How to Replace the Radiator on a Cat® D6 Dozer

Estimated read time: 3 minutes

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This Self-Service Options (SSO) Cat® D6 Dozer radiator replacement guide is great if you want to do your own maintenance. Make sure to review all safety warnings and get your work area ready before starting.

SSOs make it possible to do some of your own Cat heavy equipment repairs. They provide detailed service instructions and recommended parts and tooling so that you can feel prepared to finish the job.

Remember to take your time, follow all safety notes, and make sure you have the right tooling and parts before you begin.

Watch this video to see how it’s done:

   

 

 

Skill Level: Easy

This task is easy enough for equipment operators or maintenance personnel with basic mechanical experience.

Recommended Parts and Tooling

  • Core AS radiator group (six)
  • Clamp
  • Rubber lubricant

Additional parts may be needed, depending on your dozer's condition. Find details about compatibility and optional items.

Before You Begin

  1. Put on your personal protective equipment (PPE).
  2. Read through the steps.
  3. Pause the video or take a break when you need to.
  4. Be safe!

How to Release Hydraulic System Pressure

The hydraulic system may still be pressurized after shutting down. Always release the pressure before starting service, and make sure the oil has cooled.

  1. Move the machine to a level, open area away from people and other machines.
  2. Lower attachments to the ground.
  3. Engage the parking brake and stop the engine.
  4. Move all hydraulic control levers through their positions to release trapped pressure in the hydraulic system.
  5. Carefully loosen the filler cap on the hydraulic tank to release pressure, and then retighten it.

Prepare Hoses and Tubes

  1. Clearly mark all hoses, harness assemblies and tubes for reinstallation later.
  2. Plug all hoses and tubes to prevent fluid loss and keep contaminants from entering the system.

Now, flush the coolant. Check your Operation and Maintenance Manual (OMM) for proper coolant draining and storage procedures.

Radiator Removal Procedure

  1. Open the grill.
  2. Remove the cover from the radiator guard.
  3. Loosen the clamps and remove the hoses. Remove the bolts from the bottom of the retainer.
  4. Use a pry bar to raise the radiator core out of the seal.
  5. Remove the radiator core from the radiator guard.
  6. Remove the seal and spacer. Move the radiator core to the left to fully remove it.
D6 Dozer in shop
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Radiator Installation Procedure

Note: Do not apply petroleum-based lubricants. The seals will fail.

  1. Apply rubber lubricant to the seal.
  2. Install the seal and spacer.
  3. Install the radiator core into the radiator guard.
  4. Use the clamp to seat the radiator core assembly in the seal.
  5. Install bolts on the bottom of the retainer.
  6. Install hoses and tighten the clamps.
  7. Install cover on the radiator guard.
  8. Close the grill.
  9. Refill the cooling system. Check your OMM for the correct procedure.

Is it also time for some of your planned maintenance? We have several videos to talk you through the steps:

250-Hour Maintenance

500-Hour Maintenance

1,000-Hour Maintenance 

2,000-Hour Maintenance


You can purchase parts specific to your D6 Dozer and explore more DIY SSO repairs by entering your serial number at Parts.Cat.com.
 

 

 

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