Saving an OLD Wheel Loader... Parked for UNKNOWN Reasons! ~ Day 1 ~ 1965 Allis Chalmers 645 Loader

Will this OLD Loader Start, even TURN over, or is it complete JUNK! I don't know... Let's find out together!
So we're finally onto the second of three machines that we are rescuing from the old farm!
Today's flavor is Articulated Wheel Loader, and it comes in the Butterscotch variety!
This old loader is an Allis Chalmers 645 Wheel Loader with an Allis Chalmers 3500 turbo charged 6 cylinder diesel engine.This machine is probably from the 60's or 70's from what I can tell, but I do not know when it was built at this time.
That's about the extent of what I know about the machine, so let's dive right in and see what it's going to take to get this old beast back up and running once again!
Join me on this journey as we work together to figure out what it's going to take to get this machine back up and running once again! This will be a daily account of the process showing a bit more of what is takes to properly bring this old beast back to life and make it usable once again!
This machine should be a LOT of fun!
~
Thanks as always for watching and following along with all my crazy adventures here on Salvage Workshop, I TRULY appreciate it!
Please enjoy! I know I did!
~
0:00 - Video Introduction
0:58 - Checking out a 70's Ford F600 Grain Truck
1:39 - Discovering the Allis Chalmers 645 Wheel Loader
2:11 - a Walk around the AC 645 Wheel Loader
7:05 - Opening up the Engine Bay on the 645
7:51 - Checking out the Allis Chalmers 3500 6 Cylinder Diesel Engine
8:29 - Making a plan!
8:50 - Checking the Oil & inspecting the Engine
12:10 - Checking for Fuel
14:00 - Checking for Coolant
14:47 - Is the engine STUCK!?!
15:36 - Checking for Water in the OIL Pan
16:52 - Making a way to Smother the Engine
17:37 - Hooking up the Battery Pack & Checking for Electrical Issues
19:13 - Trying the Starter / Turning Over the Engine with the Starter
20:13 - Looking at the Injection Pump
22:30 - Repairing the Injection Pump Solenoid Wire
26:14 - Checking the Air Compressor for Oil
27:38 - Let's Try to START the Machine!
29:18 - First Time Firing in over 10+ years!
29:54 - Checking for Fuel at the Injectors
31:09 - Starting it on Ether
32:00 - Removing the Generator to access the Injection Pump Issues
35:07 - What are your thoughts on this old AC 645 Wheel Loader?!?
~
If you have any suggestions, questions, or comments, please leave them below!
Thanks for stopping by, I truly appreciate your support!
#WheelLoader #AllisChalmers #SalvageWorkshop

[@unti419]

31:15 When she fired off, my closed captioning said [applause]. Kind of appropriate. Great video.

[@davidaylsworth8964]

Working in the yard the other day and I suddenly realize the theme I’ve been whistling for the last 10 minutes is your travelling tune. Talk about an earworm. Looks like another interesting machine.

[@stevenfelix7092]

You were looking for where to put oil in the compressor. It should share the engine oil and be fed by the engine. The round rubber cap is a protector for the air governor(set air pressure). I really like watching your videos! Keep up the good work!

[@jamesanderson2176]

The 645 was launched in 1965, and the TL designation was only used through 1967. For the first six months of production, they were painted A/C's Persian Orange, after that switching to "Hiway Yellow". The article I found didn't say exactly when production began, but you can be reasonably certain that yours was built between late 1965 and the end of 1967.

[@SalvageWorkshop]

Awesome! Thank you for that! On one of the hydraulic hoses I found a tag that had a date code of 11/65, so that definitely fits with what I was thinking! The hose date doesn't mean it is a 1965, but I'm betting its a 65 or 66 based on that and your info! Thanks again!

[@robertmanley7556]

Sweet a Case Wheel Loader !! I bet that pump is the problem .....you will have a it going in no time I have faith in you !!! 👍👍I love the rescue of old iron !!!

[@sgprojectservices5054]

pull the cover off and the fuel metering valves are bad about sticking if been sitting long. use a little lube and gently work it back and forth until it moves freely. while it is off you can test the shut off solenoid in the cover with jumpers to make sure it moves.

