I am going to remove the engine from my 490. It has a lot of hours on it (27000) and is leaking anti freeze into the crankcase. I want to take it into my heated shop so I can spend some time on it this winter. It looks easy to remove but my question is, do I leave the pump on the engine or is it better to unbolt the pump and leave it in the machine? I have a bridge crane in my workshop and lots of other equipment to lift the engine out. Al
If you can get at the bolts and there is enough room to pull the engine off the pump splines, i would leave the pump in. A lot less mess that way and you don’t have to purge the air out of the hyd system when you reassemble
On most Deere excavators we left the hydraulic pump chained up and hanging from a steel bar resting on the counterweight and across to the sheet metal framework. The engine will have to move towards the radiator about 3 -4 inches to separate from the pump drive coupling.
Thanks Guys, I will hang it off the frame and leave everything connected. I have everything else disconnected and will probably have the engine out later this afternoon. This engine has been leaking coolant into the oil for a long time. I bought it cheap at an auction 23 years ago. I'm sure it was in the auction because of the leak. It had a new cylinder head and a new rad, so I figure someone overheated it really badly and probably cooked the seals. I replaced the head gasket 12 years ago and the cylinders were badly worn then. I think there is at least a 16th of an inch ring groove back then. Funny thing is it runs good, starts easily in cold weather and doesn't burn oil, it's amazing. I will replace the cylinders and pistons. I know you can do it in frame but I want to examine it closely where I have time to work on it properly. Al
Carefully check the lower counterbores in the block where the liner o-rings seal. They may need some repair
The most likely issue is pitting on the liners.
I will carefully examine everything when I get it apart. I have everything unbolted and it's ready to lift out. Family obligations got in the way and it may be a few days before I start working on the engine. This is a winter project. I also intend to replace track motor and brake seals and rebuild the bucket cylinder and the bucket quick attach.