D8k caterpillar dozer 1979

I'm new to this site. I'm having a lot of trouble finding information about the d8k dozer 1979 that I purchased to do some fence line clearing? It seems like everything is secret or controlled by someone Wanting to sell the material.
The gauges have no numbers to see what's going on with the engine, nor do I know what they are supposed to read in psi or temperature? I'm willing to purchase some Stewart Warner gauges if I know they will hold up to the conditions.
Did this tractor ever have a RPM or tachometer to monitor the engine rpm, I have no idea what it should be?
I did manage to talk to Warren caterpillar in Tulsa oklahoma about a complete fluid change, $4000.00 plus? Didn't know about the d8k, would have to look it up!!! Are the new oils compatible for this old of machine?
Anyone have advice for me would be appreciated?
I do the maintenance on my JD 4020 farm tractor, so I'm capable on it an other things, but this thing is huge. I'm 74 years old and fully retired with 40 + years in the US AIR FORCE as an aircraft pneudraulic mechanic an in flight refueling operator. It's time to move back to the little ranch for something that I want to do for peace and quiet.
Thanks in advance Mitch

Welcome to the Forum,

According to the D8K specification sheet, Flywheel horsepower @1280 RPM.............300. And engine will maintain specified flywheel power up to 5,000 ft. altitude. That's all I am able to offer, however I'm sure others with much more experience with this tractor will provide more information.

John

[quote="halfcirclej"]I'm new to this site. I'm having a lot of trouble finding information about the d8k dozer 1979 that I purchased to do some fence line clearing? It seems like everything is secret or controlled by someone Wanting to sell the material.
The gauges have no numbers to see what's going on with the engine, nor do I know what they are supposed to read in psi or temperature? I'm willing to purchase some Stewart Warner gauges if I know they will hold up to the conditions.
Did this tractor ever have a RPM or tachometer to monitor the engine rpm, I have no idea what it should be?
I did manage to talk to Warren caterpillar in Tulsa oklahoma about a complete fluid change, $4000.00 plus? Didn't know about the d8k, would have to look it up!!! Are the new oils compatible for this old of machine?
Anyone have advice for me would be appreciated?
I do the maintenance on my JD 4020 farm tractor, so I'm capable on it an other things, but this thing is huge. I'm 74 years old and fully retired with 40 + years in the US AIR FORCE as an aircraft pneudraulic mechanic an in flight refueling operator. It's time to move back to the little ranch for something that I want to do for peace and quiet.
Thanks in advance Mitch[/quote]

Welcome to ACMOC Mitch, First of all, thank you for your service to our country. Your machine is a bit new for me but the best advice I can give you is to get a full set of manuals for you machine. Serviceman reference, parts, and operators manuals. Make sure they cover your serial number as changes were frequent as the model continued in production. There are dozens of items that the manuals will spell out that can get expensive real quick if you don't take proper care. The manuals can often be found on e-bay. Oil type is critical on some of these machines. We have a bunch of smart people on here that I'm sure will chime in soon.