530kW motor checks? !!

As any engineer knows...


Things are worth doing properly, or not at all!


This is off topic from the motors but I would like just to take a while if I may to say many thanks to a JCB service engineer when I asked him about how best to move an old machine that hadn't run for 7+ years.

He determined it was a later type and was fitted with a torque converter (no clutch) so DO NOT attempt to start the engine!


Why (I said) as everyone usually just did exactly that!

Because (he said) the TC is directly connected to the engine and there's thus no way to stop it turning over when the engine is from the starter.


Basically it's a vital part of the machine, and was designed to allow a fast forward or reverse shuttle (thus avoiding clutch wear) with a gearbox behind it then allowing for selectable drive speeds.


IF the machine has sat for years then the sump is bound to be full of gunky oil (very unlikely it was ever replaced!) and worse, the ONLY filter is the sump screen, which is also likely to be blocked.


Try to turn over the engine and either the old gunky oil will then be sucked into the torque system (with all the usual detritus too).... worse, no oil will get through and the unit will be totally starved of oil, or the main hydraulic gear pump can even 'pull in' a blocked strainer, rip it apart and open, then drag all of that first into the pump, and then the TC system too.

DON'T START IT

Drain out the old oil, clean the strainer, refill and then you should be fine!

It's also possible to have just totally saved the entire transmission system from damage!

Because series 5 machines are becoming rare now, as most have been wrecked by no real care and attention.


As he knew these machines well, I took the advice and didn't attempt a startup.

(Despite others saying 'oh just do it')


Towing away wasn't an option as it had no brakes with a 7ton machine weight, and even the local HGV recovery service after doing a risk assessment refused to move it.


So, with no other option I did as he'd said....and first drained the TC's transmission oil


Certainly awful - and not the lovely cherry red that Dexron should be!


Next the sump removal and to check that strainer...


TOTALLY clogged up, just as he said!


After a good clean, this is what it should look like


Wow, just a few minutes work being careful, and that DID likely save the entire transmission system!

?


Better change the gearbox oil too, as he also suggested.

Here's a sample of that.....


Not good!

AND check the sump plug, he advised


Loads of ex-gear metal filings stuck onto the magnet.

But easy to sort that out


and now it's ready to pick up any other loose bits!


The transmission gears often get rather trashed (he said) as people usually forget to return the shuttle lever to mid position (neutral), BEFORE changing gear!

He was right again.

So MANY thanks.


This actually returns to those pumpmotors and how very important it is....

doing things properly!

As any engineer knows...


Things are worth doing properly, or not at all!


This is off topic from the motors but I would like just to take a while if I may to say many thanks to a JCB service engineer when I asked him about how best to move an old machine that hadn't run for 7+ years.

He determined it was a later type and was fitted with a torque converter (no clutch) so DO NOT attempt to start the engine!


Why (I said) as everyone usually just did exactly that!

Because (he said) the TC is directly connected to the engine and there's thus no way to stop it turning over when the engine is from the starter.


Basically it's a vital part of the machine, and was designed to allow a fast forward or reverse shuttle (thus avoiding clutch wear) with a gearbox behind it then allowing for selectable drive speeds.


IF the machine has sat for years then the sump is bound to be full of gunky oil (very unlikely it was ever replaced!) and worse, the ONLY filter is the sump screen, which is also likely to be blocked.


Try to turn over the engine and either the old gunky oil will then be sucked into the torque system (with all the usual detritus too).... worse, no oil will get through and the unit will be totally starved of oil, or the main hydraulic gear pump can even 'pull in' a blocked strainer, rip it apart and open, then drag all of that first into the pump, and then the TC system too.

DON'T START IT

Drain out the old oil, clean the strainer, refill and then you should be fine!

It's also possible to have just totally saved the entire transmission system from damage!

Because series 5 machines are becoming rare now, as most have been wrecked by no real care and attention.


As he knew these machines well, I took the advice and didn't attempt a startup.

(Despite others saying 'oh just do it')


Towing away wasn't an option as it had no brakes with a 7ton machine weight, and even the local HGV recovery service after doing a risk assessment refused to move it.


So, with no other option I did as he'd said....and first drained the TC's transmission oil


Certainly awful - and not the lovely cherry red that Dexron should be!


Next the sump removal and to check that strainer...


TOTALLY clogged up, just as he said!


After a good clean, this is what it should look like


Wow, just a few minutes work being careful, and that DID likely save the entire transmission system!

?


Better change the gearbox oil too, as he also suggested.

Here's a sample of that.....


Not good!

AND check the sump plug, he advised


Loads of ex-gear metal filings stuck onto the magnet.

But easy to sort that out


and now it's ready to pick up any other loose bits!


The transmission gears often get rather trashed (he said) as people usually forget to return the shuttle lever to mid position (neutral), BEFORE changing gear!

He was right again.

So MANY thanks.


This actually returns to those pumpmotors and how very important it is....

doing things properly!