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Replacing the fan belts on a Caterpillar D6R equipped with the mechanical 3306 engine requires partial disassembly of the fan guard and careful routing around the fan blades. While the process is straightforward, it demands patience, proper tools, and attention to belt alignment and pulley wear.
CAT D6R Overview and Cooling System Design
The Caterpillar D6R is a mid-size track-type tractor introduced in the late 1990s as part of the D6 family, which dates back to the 1930s. The D6R variant features the robust 3306 mechanical diesel engine, known for its reliability and ease of service. Caterpillar Inc., founded in 1925, has sold tens of thousands of D6-series dozers globally, with the D6R widely used in construction, forestry, and mining.
The cooling system includes a belt-driven fan mounted on a spider hub, enclosed by a sectional guard. The fan belts drive both the fan and the alternator, and their tension is critical for maintaining airflow and electrical charging. Over time, belts wear, stretch, or crack, especially in dusty or high-load environments.
Terminology Note
In Kansas, a D6R owner replaced the fan belts during spring planting season. The job required removing the alternator to replace its pulley as well. The belts fed around the fan blades without removing the fan itself, saving time. The A/C system remained charged and functional after belt replacement, and a set of sweeps was acquired from a dealer at scrap price—missing only the step brackets, which were later fabricated.
In Australia, a technician noted that worn pulleys on older D6Rs often cause premature belt failure. He recommended inspecting pulley grooves with a caliper and replacing any that show excessive wear or rounding.
Conclusion
Replacing fan belts on the CAT D6R is a manageable task with the right approach. Partial guard removal, careful belt routing, and attention to pulley condition ensure a successful repair. With proper maintenance and occasional upgrades like sweeps and belly pan cleaning, the D6R remains a dependable workhorse in demanding environments.
CAT D6R Overview and Cooling System Design
The Caterpillar D6R is a mid-size track-type tractor introduced in the late 1990s as part of the D6 family, which dates back to the 1930s. The D6R variant features the robust 3306 mechanical diesel engine, known for its reliability and ease of service. Caterpillar Inc., founded in 1925, has sold tens of thousands of D6-series dozers globally, with the D6R widely used in construction, forestry, and mining.
The cooling system includes a belt-driven fan mounted on a spider hub, enclosed by a sectional guard. The fan belts drive both the fan and the alternator, and their tension is critical for maintaining airflow and electrical charging. Over time, belts wear, stretch, or crack, especially in dusty or high-load environments.
Terminology Note
- Fan Spider: The multi-arm hub that connects the fan blades to the central shaft.
- Guard Panels: Sheet metal sections surrounding the fan to prevent debris intrusion and protect operators.
- Alternator Adjuster Rod: A threaded rod used to tension the alternator and fan belts.
- Belly Pan: A protective plate under the engine that collects debris and shields components.
- Sweeps: Protective bars mounted around the cab and engine to deflect branches and debris.
- Remove Access Panels
Open the engine side door and remove the lower engine panel. This exposes the fan guard and alternator.
- Disassemble Fan Guard
The fan guard is sectional—typically four pieces. Remove the lower right section to gain access to the fan spider bolts.
- Loosen Alternator
Use a deep socket (¾-inch fuel tank socket recommended) to loosen the alternator bracket. Back off the adjuster rod to relieve belt tension.
- Remove Old Belts
Loop the belt over one fan blade and rotate the fan slowly, feeding the belt over each blade until it drops free. Avoid cutting the belt unless absolutely necessary—wrong replacements may require reinstallation.
- Clean Around the Damper
Remove debris from under the crankshaft damper to allow belt clearance. This step is often overlooked but essential for smooth installation.
- Install New Belts
Reverse the removal process. Feed the belt over the fan blades, rotate the fan, and guide the belt into position. Ensure the belt seats properly in all pulleys.
- Tension and Align
Re-tighten the alternator using the adjuster rod. Wire-brush and oil the rod threads beforehand to ease adjustment. Check belt tension and alignment across all pulleys.
- Inspect Pulley Wear
If belts loosen quickly after installation, inspect pulleys for wear. Worn pulleys may require replacement to maintain proper belt grip.
- Compare old and new belts before installation. New belts may appear shorter but should fit once tensioned.
- Clean and inspect the belly pan regularly. Accumulated debris can damage oil lines or the pan itself if struck.
- Consider installing sweeps if operating in wooded areas. They protect the cab and engine from falling limbs and brush.
In Kansas, a D6R owner replaced the fan belts during spring planting season. The job required removing the alternator to replace its pulley as well. The belts fed around the fan blades without removing the fan itself, saving time. The A/C system remained charged and functional after belt replacement, and a set of sweeps was acquired from a dealer at scrap price—missing only the step brackets, which were later fabricated.
In Australia, a technician noted that worn pulleys on older D6Rs often cause premature belt failure. He recommended inspecting pulley grooves with a caliper and replacing any that show excessive wear or rounding.
Conclusion
Replacing fan belts on the CAT D6R is a manageable task with the right approach. Partial guard removal, careful belt routing, and attention to pulley condition ensure a successful repair. With proper maintenance and occasional upgrades like sweeps and belly pan cleaning, the D6R remains a dependable workhorse in demanding environments.
