Hello all. I just wanted to introduce myself. I have already gleaned a lot of information from you gurus just poking around on the forum. I used to have an old 15A D8 and still wish I had never sold it! That was about 15 years ago. I have just purchased a pretty sweet D7 (48A5950). It's been converted to direct electric start but other than that it doesn't seem to have been messed with much. I really like the pony start, maybe because I was blessed with one that reliably cranked and ran. I would like to procure a set of manuals for the old girl if anyone can help me out on those. Anyway.......just wanted to say hi and hook up with some other folks crazy about these old and lovable machines! Please feel free to chime in with any "need to know" items. I have a lot to discover and learn as she and I get to know each other!

Thanks for being here,
Craig

Hello Craig, I found these on eBay.
Operation and Maintenance Instructions:
www.ebay.com/itm/314205821058 
or
www.ebay.com/itm/374199398159 
Parts Book:
www.ebay.com/itm/115412800344
Service Manual:
www.ebay.com/itm/195165918453
 

Welcome !

Welcome Craig! Yes! starting engines are great! Just takes a little more time and patience which most starting engine owners DONT have. I have a 66 7E with one, runs beautiful! Just have to maintain them right and they will last a long time. Idle at starting them, warm up, crank diesel on compression with throttle OFF, when warm enough open the throttle. Have fun! Post your location for us on your name.

cat does have reprints of some manuals available for sale. they have website just for this. cat publications. and its not just manuals there's alsorts of info.

Many thanks for the welcome and all the information......feels like home already! I have books on the way and looking forward to learning all about her. I can't get the winch to work. The lever with the button moves like it's not attached to anything and the other lever won't move more that about a 1/4 inch either way. Here are a few photos of what she looks like now.

Most likely the control cable is binding, might need replaced. Another note, when you change engine oil, there is a drain plug under the transmission/steering clutch pump under on the right-hand side, holds about a gallon. Then clean the magnetic filters on the front left and right rear of the engine. Then grease the fan pulleys. All at 250 service hours. This manual is a must have,  caterpillar d7e operation and maintenance manual | eBay

Welcome! Looks like you have a nice machine. There are a lot of great members here that can usually help answer any questions.