OC3 restoration plan - need advice Please

[ChrisL]

Last year I purchased a pretty run down OC3, I own the operator manual, but not a service manual, I plan on purchasing all the manuals necessary to restore this machine for light work. In the mean time I wanted to post a few questions so that I can get my plan in place. The motor runs well and the drive system seems to also function well.

In the operators manual the gentleman gives advice on what to look for in some problem areas.

1.) The rear axle bolts for looseness
2.) Cracks in the frame
3.) Roller operation


I have the machine up off the ground and I have found that some of the bolts on the rear sprocket were in fact loose.

Yes I have cracks right where it was said that cracks are prone.

I have two rollers with much lateral play, one very tight in turning and the others with moderate play.

I am looking for advice on each of the jobs below, this is my initial plan:

Get the tracks off, fix the rollers,  (are replacement parts available)

Replace the sprocket bolts with the highest strength bolts I can find,

Weld repair the crack area, maybe double plate for add strength


Also this machine does not have a oil pressure gauge, can someone tell me where the pick up port is on the motor so that I can check and install a permanent gauge.


thanks very much

Chris (southern Maine)

[walter hudson]

the oil port for a guage is on the side of the block behind the starter. the sprockets should be held on by studs instead of bolts.the frames are tough to fix where they will hold up.it would be better to replace if you can find one.the rollers have bushings but usually the shaft wears more than the bushing ,so you will need to replace both.
                                     walter

[mtncrawler]

Plan on this being a larger job than expected. Zimmerman will have all the parts you need and there is no sense in going half way with it. In addition to a normal tool collection you will need access to a press, some jumbo size wrenches, sledge hammers, torch, welder, and a good attitude.

[wolcott@dmcom.net]

I've got good used final drive, track supports w/rollers & idlers, tracks, etc. parts from two HGs. Most is the same as OC.

When you find out just what you need, get in touch and we'll see if we can get together .

I'm located in Oneonta NY.

Dick

[ChrisL]

Thanks very much for the advice, this will be my first and I am just getting the shop ready, have most but no doubt will have to purchase more stuff.

Dick thank you for the offer I certainly will probably be in touch sometime in the near future as soon as I understand what I will need to get her back, perhaps I might email you with other questions as I get into it.

thanks again

Chris (southern Maine)

[wolcott@dmcom.net]

I'll be happy to help. You'll find that a lot of others here have a wealth of info, much more than I - and they're happy to share it.

Dick