JDcrawlers Messageboard

I just had a problem like this with my straight 450 loader. I don't know how similar the loader hyd tank and filter are between the 350 and 450 but.... I was only able to raise the cast cover of my filter housing about 3/8" from the top of the tank. The previous owner had not fully tightened the lon...

Leonard, Thanks for the info on the tank. Mine is definitely original to the loader. I was able to spend a few more minutes investigating. The filler cap has a split tube (about 3" diameter) extending down into the tank 10-12". It is bisected by a fore-aft baffle welded into the tank. So looking int...

Leonard, Stan, Thanks for the replies. I did not look hard enough in JD Parts for the muffler. Wow. OEM $700, aftermarket $450. Definitely will fabricate something. If straight thru glass packs are still available in a selection of lengths and sizes (I remember Cherry Bombs from my youth), I could p...

Finally got the engine rebuild done and it started on the first stroke. Still on the engine stand but it starts, idles and runs through the rpm range just fine. Now to to fix exhaust system, fuel lines, fuel tank and replace all the cobbled electrical wiring. The engine rebuild involved welding two ...

I just finished a 1970 450 engine rebuild over the weekend. Started on the first stroke when done. I don't have any time on the machine yet so I don't know about power through the RPM range. I bought a complete rebuild kit from an outfit in Atlanta. Sleeves, pistons, rings, all bearings (incl balanc...

You may have already tried this, but if your cable is not totally rotted, you may be able to free it up by holding in a vise and pounding on either end with soft mallet. I just did this to mine. I thought it was gone but it started to move after a few taps on each end. One it got moving a bit, it fr...

The two bad rod journals will require weld build-up before grinding. Both the rods and mains were already ground .020 under. I found a shop which specializes in cranks and he feels confident he can do the welding and then grind all journals. He provided a soft quote of $200 which sounds good to me. ...

Thanks for the replies. Very good info and sound advice. And, no, I won't attempt to install a valve insert if anyone can be found locally who knows what they are doing. The valve problem may be moot, though. Since posting, I was able to remove the engine and check the crank. Two rods spun the beari...

Has anyone seen or heard of repairing an eroded valve seat with an insert? Is it common or feasible? I don't know what caused the erosion on one exhaust valve seat on a 4239D engine. Likely related to the piston slapping the head because of shot rod bearing on that cyl. Piston pocked because of slap...

LeonardL, Many thanks for the thorough reply. Very helpful. This machine looks to be a big project and getting the engine running is just the first challenge. I'll time the IP as you suggest (I should have figured out the 4 and 36 markings myself) and spin it over to see if I can get some result. I'...

I have acquired a 450 crawler loader (SN: T5E3M 113983, so just before switch to B series). Previous owner replaced the original engine (Type M53TE) because of thrown rod and installed a type 4239 (SN TO4239D206593. I still have the original block). He swapped some parts from the original engine to ...

I worked at the Dubuque Works as a welding engineer with three main responsibilities: conducting weld failure analysis, training and certifying new production and maintenance welders and assisting production welders with various problems as they occured. I really enjoyed all aspects of the job becau...

I'm new to the site and crawler ownership. Thanks to all for the wealth of knowledge and experience posted here. I've just spent a few informative hours searching and perusing the site. My crawler is old and rough but I believe I have the skill and determination to get it running (a used replacement...