[@bigone9678]

Matt, thanks, I love these old machine repair vids. As an electrician in old, dirty, wet & acidic steel mills, I should tell you that shrink tubing will NOT keep out moisture, rust, or corrosion. Its a pretty looking waste of money by itself. I would recommend covering your exposed wire ends and crimped-on rings & forks with an electrically conductive grease like Penetrox (my choice). Put the grease on/in any old connections you take apart & put back together, especially if they are rusty or corroded. Goop it on your chassis ground connections & on battery terminals as well.

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

It's probably too late for this to help you but there should be a fuel pump that feeds fuel to the injector pump. The fuel tank is under the radiator so it requires a pump to get fuel up to the injector pump. Most of them had a mechanical pump and many were replaced with electric pumps so the injector pump could be primed without cranking the engine. There should be a sediment bowl or filter before the fuel pump then another filter between the fuel pump and the injector pump. You should check for fuel coming into the injector pump before disturbing the injector pump. You could gravity feed fuel from another tank into the injector pump. The injector pump has a vane pump where the fuel enters but vane pumps aren't the best at creating a vacuum when sucking air. You being able to turn the engine over so easily by hand suggests that the compression is low so it will need ether to start. Those wires not being connected makes me wonder if the shutoff was held open in some other way or if someone cut the wire to shut it off.

[@jimplatts6172]

Superb reply. Don't you sometimes wish you could speak to him while he's still there. I've come across lift pumps with preished diaphrams before.

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

@@jimplatts6172 Yes, there are probably many viewers who could be of some assistance live but less people can watch live.

[@richardbrobeck2384]

@@tiredoldmechanic1791 for sure !

[@charlesreohr6236]

Start from the source and work forward. Is the fuel turned on? Is the outlet clogged? Is the filter or lines clogged? Does the pump have a prime on it? Bypass the key and make sure the pump is running with proper voltage and amp draw you cannot count on clicks to know for sure. I sure you know all of this but sometimes it's good to have a reminder.

[@notajp]

Since the fuel tank sits lower than the engine, I would expect to see a low pressure lift pump of some sort to get fuel flowing up to the injector pump, that’s the first thing I’d be checking. Since you are bypassing the ignition switch, if it is an electric pump, it won’t be getting any power. Find the tank outlet, and follow the fuel line from there. If it has a lift pump, you should find it somewhere in that line. BTW, there is lots of info online for Stanadyne pumps.

[@duanecook1]

I would be looking for the low pressure transfer pump also or putting a cheapy in for testing

[@roballan4944]

This would have a cam operated mechanical lift pump. They are usually lever operated.

[@deborahwebb3598]

Matt, my husband and I enjoy your videos, he says it great to see a young man like you keep the old machines running. We restore classic cars and we love to see you keeping the classic machines alive, may you be blessed!

[@tomswindler64]

Looks like you found another good one,even with or without issues.the previous owner looked like he did maintain the machines while they were in use,cared enough to keep them under shelter.good video as always,keep it up should be a interesting project.👍👍👍😎😎😎

[@StealthDonut1]

Back when I was active duty AF there were scads of birds nests in the hangars where the planes were sometimes put for maintenance. We learned after a time that bird crap can be quite caustic (depending upon the species I assume), so I can heartily recommend that the bird poop gets cleaned off when you get her home. It'll save you some paint at the very least!

[@SBDavin]

6:16 You said yours was #1289. I found the info below on an Allis Chalmers forum. Somebody was asking about their 645 that was serial number 1311. The answer they got was: "According to my serial # book your 645 would be a 1965. Starting # for 1966 was 1318. 3012 were made between 1965-1971."

[@jackvan8125]

I used to work at the Allis Chalmers engine division in Harvey, Illinois. I very much recognize this engine as it was built on line 2 at the Harvey plant. Very good engine.

[@donaldowens3092]

Start with the fuel filter, find out if fuel is moving from the tank to the filter before you go into the pump

[@pistolfarms3971]

Introduced in 1965 after a five-year testing period, the model 645 was a medium-sized machine with a 2.5 cubic yard bucket, suited for all manner of applications, be it construction, aggregate handling, industrial or if equipped with log forks, forestry.

