Cletrac BD Serial Number

[camel-lot]

I hope you can help us.  We got a BD and want to get the appropriate manuals.  We found where the serial number plate should be...two rivets are all that remain.  The serial number plate riveted to the engine is illegible.  On the collar (sorry, don't know proper term) between the engine and tranny a riveted plate reads, "10-22-43," and stamped into the collar above this is "77432."  We tried looking on the engine block just below the head (above the exhaust port???) on the right side as was mentioned in another post.  We found nothing.  But, on the machined fuel injection flange (by #1) we found L808C25 DJXC!  Woo Hoo!  

The problem is that I still can't locate a list showing the year of manufacture.  Is it 1943?  Is there any list linking this engine to a specific serial number for the crawler?  Is there any other place a Cletrac BD serial number could be located?  We need some parts for our new baby, and I want to get the right stuff.  Thanks!  Any clues, hints, or help will be greatly appreciated!

[Bob]

I think all the manuals would work for your BD. They changed very very few things over the years. Can't help you out on the serial #. Good luck

Bob

[camel-lot]

Thanks for the reply.  I'm always afraid that I'll get the book from the year before the machine was made--You know, when all the major part numbers, essential components, and critical bits were drastically changed!

Who?  Me paranoid?

Just today I came home with the fuel filter I special ordered from Napa for the BD.  I got the number from Fram's website since the original is largely illegible.  Then I cross referenced with the Wix site...  The dang thing isn't even remotely close to what it is supposed to replace, and I feel like an idiot!

Expletives deleted...grumble, grumble...

But I DO appreciate the input and advice!  It is most welcome!  Now, I'm going to purchase those vintage manuals over which I have bee drooling.  I hope to put an end to the part number guesswork, although I'm sure more is coming!  Thanks!

[John Schwiebert]

First of that may be. A couple of choices here. Number 1 Not all BD tractors use the same fuel systems. Early ones used an American Bosch injection pump. Late ones used a Model A Roosa Master pump. Plus there was a kit to change the Bosch to the Roosa Master. Each system uses different filters. Next thing if your crawler has a Bosch pump with a Timken built governor mave darn sure the governor has oil in it! Do this before you do anything else. This is a 6 cylinder correct? First few were 4 cylinder models.

[Bob]

I used the orig housings on my 40Diesel filters and made an adaptor to a common filter which fit in the case. Cheap simple and new filters are easily avalible. I don't know what filters your BD has but it might be possible to do this with yours. I was going to make kits to convert but haven't had the time...

The basic tractor should be the same other than the fuel system. I forgot...How could I do a thing like that... I haven't had any luck using the parts books for finding parts like filters. Maybe I didn't look in the right places. Parts books in my opinion are only good for another picture sometimes.

Bob

[camel-lot]

Thank you both for your input.  The governor on our baby is a Hercules.  I believe the filter is not original.  Oh, and the radiator cap is a lovely chunk of wood.  Hmmm.  

I think I might want to replace the wood.

We have a few restoration projects in the works.  We bought equipment to fix and use, then fell in love and REALLY want to fix them properly.  But, I got darned tired of walking into parts stores and having the employees run for cover!  There was one guy who had a basic understanding of the inner workings of the internal combustion engine.  He even knew how to use a book in order to look stuff up!  Of course he is long gone, now.  The guys who are left can't even FIND the book, never mind use it.  Taking in samples doesn't help.  If it isn't on the computer screen, it must not exist.  Right?  Most of them figure that if it isn't a car, they don't have any parts--Why would they?

AAARRRGGH!

So, I've gotten pretty good at hunting down current part numbers and equivalent parts on the internet.  It can be frustrating.  Maybe I can get the part manufacturers to just send me the books.  Those guys at the stores won't miss them.  Hmmm, maybe...

[Bob]

No doubt of the truth in your story! We are lucky in my town to have 2 or 3 good parts stores with GOOD people running them. If they don't understand they will come out and look or bring it in and they will look. We are good friends and they give us some of their old books. Helps alot. On my AD I changed the primary filter to a Napa filter housing with a spin on filter. Secondary id one off like a mid "90s Chevy pickup. Fairly cheap and easy to get, and easy to do.