engine swap for DDH

[ifurlong]

does anyone know of another engine that will mount on the DDH transmission without to many problems?
I am worried that my engine is to far gone to redo and am looking for options.

thanks

[Mike Shanley]

The DJXC Hercules in my BD had a hatched block.  I am in the middle of swapping it for a Mitsubishi Fuso Diesel.  This is not for the faint of heart! You must make a mounting plate where the crank shaft alligns with the transmission. Then adapt the clutch assembly to the new flywheel.  It is not an easy job and would be impossible without a Mill and Lathe.

If you have the tools and the time it is worth pursuing.  If you lack either, find the right parts for your Hercules or find a replacement engine.  These machines are worth restoring.  I am having a great time and enjoy all the head scratching involved in my engine swap adventure.

I chose the engine swap over restoration because I live in Minnesota and would like easier starting in late fall/early winter.  Hercules Diesels are hard to start if you stand close to one while holding an ice cream cone!

Good Luck, and don't give up!  Mike Shanley, Woodbury MN

[Bob]

I have a DG that I am going to put a 4-71 detroit in, In my spare time. But like mike said there is alot of work involved. My suggestion for an engine would be either a 4 or 6bt cummings or the detroit. the detroit measures up perfect to fit and thats what I had so...

As far as an engine that will bolt up I don't know.

Bob

[peter de vries]

I have several DDh cletracs that i use for occasional weekend work. One of my Cletracs is fitted with a Perkins 6-354, which has been fitted for approx 15 years now. The problem with fitting a late model engine is that most new engines are high speed diesels wheras the origional DRXB engine is a slow speed engine. The maximum engine speed of the origional engine is 1200 rpm, wheras the perkins and most others is double that for a similar size engine. This means that the replacement engine is labouring heavily at low ground speed, and the poor gearbox is being driven far too fast if you use the engine at its correct running rpm, as well as the machine travelling too fast. when dozing i find it is a real balance on the throttle between too low rpm and not enough torque and lifting the throttle which then spins the tracks quite easily, whilst driving things too fast. I have oftem wondered if it would be worth fitting a smaller diesel engine with its gearbox attatched and locked in say 1st gear to help lower the speed before it goes into the origional cletrac gearbox. One of my other cletracs has the origional DRXB motor in good running condition and it sure beats the pants off the other one with the Perkins motor for torque and general driveability. I would strongly recommend you at least have a good look at the origional engine before you consider replacing it. hope this is of some help. Regards Pete.

[Mike Shanley]

Bob and Peter are experienced and experience is always worth listening to.  If you can find .040 oversized pistons, the sleeves can be bored oversize for the new pistons.  These sleeves are a tight pressed fit and very hard.  Boring will be more cost efficient.  Read, read, read on these pages.  Get lots of input and ideas.  

If you have no substitute engine on hand, your best bet may be a rebuild.  Don't give up.  Decide your path and work toward that solution.  Good Luck, and enjoy the journey.  Mke Shanley, Woodbury MN