The International Runs, and Coolant Everywhere!

This week we finished getting our International with the N-14 Cummins running. It was supposed to run last week, but we had a coolant leak in a bad spot which had to be repaired, and we ran out of time in class before we could finish the job.

With our International finally running and out of the shop, we moved upstairs to bring one of our out-of-chassis Caterpillar engines down, the results of that and a bit of reflection about that project are posted below.

Additionally, we took a look at our 2015 DD13 which is needing a rebuild. We have had this engine for some time but have only now had any time to even take the valve cover off and take a look. I have also gone ahead and printed out service information pertaining to the removal of the injectors which will be our first step.

Now, returning to our Caterpillar engine...

Coolant everywhere!

Drain pans were a bit late.

The actual engine, note floor dry being used to soak up the coolant.

Some reflection:

Could this have been avoided? The hose was removed at the water pump with the tank more than half full of coolant, and the results are pictured.

A little poking and prodding prior to removal would have revealed a drain valve at the bottom of the tank which could have been used to drain the system with less of a mess. Though not easily accessed, a rubber hose with drain pans at the other end might have fulfilled our needs.

 Something for us to remember for next time. Lesson learned!