d53 komatsu won't steer

[jay807blue]

Looking for a little help. I bought a 78 d53 komatsu dozer with no engine. I put 5.9 cummins in it, got it all running, goes into gear and drives good the only thing is when you pull the lever to turn it it brakes both tracks and wont declutch the other track. It wont steer and loads up the engine. The machine was sitting for about 15 years before i got it. Im thinking one of the steering clutches is seized or somthing. I havent had time to tear apart yet. Any info I could get would be great.
Thanks
 

[jm.]

Jay I would say you are pretty well right. Would not be anything unusual for the steering clutch be stuck. Lots of tricks from soaking and playing with it to just pulling the thing out and taking it apart.
 

[AJ.]

I seem to think that the D53 has a wet back end but its a while since I worked on one,seem to remember that there was a steering booster,maybe the pump has lost its prime,just a thought.
AJ
 

[R Goodwin]

I also have a D 53 that I repowered with a 5.9 cummins. I have run it off and on for about 2 years now, mostly clearing fencerows. Mine quit steering to the left about a year ago and I can tell you how I fixed it. Was not hard to do if you have some mechanical knowledge but had to remove rollover frame and fuel tank to get to steering clutches. Send me an email at rygdwn@yahoo.com and I will explain or can send me your phone# and I will call you.