The old D6 down the block is running again

Our neighbor had a mid-70s Cat D6 just sitting in his field for years. Engine was seized solid. A few of us from the shop would talk about it over coffee. Finally got a weekend free and we all just showed up with tools. Took the head off, soaked the pistons, worked them loose over two days. Got the injectors cleaned up and put it all back together. Fired up this morning, first crank. Sounds rough but it runs. Just feels good to see an old machine breathe again, you know?

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3 Comments

troy8167mo ago

That's a D6C, right?

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evabennett7mo ago

Actually that's a D6D. Easy mix-up though. The big tell is the radiator guard shape, it's flat across the top on the D. The C model has that rounded hump in the middle. Your serial number plate is right behind the fuel tank if you want to check. They also put the hydraulic blade controls in a different spot.

7

masons277mo ago

Another way to tell is by the exhaust stack placement. On the D6D, it's more vertical, while the C model angles back slightly. The serial number plate is indeed behind the fuel tank, but sometimes it's covered in grime and hard to read. Also, the D model usually has a two-speed steering clutch, which is a big help in tight spots.

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