Gauge Replacement Questions

No. (it's full of some kind of working fluid/gas which has leaked out.

YES, get it from CAT and tell them to not send you the adapter plate and 4 screws and lock washers that was required to replace the old original large gauge that probably never was on your tractor anyway unless it is a very old D6. (unless you just want to have all new screws etc) When you put in the part number for a temperature gauge for an old D6, apparently computer spits out the new gauge and the other bits even though most every tractor will have been modified a long time ago to accept the new size gauge.

Yes, you might have to find another adapter bushing to screw into the head, but the gauge probably has an assortment of them in the box. CAT gauge will have the colored bands which is good for when you're tired or just not really paying attention. Also good for when operator is not too swift of mind so to speak.

Probably simplest to get the belt from CAT, just make sure they get the right one if you only want one of them. One on the starter and one on the governor/water pump.

More questions:

So I've torn everything apart. Woo. woo!

In reviewing the service manual there is a discussion about how the governor should have oil in it. I've unscrewed one of the screws on the cover to check the oil level, and there doesn't seem to be anything in it. 😞

So I'm thinking I should tear the thing apart, but I'm also concerned about destroying the gasket (Parts book 3B-2035), and not being able to get a replacement locally. Do I need the factory gasket? Could I use the gasket paste that I can get at the autoparts store?

Also, to get the belt off I had to remove the belt from the starter motor, which ended up meaning that I needed to remove the gear box that attaches to the starter motor. Spinning it, I get a lovely sound that reminds me of gravel in a metal can. It spins free, but I wonder for how long. I find the details in the parts book somewhat inscrutable. Should I be worried about this? Is it worth tearing this down and repacking or replacing the bearings? Thoughts?

Also, in terms of getting one from CAT, I've ordered manuals direct from CAT, but never parts. On old stuff like this, do I need to go direct, or do I work with my local CAT dealer?

It doesn't need much oil in the governor. Only ever takes enough to run out a cover screw hole that's at the 6 o-clock position. I have taken the back off and pulley cover of of several that were frozen up to free things up inside. Can't remember having any gasket problems. A little gasket cement wouldn't hurt. If you put much oil inside it will keep the pulley cover oily without a good seal.

To me the starter drive bearings are a pain to fool with. I would perhaps soak the whole thing in a can of light oil over night and hope for the best. It only turns for a short time (hopefully) each time you crank the pony. Drain it well and reinstall. The pulley should come off the shaft to install the belt if you can't force it between the pulley and the housing. That's where the correct belt comes in. It's not only the correct length and width, but also the correct thickness/design.

If your local dealer's parts dept isn't staffed by idiots, I would use them, I do know having a parts book helps speed things up over the phone to our nearest dealer. Also helps me figure out exactly what all I need the first time.

I don't know how you would buy parts 'direct' from CAT. Maybe I've been missing something?

Now I understand, you have ordered manuals from the CAT literature reprint site. I would say that IS best done direct, I have done one through the dealer and it was about 2X the price by the time it finally came.

Thanks for the advice. I should have waited a little bit before proceeding. For some deranged reason I decided to tear things apart. I'm quickly coming to the realization that I really need a hydraulic press.

There are two bearings that hold the spindle that connects the gear to the pulley. The one set of bears is truly, truly shot. So I'll be replacing that.

I'm hoping my local CAT dealer isn't staffed by idiots. I guess I'll find out tomorrow. I'm just amazed that I can still get parts for something that is 65 years old. Wish me luck!