c10 cat overhaul by a newbie?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by KWfarmer, Aug 17, 2011.

  1. KWfarmer

    KWfarmer Bobtail Member

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    Jun 19, 2009
    North Dakota
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    Do you think it is possible for a newbie to overhaul a C10 Cat? Our T800 is about due for an overhaul and with the price of labor these days we were wondering if it could be done by ourselves. We would also be installing a new clutch, front and rear main seals among a few other things.

    Would this be the correct service manual to get?

    Any questions just ask, just trying to save some money and with no experience tearing apart big diesel motors I have no clue how hard this would be. Thank you.
     

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  3. dave26027

    dave26027 Road Train Member

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    Dallas, Texas
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    Big motors are easier to rebuild than smaller ones. But- if you flub something up, it's an expensive lesson.

    I say Go for it- but have an experienced Diesel Mechanic on speed dial, and enough money left over to have him finish what you started if you get in over your head.

    All things considered, no balls, no glory.:headbang:
     
  4. beach

    beach Bobtail Member

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    Aug 16, 2011
    Hubert, North Carolina
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    Is it possible, yes. Would i suggest someone that has never rebuilt a engine do it, no.

    Rebuilding a engine requires alot of attention to detail because it can make the difference between a engine that gives many many more years of service or one that throws a connecting rod out the oil pan, (ive seen it happen) bottom line is if you have any doubts at all about it, save yourself the headache and send it out, but if your bound and determined to do it yourself take your time and double check everything.
     
  5. KWfarmer

    KWfarmer Bobtail Member

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    Jun 19, 2009
    North Dakota
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    I've rebuilt a couple engines before but just mainly small snowmobile/jet ski engines. I know 5 diesel mechanics who work on trucks/heavy equipment for a living, 2 of which work for Cat, so I know a few people that could give me pointers if needed.
     
  6. beach

    beach Bobtail Member

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    Aug 16, 2011
    Hubert, North Carolina
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    then have at it brother, like i said just take your time and double check everything.
     
  7. zebcohobo

    zebcohobo Vincent Van Gopher

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    Redbank,SC
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    I'm sure there's an app for that lol. Seriously though, with a teardown/rebuild manual and several mechanic friends to call on for help, I'd go for it. If I were you. I had no rebuild experience what so ever, bought a Chiltons manual and tore the 'ol ladys Escort apart. Put it back together with a handful of parts left over. Turns out they were not extras like I thought.
     
  8. KWfarmer

    KWfarmer Bobtail Member

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    Jun 19, 2009
    North Dakota
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    If I do it, not sure when that will be, I'll be sure and take lots of pictures including doing a build thread. We would more than likely be taking the motor out of the truck to do front and rear seals as well as a clutch and a complete overhaul. The truck has a few oil leaks right now and that's getting old too. Also a few wiring issues we need to trace down, nothing major just some sensor issues. 790,000 miles on it.

    Lol, not an app person, I just have a phone to talk and text on, nothing fancy. And yea that's never a good idea to have parts left over unless they were replaced with new ones haha.
     
  9. BigJohn54

    BigJohn54 Gone, but NEVER forgotten

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    Pay special attention to bearing clearances and piston clearances. Either do a lot of learning here or bring someone in to help with this part.

    Torque everthing in the correct sequence and to the correct figure.

    Talk to someone and find out what kind of problems are common for that engine during rebuild. Such as do heads usually need milling or are they prone to be cracked in a certain place. Do certain gaskets end up getting put in incorrectly quite often. Things like this.
     
    KWfarmer Thanks this.
  10. beach

    beach Bobtail Member

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    Aug 16, 2011
    Hubert, North Carolina
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    outside of the leaks and milage it has no other problems right
     
  11. beach

    beach Bobtail Member

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    Aug 16, 2011
    Hubert, North Carolina
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    another thing to think about is getting a straight edge and check the mating edge of the head to see if there are any gaps between the straight edge and the mating surface.
     
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