Deas wrote:

Hi, LangdonStevenson..
Try the gentler ways first, pressing hard on the fan belt while trying to turn the fan both ways, trying to gently bar the flywheel over or - if there is a nut on the crankshaft pulley - trying to turn that with a socket and bar. You really ned to rotate it a full revolution to be sure that it is fully free.

Make sure you have the decompressor in the Start position so that you are not battling compression. (I.D.10T. mistake.)

Just my 0.02.
 

That's definitely the way I was thinking of going.  My tool set isn't big enough for a machine this size so I'm going to have a look at it this weekend and give the fan a pull, see what happens - and yes, decompressor definitely open!  After an initial inspection I'll have a better idea of what I've got and what I need to come back with.

Old wrote:

The D318 also has a nut on the crankshaft but it's bigger.....2-3/8" if I'm remembering correctly.
 

Good to know thank you!  I'll put an appropriate socket on my shopping list in due course if the nut is accessible.

caterpillar13 wrote:

pictures would help
 

Indeed they will. The machine is about four hours away and the owner doesn't have photos.  I'm going up with them this weekend to inspect and will take plenty of photos when I do.

Thank you Phil, I'm looking forward to seeing the machine on the weekend and seeing exactly what its configuration is.  Should let me answer all of these sorts of questions.

Ray54 wrote:

If a Cat pump and the u joint you can use a short bar in the u joint. Of course may have to remove a belly guard to get bar in and to turn. You can also turn from the clutch end. The later wet clutch is easier with the espoused u joint between clutch and transmission. But with the clutch cover off the dry clutch it can be used to turn the engine as well.
 

Good to know thank you!  I won't have the tools to pull off a belly pan when I have a look this weekend, but that's handy to know for the future if I can't get to the crankshaft from the front end.

Quick update: I'm off to inspect this D6 8U on Sunday this weekend! I'm excited to finally be getting a look at it. Photos and video to follow!

Good luck and keen eye!

Ok first inspection is complete.

The machine is a D6 8U according to the owner. It is a cable blade machine. And while it looks pretty rough it seems to be in working order. My observations:

• All levers and pedels work
• Engine has oil which looks good
• Exhaust has a can over it to keep water out!
• With compression released I can turn the fan by hand. With compression engaged I can't turn the fan.
• Undercarriage look surprisingly good. No visible wear on the rollers, front idlers, and track chains. Drive sprockets have some wear visible
• Blade skin is worn and has a hole. Corner bits on blade are worn but serviceable
• It has a tree spear

Bottom line is I think that it will run with with a little effort unless there is something badly wrong internally, or perhaps the pony motor has an issue.

The hour meter says 1095,but I'm guessing it's been around the clock at least once!

One question: can anyone tell me where to fing the serial number on it? I looked hard but couldn't spot it.

 

Top left corner of the rear casting. In your last picture, to the left of the rectangle cover. If the tag is gone, look for two rivet holes it will be stamped between the rivet holes.

Thank you Kracked1. I'll check that out!