CAT 980A 42H 13XX Transmission Problem

The company 980A developed a crack in the filter housing. Someone with good intentions MIG welded the housing but it cracked again about 1" from the weld. I can hear you laughing. I'm told our "experts" believe the transmission is making excessive pressure. I didn't get to look at the filter housing before it was welded. I asked what was in the screen and was told there was a piece of metal, possibly a piece of gear tooth 1/2" long. I have no idea what was in the filter or what became of it.



I ordered a service and parts manual and a new filter housing. I intend to disassemble and inspect any valve that could create an over pressurization before running as well as inspect the pump. I'll have a pressure gauge hooked up on initial startup.



I've never heard of or seen a filter housing crack from over pressurization and am not convinced the pump can make that kind of pressure. Does anyone have any thoughts or remember a 980A with this problem. My assumption is that the crack resulted from vibration or some external force but I have nothing to support this theory. Ultimately I may find out the transmission is coming apart inside. Hours are unknown but machine should be way past expected catastrophic failure.



If you have any ideas, I'm all ears. Thanks.