Caterpillar RD-4 Transmission Disassembly Pt.1

In this video we continue the disassembly of a 1936 Caterpillar RD-4 for restoration by removing the shift rails and upper shaft from the transmission housing

[horatiohornblower]

Tearing down that crawler in arctic temperatures is nothing less than heroic.

[Andrew-sovj]

Just wishing that the bush here in Australia had as many old abandoned machines quietly resting in it as the bush in the US seems to have! Love the vids - keep em coming.

[acewrench]

Dog appearances are always a bonus. Thanks for sharing.

[davidbeachy]

Good series. I'm glad Squatch 253 directed us to you. It's obvious it's cold looking at the gear oil and seeing your breath as fog throughout the video. I don't know how you work with bare hands part of the time. I'm sure you know this, but there are a variety of radiant heaters that can direct heat just to where you are working rather than try to heat your entire uninsulated shop.

[gordonmcmillan]

Gears and shafts look fine. I'd give real consideration to re-using the original bearings wherever possible. They are likely better, even part worn, than most of the modern ones.

[TheJstewart]

Seeing what happened to that grease at those temperatures was a real eye-opener. I knew that oil got thicker as it got colder, but wow. I understand how there's a serious lack of lubrication at very cold temperatures when a machine is first started up. You really have to be careful about warming up not just the engine, but the whole drive train before just dropping in gear and taking off.

[nathanwoods]

I can commiserate, you're getting stuff done and then...German Shepherd.
Enjoying the content, thanks for sharing.

[colin]

Best part of these projects is the excuse to buy new tools. My favorite part!

You ALWAYS get a thumbs up Kyle, awesome videos. Thank you for sharing!

[froghairfarm]

Kyle, you're going to have a very nice machine on your hands when you get through it. Big plus that the gearsets are looking as good as they do so far. Thanks for the videos!

[allanrichards]

I would like to think that the modern gear oil will stay a little more fluid than old stuff when its cold. Its done its job though and I think you have a really good Cat as a basis for restoration. Keep the videos coming they are excellent.

[matthewfort]

Need a wood burning heater in that cold shop. But it's going to be a good project . Once done with new paint going to look good. Put her back to work.

[sergioaranguizthompson]

Thank you so much Mr. for showing your excelent work on Caterpilar RD-4 Transmission!... God bless you and friends and families in UUEE!... best regards from Santiago of Chile, SouthAmerica!!

[geoffweinstock]

Your labor of love continues. Thanks for sharing.

[HawksofOz]

15:10 is what I imagine the La Brea tar pit to be like, you may find Sabre tooth cats at the bottom

[Ckktopa]

I’m really enjoying the series. Thanks - Australia

[pettyfogger]

You had me in the grip of suspense for a moment there, Kyle. When you managed to lift out the gear train out of the body I thought you might let out a low whistle, a near-silent breath of relief or even a whispered "all right", but it was like successfully snaking out that ancient gear train was no bigger deal than peeling of your socks prior to bedtime!
Many of us are used to your blood brother Squatch being only just slightly more lively than roadkill in his most excited state (his eye-twitch being the exception), but you, new friend, make Squatch sound like an auctioneer on steroids!
Keep hoeing your own row, Kyle; just don't take a dare and stick your tongue on that sub-zero Cat casting!

[gimle]

Tar pit archaeology, amazing how well the gears have been preserved - great series, looking forward to the next one

[glennstasse]

I would not have the nerve to tear that transmission down! I admire you guys…

[jazzerbyte]

After seeing all the rust on the outside, glad to see the gears in good shape, and oil in there instead of water.

[ShainAndrews]

Okay time for a drain cam. Would be your own version of the pitch tar drop experiment.