DD Maintenance

[ScubaSteveSK]

Going to open up the DD for its yearly checkup. What is everyone using to flush out the inside and what kind of gasket (cat part or gasket maker) to seal it back up?

 

[offroadmatt]

Cat sells a flush kit for these things. I flushed mine before I opened it up last time. Then used some mineral spirits to clean it up once it was opened. Use RTV to seal it back up. No gasket on these things. While you are in there be sure to check out the thrust washers and bearings. I'll post a pic of what will fail. Lost mine this spring. Good luck.
P.S. looks like you needed some rep.

 

[offroadmatt]

Items 25 & 26 failed on mine but I would also check 22, 23 and 28. Hope this helps.

 

[blackcloud2k]

Does anyone have the really good post that was going either on here or hcs on DD maintenance? I had it at one point but seamed to have miss placed it

 

[ScubaSteveSK]

Thanks Matt... will definitely inspect the bearings. I think I'll replace the seals this year as well.

Have always used brake cleaner for the flush and and RTV to seal. Didn't know Cat made a flush kit.

 

[PCDOC]

If you plan on taking it apart there is no need for the flush kit. You can clean everything properly while it's apart.

I took mine apart last year and found a broken tooth on one of the planetary gears. Nothing was destroyed yet, cause I caught it in time. Just needed to get a new planetary assembly from cat. New lube every 500 miles or so will really help the longevity of the DD.

 

[oldcrow]

I have 5000 miles on my DD. I take it apart every fall to inspect and clean.

I reassemble using Loctite 515 Gasket Eliminator (never any leaks) and a good synthetic oil. I like Amsoil series 2000 (no whine)

 

[GnarShred]

Here's a writup I found on hcs snowmobile forums -->

Pulling your DD diamond drive and changing it's oil, including pics

I read you can use other synthetic oils if you don't have the cat or bdx stuff? Or is it best to stick with that?