Looking to acquire a late 70's Michigan 55c loader. has a Detroit 4-53 naturally aspirated engine. Was told by owner that old torque converter pissing out fluid. engine is out so haven't seen it myself. I was told by a few people that a torque converter would be difficult to track down. Anyone have any clues on where to search? thanks
Converter is part of trans. so you can only replace converter internals without getting a complete trans. minnpar.com stocks Clark parts, allied systems.com stocks forestry parts, 665D skidder runs same basic trans except that it has output shaft through the brake housing to drive the winch. Converter seals and rings should be the same, both sites have parts books on line so you can compare. You will have to trouble shoot to see where there is low pressure. One thing to check is the breather which is really a check valve in disguise, which is only to let air in but not let oil out, internals have been bad to come apart and let splash oil come out, some have been replaced with off the shelf breathers, that will let air in and oil out.
Ok, thank you for quick response. Unfortunately the torque converter isn't even available!! The guy removed it and either threw it out or lost it. So not only can I not get any numbers off of it to completely match it up, but I cant even attempt to have it rebuilt. Is there any other route I can take? thank you
Well that was dumb! Why would he do that? I would think that unless you can find another machine with a complete transmission with a converter this machine might not be worth the effort unless he is giving it to you for free. Hate to look at an old machine that may have only needed some simple repair but due to the lack of knowledge of someone it ends up in the scrap yard. I'm just getting the feeling this might end up being a money pit for you, as there is no telling what other things this person has messed up on it. Sure anything can be fixed, only take time and money plus a little knowledge. The knowledge I'm sure is here for the asking but only you can decide how much of the time and money you want to invest!
Well, besides the fact that the guy misplaced the torque converter....I trust his knowledge and him in general. A family member of mine works for the guy so Im not concerned of getting it shoved in my face on the deal. Its a real solid machine and with snow coming here in the northeast, its a desirable unit. I just want to get the correct torque converter and send it back together. So again, does anyone have any other recommendations on where or how to find a used or rebuilt converter anywhere!!??!!
Biggest problem is that the converter is part of the transmission so it would be hard to find one by itself. Best bet is to scour the salvage yards for a complete transmission then either take the converter parts out, check them carefully replace all the seals and bearings and any hard parts that are suspect. The other option would be to go . through the whole transmission to see if it is a candidate for rebuild, then sell the other one for parts. No real good options, sorry.
William - Pass this one by - There are tons of used loaders out there, running, ready to work -
Are you sure that you are looking at a 55C? 55C has an 18,000 series transmission which has the converter in the front of the transmission. 55B and 55IIIA had a 28,000 transmission with a separate converter that mounted to the engine and had a prop shaft to drive the transmission.
Bpt has the tq rebuild kits and all the parts. Palmerjohnson power systems sells them too but more spendy... All the tq parts are still available as its now Dana spicer instead of clark.