[@daltongallagher2550]

They are great old loaders

[@daltongallagher2550]

I have a 645 and a 745 both great machines

[@thomasbailey8306]

Dont take the GOVERN APART. The rubber piece on Governor is a cover to the Adjustment screw. Thats how you adjust how much air it builds up. Before it kicks off. If you take it apart you will be buying a new one...The 2 bolts you took off the top of compressor is the Valves to kick compressor to build air the governor forces one of them to build air or Bypass air...Usually the compressor gets oil from engine oil. Should be a return line and a feed line to compressor

[@DarkFlamage]

Doing a great job. The reason you get wins on these old beasts, is because you keep plugging away & don't get discouraged easily!

[@AllisChalmersMN]

What a find! I’ve got a thing for old equipment but there’s a special place in my heart for anything named Allis.

[@nobuckle40]

An adventure every time! Every time that thing would spit and sputter I was just hoping it would start and run. But like you said, you never know with old machines. I learn every time I watch. Thanks Matt.

[@RSCOZZY]

Another fantastic project series gets underway way! Gotta say, this beast looks in VERY original condition. Good luck Matt, will be watching with great interest 👍👍🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@sallybrokaw6124]

Matt my book on Allis Chalmers first mentions the 3500 engine in the 7030 tractor of 1973.3500 Mark 2 whatever that means.426 cubits 4.25×5 inch bore and stroke.Engine was used in the 70 series tractors 7030 thru 7080. Look online for AC tractor manuals of those models and you might find tech manual for the engine. Hope you find this info buried in the comments. Lol! Also check with Watch Wes Work. He knows a lot of stuff. Good Luck! AL B in Ohio.

[@williamreeves5331]

Go to Diesel Creek youtuber and ask Matt. He has, a Allis- fiat loader. I think they are really close to the same vehicle. It's worth a shot to find out some information.

[@peddersmeister]

Yep give Matt a shout 😁

[@SalvageWorkshop]

Yes, his Fiat- Allis 645b is pretty close to my AC 645, just a bit newer... I'd be curious what the updates are on a 645b vs the 645.

[@how_to_hallagon1]

His wife might be getting ready to shoot him though. Eva posted a new Instagram video.

[@sallybrokaw6124]

Curious to know how far back the Fiat-Allis connection goes. Maybe Fiat got AC into the wheel loader business. AC was into alot of industrial fields.AL B.

[@jamisonrogers3222]

Fair-allis bought Ac out around the mid 70’s atleast the construction equipment side

[@ProctoLogic]

For old diesel engines i put a primer from a boat outboard tank to pump up the pressure and get the air out.

[@JoE_Songs]

2:10 Dude. this beauty looks prestine. This family obviously took care of their vehicles. you got really lucky with the whole deal and circumstances. 2 out of 3 already awesome. what a find.

[@troublemakerfed]

Some of those injector pumps use + to shut the fuel off not on.Good luck young man.

[@korydoe4813]

I just inherited from my late grandfather a fiat allis fr10 wheel loader. It's from the early eighties but looks very similar in size to this machine. Looking forward to this series!

[@terrydown5389]

You are doing a great job god bless you. Terry from UK

[@tomboysen7592]

The thing on the aircompressor is the regulator for setting when it stops pumping air and when it starts pumping. Regulates the pressure in tanks Tom from Nebraska

[@davidbohner692]

You have done it again, finding a diamond in the rough. Keep working. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏👏👏👏👏⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@robertcobb6404]

Really enjoy you working on these machines.

[@bombardier3qtrlbpsi]

Great find! Thanks for sharing

[@stevesalvage1089]

Excellent stuff , no doubt you'll sort it ! Thanks for sharing !

[@UnitCrane514]

That is a really cool loader I love the split window like Terex rigs

[@vincentramirez8303]

Thank you sir. We're right here enjoying your content..looking forward to the next.

[@rasmawik]

Thank you for the video, I do enjoy following your journeys

[@TheFurriestOne]

Ah, wiring on old machines, what fun! XD I've been working on an old 70's Hunterlift scissor-lift for a friend. Finally got the old Kohler two-cylinder gas engine running well, and the hydraulic pump has been replaced. Now I'm trying to figure out why the hydraulics aren't working and the direct-drive pump is getting hot! Lots of hoses, valves, relays, and wires to figure out, using a low-resolution one-page wiring diagram. As for WD40- They changed the formula, it's no longer flammable these days. The old stuff was!

[@kerryevans7413]

Another great looking Machine to revive back to life. Waiting for part 2

[@haydenuk02]

She sounds good. Great work and thanks for sharing this with us take care

[@artsmith1611]

Well done!

