.
Your radiator would be cleaner had you used your pressure washer, with hot water and a mild detergent. First spray with a degreaser, spray with a mixture of hot water and mild detergent Dawn works well. set the power washer to a wide fan and spray the radiator straight on so the washer does not bend or damage any of the fins. Fins will be much cleaner than just blowing the dirt out with air.
you did a good job running that bulldozer buddy,
Very interesting watching a technician do practical work especially the electrical part. Good mechanic!!
That was called an economy Cat D3. It came with a single speed reverse instead of 3 speed reverse and a 5 roller bottom undercarriage. You are good and handy at fixing it. That alternator looks like a GM one from the eighties or so. Very good alternator. Many are fitted to tractors to update to reliable cheap alternator. Loosen them tracks up. Will look forward to more videos.
The *Pacific Northwest Hillbilly* channel is finishing up the restoration of a 50’s Cat D4 (very close in size to your more modern D3). He found an impressive amount of information and parts resources of the course of the 2yr long resto. Coincidentally I’ve been on an old dozer KZhead binge lately, lol. Figures you would jump into the fray 😂
Always look forward to another of your fix it up videos. You are blessed to be able to repair so many different things. I myself am a tinkerer. Keep the videos coming.
I actually watched this whole video. I used to be a heavy equipment mechanic so I find it very interesting.
Harbor Freight sells a stubby handled open end wrench set you can turn with a piece of pipe or another wrench. They'll often fit in where you can't get an ordinary wrench.
Wow, I must say, the video quality and work in this video are absolutely excellent! The visuals are stunning, the editing is top-notch, and everything is so well-presented. I'm truly impressed by the level of professionalism and attention to detail. It's clear that a lot of effort and skill went into creating this masterpiece. Keep up the amazing work! 🌟👏
It’s important to keep the dozer on level flat ground to keep from rocking. Go slow at first and always know where your blade is and what elevation you want to finish at. I always enjoy your videos! Keep it up!
John, your wire to the alternator should be hooked up to the ignition otherwise direct connect to the alternator main positive will drain your battery while it sits.
Thanks for yet another video John. I was sitting there pondering if you had forgotten to do the Seal jokes whilst talking about them, and not more then a few seconds later, i see the seal image as you press the new seal on the Governor control shaft. it made me smile :) Thanks
Ha! Never figured you for a dozer guy, Jon. I watch Dirt Perfect, Diesel Creek, Capt Kleeman, Letsdig18, Camarata, etc and you are holding your own against those guys in fixing that dozer. Great content, as usual.
Just found this channel recently. Love watching you work on these big machines. You are skilled, and you do it right!
That wire from the starter to the yellow butt connector is usually a fusable link . The throttle is tighted usually by a nut and bolt going thru the piviot point of the handle.
When machines have a soul they are should be really thankfull for the love you give them!!!
love watching you troubleshoot and fix things. The editing is great as well. To the point and fun to watch.
I look forward to your repair videos so much. I really love your format. Keep up the great work.
On those alternators the battery post needs to be tight against the regulator or it won't charge. I've had that exact problem before. The final (unused) connection is usually for an alternator warning light. The wire that goes between the battery post and the internal voltage regulator is the closed loop voltage sensing line. If you have a dual battery setup with a voltage drop over a diode you hook the voltage sensing line to the actual battery voltage.
coolest part of all these videos is that he is a normal guy that knows how to figure things out. i'm the exact same way except that i have to figure out other people's problems as i can't afford my own. the man is living what would be my dream life lol
Really enjoy the channel. The practical skills and being really transparent about your problem-solving as you do it is refreshing and interesting. Keep up the great work.
Dude nice work on the alternator!! I loved the mods and the fix. You made it work, I love it.
No one's judging you here. We're friends, and we truly enjoy your content! And no matter what you ended up paying, it's content! Woo hoo!
I appreciate you adjusting the volume in your edits
Another awesome job. Waiting patiently for part 2.
Can't say if you paid too much, but it looks pretty good so far in terms of general condition. I'm looking forward to part 2, and to seeing your big project. I really like your channel, both for your educational/informational style, as well as for your superb videography and editing. I always find your topics and your knowledge base very interesting; thanks for bringing us along.
Heck no rust? This thing is in far better shape than most of the stuff you’ve fixed here. Oh what fun!
I love your "what's the worst that could happen, let's find out" attitude. Reminds me of me when I was younger. Cheers from Canada. ~ulrich👏
Finally get to see the dozer you teased us with 😂🎉
love the videos, nice work on this so far! I don't have a farm, or heavy equipment, or any of that but your videos are great. Maybe it's just the tinkering!
That ole dozer just had a day at the spa, I bet she feels so much better. 😊
I love those composite HF ratchets. Outside of myself, you're the first person I've seen use them.
That’s a cool size dozer, and fits in the shelter. Congrats! BTW, made the cattle fence tomato cages and used the hard boiled egg guidance recently. Thanks!
If an engine has glow plugs use them when engine is cold. your starter will thank you.
Always check the oil level and antifreeze before you start, good practice to get into. Also, open the oil fill cap when running and check for blow bine -smoke coming out of the pipe if so you have major problems with engine rings
I would put a spacer between the end of the alternator and rear bracket on the pivot bolt, that way you can tighten it down without bending and stressing the rear alternator bracket
Yus!, give us that sweet sweet power washing footage. Also I see that you have a rotating tip on it, does it ever throw you off while trying to wash something because you're trying to keep the spray on target and it keeps moving away.
No, it spins much faster than it looks like on video. It looks slow because of the shutter effect. In reality it's like you are just spraying a cone.
@@FarmCraft101 I was going to ask about the tip also! Do you see an advantage. Im😢 guessing yes. Been looking at them and have thought about getting one.
For the track guard plates, couldn't you make some yourself? I'm sure you could add some nice channel branding on there too.