Vintage D9 Issues

I am a relatively new owner of a vintage D9. I have several problems.

First, of all, I love the machine and want to keep it running and feel that I can do that but need to learn some things rather quickly so I appreciate your help and input.

The machine is a D9 by marking but there is no visible serial number so I am unsure what year it is. The canopy is a 1973 but others have told me the machine cannot be a '73 because it still has a pony motor. So, I would love to figure out for sure what the year and full model number is as well as any other history.

I bought the machine at auction and it runs and I have used it on the property I am working a handful of days the last few months. It took some practice to operate the machine and all the levers and I have had my share of scary situations with trying to pull the correct lever at the correct time to get the machine to do what I needed and wanted. I am terrible at getting it to drag a flat finish as our ground is quite rocky and just difficult to keep up with the blade adjustments. If there is one complaint about the machine, I feel the visibility for the driver/operate is terrible. I have to stand up to see the bottom of the blade although the more I operate it, the more I can "feel" where the blade is at.

So, what else...

It has developed a knock recently that sounds like a wrist pin to me but feels like it is in the head. I can feel it more in the rear cylinders than the front. I removed the valve covers and run it to try to see if there was anything amiss and I did not notice anything. You cannot hear the knock at idle but it gets louder at higher RPM's and is most noticable at decel (mainly because the engine noise is much less at decel so I think the knock is just easier to pick up). I have been told it could be an injector but I cracked each of the oil lines while it was running and could not notice a difference through that process.

I understand the process of doing an in-frame rebuild if that is what is needed but I am unsure if the parts are going to be available. Any suggestions on where to get a repair kit?

Next, I tried to start it yesterday and the pony motor gear that drives the main flywheel is grinding like the teeth are gone. I assume the gear on the pony motor would be softer than the main flywheel but it could also be the main flywheel or both. So, I assume I need to remove the pony motor and fix this so that I can get the engine started again so someone with a more experienced ear can listen to it.

I also shot a video of it running where you can hear the knock but I also realize how hard it is to diagnose this sort of thing without being there to touch it and hear it in person.

Thank you for helping me and for pointing me to see this old girl stay alive for many years to come. My plan now is to repair the pony motor gear so I need help with how to approach that and where to get parts. Once I get that fixed and back together, I will get the main engine started with someone there that has an ear for it and then I can tackle the main engine issues.

Jerrod

you need a maintenance manual and eventually a parts manual. to get the right ones you will need the serial number. In general they are on the upper rear left side transmission case and also on the left side of the engine near the pinion controls. If the tags are gone the number is stamped into the base metal behind the tags, which are held on by two rivets-so scrapping between the rivets should reveal the number

"Sounds like your going to need a full time mechanic and a gold mine!"

"That D9's worse than a woman boss, expensive and hard to handle!"

Direct electric start does not define the year of production. For example the D9G went to direct electric start as standard at s/n 66A9418 but pony start was still available as an attachment option.

Parts for any series of D9 are available... the nice thing about Cat. You say its an old machine, need pictures and we can tell you what series it is. Example, the first 9's were 9D's then E's then G's then H's

here's a d9H in Idaho that I just spotted on CL. too big and new for my taste but interesting.

https://missoula.craigslist.org/hvo/d/caterpillar-d9h-dozer/6679417961.html

If you watch close, the manuals you need will show up on eBay but as above, you will need the serial number in order to get the right manual. When shopping for manuals, look closely for the serial number range that the manual for sale covers which is usually on the front cover. Some parts books start at some serial number change or show several series of numbers on different pages. Be careful to be looking at the part numbers that only apply to your machine. Once you figure out how CAT did this it comes easier but at first it can be tricky. Without the manuals, you will not get very far.

JanM

[quote="greengiant"]here's a d9H in Idaho that I just spotted on CL. too big and new for my taste but interesting.

https://missoula.craigslist.org/hvo/d/caterpillar-d9h-dozer/6679417961.html[/quote]
Thats a Kelly ripper on the back.

Chapter 18 have many spare D9 Parts Books , But need Your serial Number ,Price very reasonable. Postage Probably cost More !!, Have to Check ,may even have Repair manual Spare!! LJ

my serial number was located under the hour meter