[@alastairmckeown6590]

Matt,It's great watching you with these old machines. I remember the old Allis Chalmer wheeled shovels, the coal board here in Scotland used them in the late 60's early 70's. I don't know anything about them sorry i was a truck driver hauling the coal.

[@denisewebb]

Great video, thank you for recording!

[@pullimgsm]

Fuel. Simple process. That does not involve jumping right to the injectors. 1st. Is fuel coming out of the tank. 2nd is fuel getting to the pump. 3rd is it pumping to the delivery lines. The one thing it shouldn't involve is running the starter motor till it is dying. Standadyne pumps have issues. You'll see.

[@stevenfelix7092]

Yes, what he said!!! Before you tear the pump apart, check the fuel filter, get a rubber bulb sucker and check the lines. Blow them out up to the injector pump and even up to the injectors.

[@jimthode]

I agree with pullimgsm, start at the source of fuel (the tank) and follow it to the injectors. There is no benefit in "bleeding" the return lines from the injectors, only the feed like to the injectors after you determine you have fuel to the injection pump and it should be pumping (not shut off).

[@roballan4944]

Those caps on the compressor are for valves. The round cap beside it is a governor or pressure regulator to tell the compressor to unload. It is fed by the engine with oil and drains back into the block.

[@baileysbeck]

Put a garden sprayer in place of tank to prime

[@skipstein744]

Another great Allis find! I think the cab is cool and will save your 'new' seat. Onward!

[@ronaldclark2624]

Thank you for sharing! Nice Sunset! Ron PTL USA

[@martinmicheal4595]

Oh my my my that allis is so beautiful 😻

[@rudigerhasselmann3601]

The Allis Chalmers 645 looks like it was just parked. So beautiful, but very exotic cabin.

[@antijn]

Good work. Keep on keeping on!

[@foxwhiskey]

Hi. Nice machine shown in a great vid. Thanks for posting. Hardly can't wait for the next steps (day 2) Best regards and greetings from Germany. JJ

[@jdmccorful]

Good show!! Enjoyed watching.

[@rudycarlson8245]

When I saw smoke start to appear out of the stack I’m like come old girl! You will have this old Machine running in no time!

[@FrequencyOfThought]

That machine looks brand new brother I'd be stoked

[@clintonhanson]

Talk to Wes over at watch Wes work about this allis as he or his dad may be able to give you some info on the year and such!

[@markbehr88]

Great looking machine

[@gayle4804]

Awesome video can hardly wait until we get to see it start and run but thank you for sharing with us

[@avrel820]

You found another sweet vintage machine :-) i can't wait to see more

[@Mr_Springy]

Like the new opening piece. Tidy machine, looking forward to this project.

[@marcosmota1094]

You still rock and your measured approached is far wiser....we'll see you here, same Bat Channel!

[@thomasstewart9368]

You're gonna have some fun + learn a lot working on that old gal. In the early 80's I run a field service truck for a Allis Chalmers dealer. Mostly agriculture tractors + a few 645's + the old 705 fork lifts. That was 40 years ago & don't remember much about them. I thought those had a Roostmaster fuel pump? I still have a clear timing window for that pump in the tool box.

[@kerrygleeson4409]

Another great project thanks for sharing 🦘👍

[@shabadoo24]

Just subbed, I remember seeing these used.

[@robertkutz]

WOW LOOKING GOOD,SO COOL.

[@andrewklahold2880]

To tell you a bit more about flappers tree limbs love them very much if you use a flapper turn it around backwards so tree limbs close it and not break it off

[@kevinkelly1523]

Great episode. Looking forward to the future updates. Matt, I love your channel. Your choice of background music is great also.

[@peternixon7167]

Haha great find, I hope you've got plenty of room left back at your place, looks like you're going to need it. I always look forward to your videos, good work, and thank you for your videos. 👍👍👍

[@jasonwhittemore3083]

Good job, awesome work as always!

[@PAUL-1961.]

WOW it does look in nice shape

[@bobjoncas2814]

...good one, keep safe and well

[@larrydavidson3402]

Glad you got another piece of old iron to work on.I know that you will get this running next time.

