Urban logging

9U spun its tracks on this one.
Cable controls for 3T on a slow track to set up.
This 9U23253 should have a water pump rebuild. I'm not inclined to give the Caterpillar shop the job at an estimated $500.00 for labor, plus up to $300.00 for parts, if not more, without doing a little more research. Does anyone know of alternatives?
I'm tempted to try it myself, but acknowledge it could be a bad idea.
Thanks for any suggestions!

No, it’s not a bad idea to tackle a water pump rebuild. They’re made to be rebuilt and the parts are readily available. Many times all you need is the seal. Impeller and shaft are the expensive parts with the impeller being damaged by the ceramic seal seat breaking loose more often than not. Shaft hardly ever needs replacing.

I’ve got a way to use an impeller with a missing ceramic seat that I need to photograph and post sometime soon. That eliminates the greatest cost of most rebuilds, but if you’re willing to use aftermarket stuff, the cost is pretty reasonable just to buy a new one.

That's encouraging. About 30 years ago a mechanic at the local John Deere dealership helped me with the water pump on an early Oliver combine. Our result was an immediate leaker. I haven't tried one since, but most things I run have reman pumps available at reasonable cost. Maybe I should practice on some of the cores I have lying around. Procedural instructions might be helpful, if anyone feels like posting something.
Also, your "way to use an impeller with a missing ceramic seat" might end up being helpful.
This pump has a slight leak, which I would put up with for awhile, but there is easily detectable slop in the bearings by working the fan, so I don't want to push my luck on catastrophic failure.
Thank you, ccjersey!