Cat 623....fix or pitch?

[Rudy]

I have a 28 year old Cat 623 that has been a workhorse. The crankshaft bearing failed (on the flywheel side) and completely disintegrated. The oil in the crankcase has a grey sludge as a result.

I replaced the pump with an Arimitsu 511. It's smaller, and very quiet. (Less than $800)

I just can't see pitching the 623 into the dumpster....but I will.

$75 would probably replace the bearing and crank seals....and I'd keep it as a spare.

If that grey sludge has metal filings in it....I'm not sure you'd ever get things clean enough....ever.

Thoughts?

Pitch, or fix?

 

[MEP001]

It's probably ruined. The metal bits have certainly damaged the other bearing as well as the connecting rods. You could replace all that if the crankshaft is still good, but it's going to be at least $300 in parts plus 3-4 hours of work. Keep the manifolds though.

 

[Randy]

28 years old, I'd have to say it might be time to let it go.

 

[washnvac]

Come on Randy...I have eight 623s that are from 1974. Yep 47 years old and they still are working great.

Never had to replace any back of the pump components though. So I would agree, let 'er go.

28 years old, I'd have to say it might be time to let it go.