Hey repowerguy got a question.

[Dickjr.]

Is it possible to install a 4BT in a 943 powered by a 3204? If so what would the results be as far as power gain? I have a 943 spotted that needs an engine and thought this might be the best alternative.

 

[Shimmy1]

:thumbsup :stirthepot

 

[lantraxco]

Well, while you're waiting for repowerguy to climb out from under whatever he's swapping this week, I'll add my two cents:

1) Anything is possible with a torch, a welder, and a fat checkbook.
2) Not much, maybe some. The 943 engine was rated at 80 hp I believe and a typical 4BT at around 105? So it will work but the 943 has the hydrostat drive which will self limit unless you tweak the settings and then you'll start blowing finals...

 

[Dickjr.]

lantraxco , start blowing finals? I've blown 2 finals this summer. I'm between the rock and hard place. I am leaning towards biting the bullet and getting a 53C , most likely a BBX. I have work for it as of today 2 to 3 months worth at 40 hours per week. I guess I need to grow a set and get on with it. I have become accustom to lower overhead more pocket money. The fat check book is aiding in my decision. I need a beer. Just this night I had calls for 2 weeks work this to be done this week. I love a track loader for its general duties over a dozer.

 

[Dickjr.]

Shimmy , quit stirring the **** pot. Give me the advice to go ahead and sign papers , then I can cuss you when I'm eating toast and cheese.

 

[repowerguy]

Well now here we go,!! I think the Cat will have a sae 3 flywheel housing and most industrial 4bt's will also. That is a major hurdle we have behind us. The pump drive is next, if it has a jaw coupler or a peg style drive, it should be easy to have a adapter plate machined to fit in the recess of a sae style flywheel.
Now if there are no pumps driven from the flywheel housing like in wheel loaders, the swap will be pretty straight forward.
As to the power increase, who wants less?!! You may find that you can travel and raise a loaded bucket to load trucks with no effort.
If you go this route, make sure you buy a industrial engine not a auto engine, you want that variable speed governor.
As with all endeavors, take lots of measurements and plan!
IMHO if you do this as a winter project, you will love the extra 20 or so ponies when spring time hits.

 

[repowerguy]

Along the lines of powering up, the nicest repower I did was on a L-180 New Holland skid steer.
The Fiat had made a cat door in the block when num. 2 rod decided to go on vacation.
The tag said it was a 79 hp. motor and I fabricobbled in a 4bt at 101+ hp. When I said + I mean after a complete overhaul of the Cummins that little screw on the ve pump tempted me sore to turn it a turn and a half. When all was together, that machine would push more dirt than a TD-7H in a dirt pile we had behind the garage.
I didn't alter the hystat reliefs at all, but the extra power was nice when pushing and lifting like when you shove up gravel piles in a stock pile.
The one that didn't go so well was a 4.236 Perkins in a 311 Cat excavator. Just not enough umph, I turned up the ole CAV and it was fair but not good. It finished the season for the guys then it went to a farmers special auction.

 

[Shimmy1]

Shimmy , quit stirring the **** pot. Give me the advice to go ahead and sign papers , then I can cuss you when I'm eating toast and cheese.

I'm not giving any advice to go ahead or not. We bought a second scraper last fall, and don't have work enough for one. My dam removal project doesn't seem to want to happen, too much BS from the state. First, they tell them is has to come out (and here's what we'll charge to do it for you), then when it comes down to getting the permits, they drag their feet for 3 months. Now, the Historical Society is sticking their nose in, wanting $5000 to map the site. Doesn't look like its going to happen this fall. I do have excavator work, but it's been kind of slow this summer, and was looking forward to a decent scraper season so I could work in the new shop again this winter instead of spend it out on the road. Decisions like yours suck. Keep plugging along with what you have, or try and cut a bigger chunk out of the pie. Worst part is, you won't know if the decision was the right one for at least a few years, IMO.

 

[repowerguy]

I feel for you fellows out there banging around trying to make money doing dirt work, my grandfather quit excavation in 1968 because as he said it there was too much competition and no money to be made.

