JDcrawlers Messageboard

For the diesel engine in my John Deere 455D track loader my owners manual says SAE 15W40. If I switch to synthetic do I still use SAE 15W40? I notice that you are talking about synthetic 5W30. What's the difference? Thanks, Frank

Where I'm at in Bridgton, Maine normal winter is around 0 to 15 above 0. But the first weeks in January get to minus 10 to minus 15 below 0. I'm now convinced to scrap the magnetic block heater idea. Moving on...... what's better...... a block heater that goes into a freeze plug / cast plug.......or...

I just realized that my 455D has the starting fluid starting aid. After a few revolutions of the engine, you press the button on the dash in short intervals and the engine starts immedietly. I think that button along with a magnetic block heater I'll be OK....HMMMM.................What do you think?...

It's hard to see in the picture where you tapped in on the top of the engine....... Was that the temperature gauge sending unit port? Looks like you added a small llength of pipe, a tee with a hose barb takeoff and then reinstalled the sending unit.................Have you tried it yet? Thanks, Frank

77 Ford you were right on the money!!!!!!!!!!!! I saw the vent tube just under the fuel cap and traced it to the bottom of the tank. On the bottom of the tank it appeared as a 3/4" welded on bosement with a 1/8" hole in it. I stuck a 1/16" drill bit up into the bosement and about a teaspoon of diese...

My teperature gauge hasn't been working for the past summer. So I decided to start at the sending unit. I found the wire to be loose. Problem is that when I tightened the nut on the sending unit the stud turned and won't get completly tight. If I hold it on the dash gauge works. I looked up the part...

Since this will be my first winter with my 1984 John Deere 455D Track Loader, besides normal maintenance, what can I due to assure it will start in the cold weather......... I don't want to install an in line coolant heater so how about a magnetic block heater.........Do I have to be concerned about...

My 1984 John Deere 455D track loader runs great and starts up immediately. It starts up almost as quick as my 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. I don't know if this is a problem or not or it could be normal But: The fuel tank cap is the factory cap. It is not vented nor was it ever vented. After normal use of ab...

I have the same machine. Buy the manuals from the John Deere web site and download them to your computer. They are priceless !!!!!!!!!!! Also, use all John Deere products..................that way there is no second guessing.........Also, there is a screen filter in line the supply line coming out t...

Well, In preparation for the up coming winter snow, I figured I'd ask about any knowledge about plowing snow with my track loader. Do you do it? I also heard that the snow was trouble for the tracks. What about steep grades of my driveway? Thanks, frank

Also, when were " ALL " the fluids and filters, $500 or so, last changed, John Deere fluids are very expensive. Are there any leaks......... Looks like the seat needs replacement....$250 to $300...........Hoses cost a lot........3 hoses $300.........But the fun is priceless.............And a family ...

Before you make an offer, have you driven it? Take it for a long ride around the farm if it's capable of the test. Use the bucket and dig and back drag. Raise it all the way up and listen to the pump. Open and close the bucket. Make a lot of left and right turns. Drive it in all the gears. Does it s...

MarkW.......The infared thermometer seemd like a logical place to start and a good tool to add to the kit. Which one did you get? Thanks, Frank

I can operate my 1984 John deere 455D Track loader for hours on end and the temperature gauge barely, if at all, moves. Is there a way to test the sender or the gauge? Thanks, Frank

Jam the 3/4" end extension in as far much as you can. If needed, deepen it with a Dremel. Use a MIG welder with bottled gas for better control on high heat and make one pass only, burning it in really good and immediately turn it out. Don't use inner core mig wire. Avoid a stick welder also. Thanks,...