[@rossleach5881]

Came to Australia in 1966 with the 546 replacing the TL16 & TL14 loaders. Worked on them when I was a apprentice diesel mechanic. They were a very good performer in their day. If your kind to to the transmission they are quite reliable. Best of luck with it, Mat on the "Diesel Creek" channel has one with forks only on it.

[@richardjalloway529]

well done Sir!

[@johnsecord9697]

Wes at Watch Wes Work took an old Stanadyne apart and had to send it out after that. Too much magic inside. Don’t remember the name of the shop, but Wes was impressed with them. St. Louis? I think.

[@serious2204]

Another good video, owners have nice vintage equipment,

[@jonbarski938]

good vids love it ive learn so much from you keep then coming...

[@traf_vincko8484]

You are my best friend you're the best just continue what you do

[@ronaldbollinger950]

You can probably get a IPB or an operator manual from Jensales in Mn.

[@saliemi1]

It was still a productive day Matt Salvage, hope day 2 is much better.

[@mrpetit2]

Looks again like a very nice vintage machine. This series gonne be fantastic just like the last one👍👍

[@terrellscaife2411]

I am extremely jealous of this video

[@MoiPloy]

what a treat

[@countryboysteve]

That is a simple roosa-master style pump with electric shutdown. Apply some air to the fuel tank while cranking alot of times the shutdown will pop loose. If not pull the top cover being mindful of the spring and it's location gently free the rack arm and reassemble preferably with a new gasket. ( any pump shop or ebay 20.00) but be aware that these pumps have a rubber governor ring that comes apart after they sit which causes the glass check ball to plug up the most common scenario is they will run poorly for a short time then either go to a high idle or they will shutdown

[@clintgoodson4657]

That part with the plastic cap is the air compressor governor. The air compressor get its oil from the engine as well as coolant. you should have a hose or tube near the bottom back for oil supply from engine and a couple of tubes or hoses near the top for coolant in and out. oil return is usually from a hole in the front of the compressor and drains back to oil pan through the front c over. if its a gear driven air compressor. If belt driven it may have its own oil reservoir

[@richardbrobeck2384]

One Thing that you have working for you is that Allis Chalmers was stored mostly out of the weather !

[@donaldgibson3121]

Another adventure. Enjoyed the video.

[@briansaier4929]

Hey Matt ask Matt at the diesel creek channel he knows all about these Allis Chalmers loaders

[@davidnaudi2601]

Yes and he is very passionate about saving these old girls

[@briansaier4929]

@@davidnaudi2601 absolutely !

[@rudie2902]

The "Allis Chalmers 645 Wheel Loader Operator Owner Field Maintenance Manual guide" as well as "Allis Chalmers 645 Wheel Loader Parts Manual Caralog Assembly (prior to S/N 2032)" is available via the popular online sales site.

[@alexisdeville3605]

That is the Governor for the air compressor and that compressor runs off the engine oiling system, and the cover you took off the compressor are check valves !

[@user-Sleepy]

Great job, finding the problem is usually the hard part.

[@Piterworkshop]

I love your channel. Awesome video as ever.

[@samfountain9065]

Chuck the starting fluid away get fuel to the injection pump with new filters, and then a few orings and bleed the air out and shell be running in your second video

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

That's a very cool machine, and we can sum up everything I know about it in one word... nothing, but willing to learn.

[@MinnesotaEric]

This Allis Chamlers would have competed directly with the 1965ish Hough H60, H65 series. The Hough had more steering angle and better cab visibility. Brake wise you want to look at my restoration of my Hough H80 for retro-fitting modern power-clusters (the air over hydraulic master cylinders) in place of the overly expensive OEM part. This machine looks like it is in great shape. I do t think you’ve encountered a machine with air brakes before, and my advice is don’t be afraid of push-on air line fittings. Look to my playlists for the payloader restoration on my channel. I enjoy your content and wish I was as young as yourself!

[@kuntry7278]

A farm machinery place i worked at had one of these front loaders. Tires always flat and the brakes didn't work. Throw it in reverse and give it a little gas to slow down.. Always made sure I took it slow.

[@johnkeets8333]

I would check ✔️ the fuel filter and the tank outlet to see if fuel is getting to the injectors pump and add some diesel to it as well.

[@davidtrafford1451]

Great stuff keep the great videos coming 👌

[@mikemiller8318]

Things are looking good for now can't wait to see the next one 👍💪🔥🇺🇲

[@Death_the_skulldog]

This is so cool