1998/02/16 Caterpillar

Proper Remote Air Bleed Installation Procedure For Machines Equipped With MTS Track Systems {4197}

Usage:

AP-1055B (8BM),
BG-2455C (6TN) Asphalt Pavers

Description: Installation of a remote air bleed port is necessary on MTS track machines to allow air to be purged from the track tensioning system. To install this remote port, refer to the following procedure.

Remote Air Bleed Installation Procedure:

1. Remove the angled guard located above the bogey wheels on the track frame.

2. Release pressure on ram cylinder.

3. Take out both hair-clip pins (inner and outer) and the three mounting bolts shown in the picture below in order to remove the outer rear cylinder mount.

4. Remove the cylinder mounting pin.

5. Pry the rear of the ram cylinder downward to allow insertion of the 90 degree fitting (item 1) into the bleed port shown in the picture below.

6. Remove the existing plug from the bleed port using a 3/16 in. Allen wrench and install items 1 and 10. Turn item 1 as far into the port as possible with the JIC end facing toward the rear of the ram. Tighten the jam nut on item 1.

7. Fabricate a hose assembly using item 3, 5 and seven inches of item 2.

8. Install item 7, 9 and 11 into item 13.

9. Fabricate item 15 using the dimensions specified in the sketch attached at the end of this procedure.

10. Place one of item 8 onto item 13, place item 13 through item 15, and snug into place using a second item 8 as shown in the picture above.

11. Connect the hose assembly to item 1 and 13 and hold the rear of the ram in its original position to approximate the required location of item 15. Mark the location, then disconnect the hose and remove item 13 from item 15.

12. Place item 15 perpendicular to the angled section of the track frame at the marked location. Clamp it into place and secure it with a weld along the outer face as shown in the picture above.

NOTE: It is critical that the main battery disconnect switch is shut off before welding to avoid damage to the machine's electrical system!

13. Turn one of item 8 (bulkhead locknut) as far onto item 13 as possible.

14. Place item 13 through item 15, turn another bulkhead locknut (item 8) onto the back side of item 15, and tighten it into place.

15. Pry the rear of the cylinder into its original position and re-install the mounting pin and bracket which were removed in steps 3 and 4.

16. Connect the straight end of the hose assembly to item 1, and the 90 degree end to item 13.

17. Obtain the correct hose routing and tighten the hose ends.

18. Place item 12 onto item 7.

19. Pry the front of the ram downward such that the bottom of its rests against the weldment.

20. Fabricate item 16 according to the sketch attached at the end of this procedure.

21. Slide the shim (item 16) into the space between the ram and the weldment as shown by the location point in the picture below.

22. Position the shim so approximately 1/8 in. protrudes on each side of the weldment.

23. Pry the front of the ram cylinder up against the shim and verify that there is adequate clearance between the track frame and the 90 degree fitting (item 1) in the bleed port. If adequate clearance exists, proceed to step 24. Otherwise, fabricate a thicker shim and repeat steps 18-22.

24. Weld along the top of the shim on each side of the weldment to fasten it into place.

NOTE: Again, be sure to have the main battery disconnect switch in the off position. Also, be sure to cover the piston of the ram in order to protect it from welding debris that might fall onto it.

25. Repeat this procedure for the track on the other side of the machine.

Service Hose Assembly Procedure:

1. Install items 14 and 11 into item 6. Be sure to use pipe thread sealant to prevent leakage between the female quick disconnect (item 6) and the adapter (item 14).

2. Crimp item 4 onto one end of the remaining 36 inches of item 2.

3. Fasten item 4 to item 14.

NOTE: The remaining end of the hose is a free end and does not require a coupling.