 

[Shimmy1]

Dickjr, if you're looking for "opinions", mine would be to get after the re-power IF it's feasible. IMO, any inline Cummins engine is better than any comparably sized Cat. Except for the ISX, every one of those can be turned into paperclips. But, that's just an opinion, I'm sure others will disagree.

 

[lantraxco]

I think you've answered your own question, sure it's a risk but if you can keep it busy it's kind of a no brainer. I would say don't put anything on a lease if you can avoid it, they're the contractor's payday loan.

 

[Dickjr.]

Dickjr, if you're looking for "opinions", mine would be to get after the re-power IF it's feasible. IMO, any inline Cummins engine is better than any comparably sized Cat. Except for the ISX, every one of those can be turned into paperclips. But, that's just an opinion, I'm sure others will disagree.

Hate to hear this , I had a big job this Spring , started it got the first phase done. I went out to meet the owner for phase 2 and got everything but a straight answer. 2 days later someone else moved in. The owner never told me one way or the other. I figure if he's that way I'm better off on down the road.

 

[Dickjr.]

I think you've answered your own question, sure it's a risk but if you can keep it busy it's kind of a no brainer. I would say don't put anything on a lease if you can avoid it, they're the contractor's payday loan.

I appreciate this advice , I just need my loader back due to the final being rebuilt. They are having trouble finding an inboard gear set. I knew when I bought his loader I would spend some money on it but hoped to get some service along the way. My worst problem is every time the phone rings I hit the panic button. I reckon day by day is the best way to handle this.

 

[repowerguy]

I think if the loader is in good shape other than the motor, and you can get it for a good deal then it could be a good investment.
It all depends on if the money, if a good 4bt + the purchase price + some machine work = measurably less than a good running machine then there it is.
I really enjoy these projects and the challenge of putting together a one of a kind, but you always need to be cautious and not get caught up in the moment.
I don't get yo do as many of these jobs lately as my new job doesn't really need this kind of "expertise". Lol.

 

[Dickjr.]

I have heard of the high cost to rebuild a 3204. Somewhere in the 10 grand range. Since then I have heard a lower number of 4500. 4500 is tolerable. 10 grand , I'd be considering the 4bt conversion. Currently my engine has a fair amount of blowby , and leaks either rear seal or pan. It does have decent power , I know they aren't known for that. It will cram the bucket full and roll dirt over the top , to me that's adequate power. At this time I could use 2 of these 943 loaders. I know they are 30 years old , but its a good size for what I do and they are pretty productive , easy on fuel. I appreciate the input.

 

[repowerguy]

I wonder why they would be so spendy to rebuild? I think it's just half of a 3208 and the last one I did wasn't pricey really.
Where I worked at a couple jobs back had a D-3C and another guy there tried to rebuild it to cut down on blowby and didn't help a thing. I think those 3 ring (I think!) pistons can't seal em up tight.
I don't like oil leaks but I have learned to live with blowby on a working engine.

 

[Dickjr.]

The oil leak is about a gallon every 15 hours. It is getting costly but my oil change intervals are now almost no existent.

 

[Randy88]

Shimmy 1 hit the nail on the head perfectly with the cummins comment, if nobody else agrees with you shimmy, those are my sediments exactly.

 

[Georgia Iron]

DickJr, still no luck on your finals?

I am feeling a might small here lately, I am on day 14 on my current job, if I have pushed up one tree I have pushed up 300. My 953a has been one hell of a machine. It's a 20z. I am just about tired of bucking logs but you know I love working a chainsaw. I currently us a sthil ms460 with a 25" bar. I like being in the woods at the crack of day and making money to boot. Just go ahead and drop a 3204 with a turbo on it. Keep us posted.



Heres my stump pile. Makes me wonder when a final is going to blow out on me...

 

[td25c]

If the block , crankshaft ,& cylinder head are sound I would in frame the 3204 if possible .

Several engine kits out there under $ 1,000.00


http://www.agkits.com/Caterpillar-3204-Engine-Rebuild-Kit.aspx#.V-g_ASDD9jo